Automated ironworker delivers more than 240 tons of punch tonnage

COMEQ Inc., exclusive U.S. distributor for Geka, has delivered what it says is the world’s largest automated ironworker. The Geka Hydracrop 220 SD hydraulic ironworker with a semiautomatic gauging system offers punch tonnage of more than 240 tons.

The customer will use the machine’s capacity to punch a 1-9/16-in.-dia. hole through 1-1/2-in.-thick A36 steel. The Semi-Paxy automated punch has a table size of 16 in. in the Y direction and 40 in. in the X direction, as well as ball transfers to assist movement of heavy parts. Layout marking is eliminated, along with the chance of error that is present with manual layout.

The hydraulic punch stripper, which holds the material tight against the X and Y stops during the punching cycle, helps reduce potential deformation of the part when punching. The drive system uses B&R servomotors with ball screws.

The control is B&R Windows®-based with graphics and a 15-in. color touchscreen. It has a USB port and a port for network connectivity. Programming is made through Line Pro software developed by Geka. The software allows full tonnage for punching or low tonnage for spotting or layout.

With this punching tonnage, the customer can punch heavy plates that normally would require drilling or burning. With additional stations, two people can work at the machine simultaneously. The punch is an independent station; the second operating station (dual-cylinder machine) will allow the customer to shear up to an 8- by 8- by ¾-in. angle with a patented nondeform cut, shear plate 30 by ¾ in. or 20 by 1 in. with adjustable rake angle, and shear and notch solid round and square bar up to 2-1/4 by 4-5/16 by 5/8 in.

The ironworker is equipped with a foot pedal-activated hydraulic angle and plate hold-down. An electric length gauge/cut-to-length system facilitates the cutting of shapes.