Introduction
Metal shops cut and shape the steel for buildings, machines, and tools on a daily basis. Workers cut bars, punch holes, and form metal pieces. Using an ironworker machine enables these tasks to be completed with a single machine. Shops worldwide use these machines daily.
An ironworker machine is a tool that can perform many metalworking tasks. It can punch holes, cut plates and bars, and trim steel angles. It does these tough jobs with the help of hydraulic pressure.
Many companies worldwide manufacture ironworker machines. Some make big, heavy machines. Others create smaller ones for shops. Here are 10 companies with a reputation for high-quality metalworking equipment.
1. GEKA (Spain)
GEKA is one of the oldest manufacturers of ironworkers in the metal industry.
Their machines to cut angles, plates, and steel. Builders use these machines for metal buildings, towers, and factories. Most parts are manufactured in GEKA’s factories. They also make accessories to help workers cut metal more effectively.
Key facts about GEKA:
- Founded in 1919
- Headquarters in Spain
- Machines are used in the metal structures and construction industries.
- Internal production of the main parts of machines
2. Scotchman Industries (USA)
Scotchman Industries in the U.S. makes ironworker machines. In 1966, they purchased a patent for a new machine that could punch, cut, and bend metal simultaneously.
Earlier, machines had a strength of 35 tons. Now, the company manufactures many different machines. Scotchman makes thirteen ironworker machines. Some of them are used by two people at the same time, which helps in factories to get work done faster.
Key facts about Scotchman:
- Machine capacity is from 45 tons to 150 tons
- Thirteen models of ironworkers are available
- Single operator and dual operator machine design
3. MIHARMLE (China)
MIHARMLE is a manufacturer of hydraulic ironworker machines from China. The company specializes in machines that are used in metal fabrication workshops.
The MIHARMLE machine is frequently used by small and medium fabrication shops. Engineers also make stable machine structures. Stable machine frames help workers work safely with metal.
Common uses of MIHARMLE machines include:
- Steel plate cutting
- Bar shearing
- Hole punching in metal plates
- Angle steel processing
4. Edwards Manufacturing (USA)
Edwards Manufacturing is one of the oldest equipment manufacturers in the United States. The firm was founded in 1875 by Charles Douglas Edwards.
The company manufactures hydraulic ironworker machines and tools. The Edwards JAWS line is still a major product line.
Afterwards, the company launched the Edwards ELITE ironworker series. These machines have a number of available built-in functions for metal processing.
Edwards machines also offer a wide range of tooling accessories. Shop owners use various tools for punching, bending, and cutting.
Edwards also makes portable hydraulic power units. These units power the ironworker machine’s accessories.
Typical ironworker machine capacities include:
- 55 ton machines
- 65 ton machines
- 100 ton machines
- 120 ton machines
5. Durma (Turkey)
Durma produces metalworking machines in Turkey. The company began operations in the 1950s.
Durma machine industries include aerospace, defense, and general manufacturing industries. Fabrication shops employ ironworkers for their everyday steel tasks.
Durma designs machines meant to perform strongly and to last a long time. Engineers focus on dependable mechanical systems and hydraulic systems.
Durma North America serves customers in the United States. The company established a large training and service facility in Michigan.
Key facts about Durma:
- More than sixty years of manufacturing history
- Machines are being used in 150-plus countries
- Production of about 8000 machines each year
6. HARSLE (China)
HARSLE manufactures a range of metalworking equipment. The company is based in Nanjing, China.
Engineers use computer software to design machines. This design process helps increase machine accuracy and production efficiency.
HARSLE produces several of the metal fabrication machines, which include:
- press brakes
- shearing machines
- hydraulic presses
- ironworker machines
Factories use these machines in shipbuilding, construction, automobile manufacturing, and machinery production.
The company also offers installation and operator training services to customers. Technical teams provide post-installation support for machine operation.
HARSLE equipment is now in multiple countries throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
7. ERMAKSAN (USA)
Ermaksan manufactures sheet metal processing machines in accordance with the demands of industrial customers. The company has huge manufacturing facilities in Turkiye.
Production facilities are approximately 96,000 square meters. More than 800 employees are working inside these plants.
Ermaksan machines are in service in over 110 countries worldwide. Factories use these machines when metal cutters and fabricators are used.
The company is also studying new manufacturing technologies. Engineers perform tests on new machine models and production systems.
Main equipment lines include:
- fiber laser cutting machines
- press brakes
- sheet metal processing equipment
- hydraulic ironworker machines
8. BLMA (China)
BLMA began operations in China in 1987. The company first manufactured pipe-bending machines.
Over the years, the company grew into other metalworking equipment. Today, BLMA produces a range of fabrication machines. BLMA machines help factories process steel tubes, bars, and plates.
Common BLMA products are as follows:
- pipe bending machines
- laser cutting machines
- pipe cutting machines
- hydraulic ironworker machines
Factories in Asia and other parts of the world use these machines to process metal.
9. KRRASS (China)
KRRASS produces sheet metal processing machines in China. The company works in conjunction with international teams of engineers.
Engineers use a combination of European machine design ideas with modern production techniques. This way helps to produce reliable metalworking machines.
KRRASS equipment includes:
- press brakes
- shearing machines
- ironworker machines
- sheet metal processing systems
The company manufactures and sells machines in several areas of the world. These machines are certified in Europe for safety and quality standards.
Branches are operating in countries such as Germany, Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia.
10. JMT USA (USA)
JMT USA provides metal fabrication equipment throughout the US. The company opened its doors for business in 1967.
The company has contracts with machine producers worldwide to construct equipment under the JMT name. Engineers analyze the machine’s design and select reliable manufacturers.
JMT has huge training centers and service centers. One facility has a 30,000 square-foot demonstration showroom.
It has a 50,000 square-foot storeroom in Atlanta. These centers provide support for machine and spare parts.
JMT dealers work in a wide range of regions throughout the United States. Service teams assist customers with machine installation and operation.
Some of the common equipment provided by JMT includes:
- ironworker machines
- press brakes
- plate rolls
- metal fabrication equipment
Conclusion
Ironworker machines perform many cutting tasks in fabrication shops. Workers punch holes, shear plates, and cut steel bars in one machine.
There are many companies that manufacture ironworker machines worldwide. Well-known manufacturers are GEKA, Scotchman, Edwards Manufacturing, Durma, HARSLE, ERMAKSAN, BLMA, KRRASS, MIHARMLE, and JMT.
The selection of a machine is based on the shop size, metal thickness, and production requirements. Machine design and reliable service support are also important aspects to many buyers.