If you're a fabricator or fabrication job shop, there is not one machine that fits more usefully into your shop than an Ironworker machine. In a recent article entitled: Why An Ironworker Should Be Your First Fabricating Machine we investigated that topic even further. Capable of punching, notching, shearing and with a few optional tools, bending and coping too. An Ironworker can make short work of just about any material that comes through the door and quickly process that material accurately and neatly. With little setup and change over time an Ironworker can quickly produce short run simple parts such as brackets, clips and many other useful parts. 

How Ironworker Machines Work

Ironworkers use hydraulic or mechanical force to move a ram up and down. Attaching shear blades to that ram allows it to shear, attaching a punching head and fixed table allows a punch and die steel to be used allowing for one or more punches to be used for hole. Alternating the punching head with a forming tool allows for small press brake bending applications and swapping the bending tool again with a notching or coping tool allows for quick nibbling of sheet steel or tubing. 

6 Reasons Your Ironworker Machine Is Your Best Investment

  • Quick and Easy Setup - Moving between punching to forming a good ironworker takes just a few minutes to reconfigure
  • Low Initial Investment - Costing far less than a press brake and shear an Ironworker is a great investment.
  • Easy To Customize - Standard tools can easily be used but custom gang punches, special forming dies etc can also be added easily. 
  • Easy To Train New Operators - Because of its ease of use, accessibility and simplicity, training new operators takes a very short time.
  • Good Visibility Of The Working Area - Ironworkers possess accessibility which means that seeing the working zone from a variety of angles is easily achieved.
  • Versatility - Punching, Forming, Shearing, Notching & Coping are just the basics of what an Ironworker can do however these cover just about every need in a Fabrication Job Shop.
  • Portability - Due to their size, Ironworkers are easily moved from work cell to work cell or even outside to accommodate large pieces. Often users will mount them on steel frames (fabricated on the very same Ironworker) and attach large industrial wheels to make them even more portable.

In this article  Understanding the Versatile Features of Ironworker Machines we discuss that topic further.

How to Find the Best Ironworker Machine for Your Shop

Finding the best Ironworker for your shop and needs depends on a variety of factors you face. First you will need to determine the features you will use most and this recent article can help: What Features Do You Need on an Ironworker.  Next you need to know What To Look For When Buying an Ironworker as different machines offer different features standard. Lastly you need to know why some Ironworkers are significantly cheaper then The Ironworker You Just Can't Beat.  Lastly re-review all the popular available brands by researching The Best Ironworker Machine Brands For Your Fabrication Shop.  In the end you’ll choose the right machine for your shop and budget. 

At Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, Inc. we can help you select the right Ironworker for your needs. Whether you're running a shop out of your garage and need a small single phase unit or you're running a structural steel fabrication center we can help. Visit us online at www.southernfabsales.com or call us directly at 813-444-4555 for immediate help.

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