Edwards Ironworkers operate by applying hydraulic force to a moving center that moves within a frame in a simple, vertical path. It exerts force through shear blades, punch and die, notcher, brake dies, or bump-die tooling upon mild steel. Vertical travel of the moving center allows the operator to perform multiple operations on an Edwards Ironworker without removing any adjacent tooling.
All Edwards Ironworkers are powered by a single electric motor that is bolted directly to a hydraulic pump. The pump is mounted directly on top of a hydraulic reservoir tank. Every Edwards Hydraulic Ironworker has a oil filter, similar to screw-on automotive type. There are no belts or grease points under the motor shield. There are however a few grease points on other areas of the machine.
Ironworker was originally a brand name for a machine which can shear, notch, and punch holes in steel plate. The brand has now become a generic name for machines of this type.
In general ironworkers generate force using mechanical leverage or hydraulic systems. Modern systems 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.
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.
