Hydraulic Ironworker: Select the Right Ironworker for Your Metal Business
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by: Stella Chen.
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Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 Time: 10:32 AM
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Irrespective of the size of any fabricator’s workshop, an ironworker forms the backbone. It is a versatile machine. It is an important tool in a metal fabricating shop. Very often, a cheap hydraulic ironworker is constructed. This leads to erosion of the die and the punch on the front rims. Higher quality machines are a must because they ensure durability and productivity. It ensures tooling longevity and helps you capitalize on the machine's total tonnage.
Selecting the right hydraulic ironworker from an OEM/ODM manufacturer for your application can be taxing job. There are some key pointers like versatility and safety features that you need to keep in mind. Consider its quality and capacity as well. The material thickness is another important aspect to be considered. It indicates whether you should use a trim press or an ironworker. An ironworker is capable of punching plate up to 1 inch. Usually, trim presses are used on sheet material 1/4 in. and thinner. Ironworker machines are opted for shorter production runs and those applications for which tolerances are not too critical.
Ironworker machines are usually rated by tonnage at the punch station. It is essential to ascertain the maximum material thickness so that you can establish the tonnage range required for your punching application. You need to also examine the product and the steel rack that you need to fabricate. Make sure you determine the maximum hole diameter that needs to be punched. Don’t forget to focus on the maximum width and thickness of the angle, channel and rod to be bent or shared.
You can also look out for bending machines and options like larger press brake bending attachments. These machines are capable of using a larger variety of tooling as compared to those with built-in stations, however, you need time to switch from one operation to the other.
When choosing an ironworker from an OEM/ODM manufacturer or exporter, ‘safety’ should be your top most concern. Addressing safety issues is extremely important. Make sure you select the hydraulic ironworker and bending machine that meets ANSI B 11-5 standards, and there should be many OEM/ODM manufacturers, especially in Taiwan, that provide customized services. It is necessary to examine the guarding as well. Make sure it is adjustable and it complies with the ANSI standard. Be careful of hydraulic ironworker and punching machines with automatic urethane hold-downs. The blade is dangerous and it can hurt you in the process. ‘Adjustable stroke control’ is another feature to look out for. This ensures safety as well as productivity. It minimizes machine movements and reduces the number of pinch points. It also increases your productions and strokes per minute. It is a crucial factor in bending and special tooling applications. The upstroke and downstroke need to be adjusted.
Ironworking is the maiden step in the manufacturing process. Ideally, one hydraulic ironworker can provide enough fabricated material to sustain seven welders or assemblers busy.
About the Author
Claire Chang is author of this article on Ironworker. Find more information about Hydraulic Ironworker here.
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