Bud's Machine Tools Knows Ironworkers
Bud's Machine Tools has been a major player in the sale of fabrication machines in the Intermountain West and beyond for some time. We have sold the venerable ironworker machine — both new and used — since the very beginning. Our combined knowledge of how to run an ironworker — as well as how to service the venerable old iron worker machines that might already be in the field — is considerable. Our parts department maintains an assorted array of all the replacement tools for most types of ironworkers.
Modern Ironworkers use hydraulic rams powered by a heavy alternating current electric motor. High strength carbon steel blades and dies of various shapes are used to work the metal. The machine itself is made of very heavy steel to handle the enormous force that can be generated during use. Ironworkers are rated according to the force they can generate in tons; ratings usually start at 20 tons and go as high as 150 tons.
The Ironworker Is a Hammer?
Ironworkers are tools just like hammers and wrenches but they provide many more safety hazards that must be addressed and thoroughly thought out before they are purchased. Ironworker machine safety must be considered prior to being purchased, that thought process should include consideration of availability of the floor space necessary to safety operate the either used ironworker machine or new. Most of them have at least four stations that require boundaries around them to safely produce parts. They can shear flat plate, angle iron, round and square bar stock as well as punch plates, angles, I-beam and channel iron. Some have a station for notching and forming of different materials. The area around each station should be at least 20 feet since that is the common stock length of most materials used on ironworkers.
The functions of the different stations of an ironworker usually revolve around a basic goal: severing metal. One moving tool (like a punch or upper blade) is used to push a workpiece against a fixed tool (like a die or lower blade), removing material and shaping the metal into something entirely new. Press brake attachments can also allow for the bending of metal, making ironworkers the most versatile fabrication machine in the shop.
How Much Time Can You Save With an Ironworker?
Due to the reduction in the amount of man hours and effort needed to cut or punch steel sections, an ironworker is often an integral part of commercial manufacturing facilities and fabrication shops. They are easily re-tooled for various operations and can be operated by one person, or in many cases two stations may be used by different operators at the same time, usually with one operator setting the machine up for the next piece part while the other operator is performing his function. Some ironworkers are powerful enough to perform two operations simultaneously, or feature dual cylinders that allow stations at each end of the machine to be operated independently of each other at any given time.
Depending on the type of piece part that is required the entire part may be able to be fabricated from the blank completely on the ironworker. There may be 4-5-6 operations on the piece part which then can be staged on the ironworker and the operator need only to assume a sequence that makes sense from a production standpoint.
Where Can You Go for Quality Equipment and World Class Support?
Bud's Machine Tools in Salt Lake City, UT, is your one-stop-shop for ironworkers (and all things metalworking, for that matter). We welcome you to call us and set up a tour of not only our used equipment inventory but our entire facility of which we are quite proud.
Our service support is second to none with numerous technical engineers already on staff with more on the way. Our parts department is staffed with the best technical customer service representatives in the business. Our inside logistics folks are the best at what they do, move your order through the system smoothly, as they have done so many times before.
When you entrust your production to Bud's Machine Tools you are not just buying a machine but also investing in our knowledge base and experience accumulated over years of in the field support. Whatever your question is we have probably answered it before.
Choose Bud's for metalworking machines. We put the customer first, each and every time.
