With Hydraulic Cylinders, Ironworker Machine Can Form Metals Efficiently

       Ironworker is a class of machines that can shear, notch, and punch holes in steel plate. 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 hydraulic ironworker 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. And a hydraulic cylinder produces linear motion and force by using pressurized hydraulic fluid. Industrial machines powered by hydraulic cylinders are able to form metals or other materials at a very high force with a relatively small supply of highly pressurized fluid.
       The simplest hydraulic systems in ironworker machine consist of two pistons and a fluid-filled pipe. Pistons used in hydraulic systems are made in one, two, or three pieces depending on the speed and force required by the machine. One piece of heavy construction machinery uses up to eight hydraulic cylinders that may need as much as 100 gallons of oil. Water hydraulic systems use water as the fluid for the hydraulic cylinder rather than oil. Although water is less expensive than oil, as well as non-polluting, water's low viscosity and poor lubrication qualities require a system designed exclusively for water hydraulics.