Invented in 1949, the hydraulic ironworker was largely ignored until more than a decade later. However, their impact on the metal manufacturing industry is unmistakeable. To this day, the ironworker remains an incredibly important tool, despite the immense changes to technology that occurred with time. In this week’s article, we’re going to be exploring the history of the hydraulic ironworker, and how it has changed in modern times.

Peace, love and hydraulic ironworkers

It wasn’t until the late 1960s that hydraulic ironworkers were embraced by the metal manufacturing industry. Before their time, much larger mechanical tools were all the rage. With massive flywheels, these mechanical models were incredibly powerful, but also excessively heavy and therefore dangerous. The early models of hydraulic ironworkers were able to pack the same punch without all of that weight. This meant that users were able to control the entire movement of the machinery, unlike the models in use prior to the ironworker’s emergence.

In the time of now

Today, ironworkers still look pretty similar to when they were first introduced. These machinery were made to be long lasting, and so businesses are able to rely on simply changing parts when they get damaged or rusty at all. However, they’ve changed in different ways. One such example is that of its tonnage; hydraulic ironworkers made today are available in variations as high as a 150-ton ironworker, with a capability to punch a hole in 1.25 inch steel plates. Manufacturers of the hydraulic ironworker have also introduced the two-function ironworker, meaning double the productivity!

To infinity and beyond

As a highly versatile tool, the hydraulic ironworker remains relevant to this day, and no doubt into the future, as well. It’s likely that as technology improves, so too will the capabilities of the ironworker, ensuring its place within the future of metal manufacturing.

Acra stock a dynamic range of new and used sheet metal manufacturing machinery including ironworkers. To learn more about our capabilities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling 03 9794 6675.

Maintaining a safe workplace is key for every business. However, when your work environment takes place in a warehouse or factory, there are additional precautions which need to be taken to ensure the safety of all your employees. In this week’s blog, we share five key rules for maintaining a safe warehouse. 

1) Use Safety Equipment At All Times 

The first essential principle to ensuring a safe factory is to use safety equipment at all times. This includes appropriate eyewear and hard hats, as well as using forklifts or hydraulic dollies to lift heavy items. It is also crucial that all employees are aware of emergency exits and understand not to block the sprinklers in the roof at any time. 

2) Use Clear Labels for Dangerous Areas 

Clear and appropriate signage should be up at all times. A simple way to highlight hazardous zones is to paint or tape black and white stripes on the floor of the area.  

3) Remove Any Potential Hazards  

Make sure all floors are free of any ‘slip and trip’ hazards which can cause great harm. This is something that should be regularly checked by employees too. Any cracks and pits in the flooring need to be dealt with to avoid serious injuries.  

4) Follow Safe Lifting Techniques 

When working in a factory or warehouse, it is likely that lifting heavy equipment or machinery will take place. To do this in a safe and easy manner, make sure to follow the relevant lifting technique for the size, weight and shape of that object. Remember that the loud should never obstruct the view of the lifter. 

5) Educate Your Employees 

Unless your employees are made aware of all this information, it is somewhat useless. So make sure to provide your staff with training and refresher courses on up-to-date knowledge about safe practices within the workplace. It is also important to promote awareness in your workplace about the significance of safety. By creating a work culture which priorities safety, you are more likely to avoid unwanted accidents and incidents. 

At Acra Machinery, we take safety seriously. In our warehouses, we produce a range of machinery, including press brakes, laser cutters, plasma cutters and more. For more information, please do not hesitate to give us a ring on 03 9794 6675.  

Effectively leading your business is key to its financial success. From effective communication to delegation, there are a few key things every business leader should do to be great. In this week’s blog, we break down five key business leadership skills.  

1) Effective communication 

The key to any great leader is effective communication. Within a business, an okay leader is differentiated from a great leader by their ability to acknowledge certain points of communication that many individuals forget, such as reminding employees about how their work matters in the bigger picture. Positive affirmation has been shown to be critical to the positive well-being of people. So remember to always communicate success to your team when they do something well. 

2) Passion 

The next essential business leadership skill is passion. To love and be engaged with what you do is crucial to the happiness of your business and life. When we witness someone who is passionate about what they do, we also feel more motivated. So, make sure passion for your businesses’ mission is always at the forefront of your interactions. 

3) Lead By Example 

As the adage goes, “actions speak louder than words.” This is just as true for leaders as for anyone else. Leading by example is critical to creating a positive work culture in which employees are highly motivated and dedicated to their jobs. 

4) Take Ownership and Responsibility 

When we make mistakes, it is more important that you take ownership for the stake. 

We all make mistakes. However, what differentiates a great leader, is their ability to take responsibility for that mistake. Your team will actually respect you more if you can take ownership for your actions.  

5) Delegate 

Being able to delegate effectively is an essential business leader skill. Delegating successfully means that you give employees ownership of the work you assign them.  

At Acra Machinery, we sell tools such as bandsaws, plasma cutters, press brakes and other machinery to help your business succeed. To learn more or get a quote, please do not hesitate to contact us on 03 9794 6675.  

In any workplace, safety should be a top priority. When your team is safe, they’re much more likely to be productive, as well as satisfied working for your company. Metal fabrication tools present their own set of challenges to safety. In this week’s article, we’ve put together a checklist to keep you and your team safe around these tools.

Comprehensive training

First and foremost, ensure any new member of the team receives comprehensive training regarding use of the metal fabrication tools. This training session should include details on the equipment, working conditions and potential occupational hazards. On top of this, ensure your team understands the correct safety protocols to be followed in the case of an accident.

Tool inspection

Before any project begins, the tools must be inspected to ensure they are free of malfunctions and are in a good working condition. If these tools aren’t up to scratch, your employees may find it difficult to work with them.

Protective gear

For the safety of your workers, ensure that any person handling metal fabrication tools is equipped with the correct safety gear. This includes hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes and hard hats- this gear must be worn at all times. To safeguard against neck and back pain, your team should know the correct postures and procedures with which to work.

Tool safety features

Every large metal fabrication tool or other machinery have built in safety features such as guards. These are usually fitted by the manufacturer. In your workspace, it’s imperative that you understand these features and are able to use them as necessary.

The best way to deal with accidents is to prevent them before they happen. The tips we’ve provided in this article are a guideline to ensure your team remains safe when using metal fabrication tools.

For precise, efficient results that provide you a great return on your investment, sheet metal machinery is the way to go. At Acra Machinery, we sell tools to suit you. Please get in touch by calling us at 03 9794 6675.  

 

Sheet metal is becoming one of the most widely used building materials. This mainly due to its adaptability and affordability. Sheet metal is extremely flexible in that it can be used for the manufacturing of rain gutters, roof, HVAC equipment, restaurant equipment and more. It is also available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your needs.  

Depending on why the metal is being manufactured and how quickly the project needs to be completed, there are lots of different machines in the market. Here are few of the most common ones and their benefits.  

1) Press Brakes 

Press brakes are one of the most common types of sheet metal machinery. Often used in cutting and shaping materials, a high-quality press break allows one to create lots of different shapes and sizes in a safe and efficient manner. Depending on which you prefer, press brakes are typically available in mechanical, as well as hydraulic formats. Some prefer hydraulic presses over mechanical ones due to their versatility. Although hydraulic presses can be more expensive, they are also more user friendly.   

2) Shearing Gadgets 

A helpful tool to cut sheets and large pieces of metals into different shapes and sizes are shearing gadgets. Similar to a pair of scissors, the two blades produce a shearing force in the machines, resulting in a straight cut every time. There are both hydraulic and mechanical shearing instruments, each with their own pros and cons. For larger-scale projects, hydraulic machines are best. However, they also demand routine maintenance, which is something to take into consideration before investing in one. 

3) Bending Instruments 

Bending machines are useful to mold your metal into a specific shape and size. To stretch your sheets into a desired shape or size, the bending tools use a set of rollers, which can be either mechanical or hydraulic. Make sure you understand what you want from your bending appartus, as some are built for air bending, while others for folding.  

For precise, efficient results that provide you a great return on your investment, sheet metal machinery is the way to go. At Acra Machinery, we sell tools such as press brakes, as well as other metal machinery. Please get in touch by calling us at 03 9794 6675.  

 

 

 

Technical schools are excellent when it comes to teaching you the hands-on, specialised skills you need to work within the manufacturing industry. However, these schools may neglect to explain the ways in which business skills such as communication, accounting and analytical abilities are also important. Without the skills needed to create a budget, calculate probabilities or promote your amazing idea, you may fall flat. In this week’s blog, we’ll be going over some of the key skills that can help you succeed.

Accounting

Regardless of how big or small your business is, the primary way to measure its success lies in its financial tracks. In order to create a successful budget from which to measure your success, you need to consider certain things. What are your company’s goals and how can you facilitate them? What are your production goals for the upcoming year? What are your units of strength, and how will you maximise them? Conversely, what are your units of weakness, and how will you develop these areas? Understanding the answers to these questions places you in a much better position to assess your business’ financial capabilities and success.

Statistics and Probability

Data is one of those words that sends some of us into panic mode. But while it may seem like a big concept, without data you’re unable to accurately assess the outcome of your production. Probability and statistical analysis will help you to determine equipment failure, sheet metal variability and margins of error.

Communication

This may seem fairly straightforward, but communication is a necessary business skill that should be cultivated. Your ability to communicate in a way that is understandable and engaging may be a determining factor in your business’ success. This includes both speaking and writing; being able to present facts and informed opinions persuasively is incredibly important in the business sphere.

Luckily, you don’t need an MBA to run a business! With a handle on accounting, statistics and communication skills, you’ll be set up for success. At Acra Machinery, we sell tools such as press brakes, as well as other metal machinery to support you in your business progress. Get in touch by calling 03 9794 6675 for more information today.

A press brake is a computer numeric controlled (CNC) piece of equipment which makes precision bends, punches or cuts into material. Press brake operators produce parts and tools from metal, plastic or other materials. They control speed, material feed and path of cut by looking at the blueprints or plans for the finished product. Press brake operators also ensure the machines are operating correctly and producing a high-quality product. In this week’s blog, we discuss the environmentally friendly features of press brakes. 

1) Hydraulic Press Brake 

The hydraulic press brake model continues to be the most eco-friendly. This is mainly because of its economic energy consumption.  

2) Developing Technology Requires Less Maintenance 

While mechanical profile equipment has been somewhat short-lived in the past, new state-of-the-art technology is being designed by engineers to strengthen the durability of this equipment. This means it requires less maintenance and is therefore, more environmentally friendly as wastage is reduced. Creating more high quality equipment that lasts a long time is crucial to being kind to our planet. 

3) New Features Reduce Energy Consumption 

The more energy a machine consumes, the more detrimental it is to the environment. However, new innovative features are being developed to decrease energy consumption.  

4) Noiseless and Vibration Free Equipment To Help Stop Noise Pollution 

Noise pollution is a bothersome issue that needs to be addressed. Luckily, there are innovative press brakes which perform noiseless and vibration free operations.  

At Acra Machinery, we sell press brakes, as well as other metal machinery such as bandsaws, plasma cutters and laser cutters. Sine 1977, we have been working in the metal machinery industry. As experts in the field, you can rely on us to deliver a high-quality product and service. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly staff members on 03 9794 6675.  

There are lots of things to be aware of when working with heavy metal machinery, such as plasma cutters. How do you ensure you create a high-quality product in an efficient and safe manner? Well, in this week’s blog, we break down the top mistakes to avoid in the plasma cutting process. 

1) Cutting too fast or too slow 

The first mistake to avoid is cutting too fast or too slow. This can cause your consumables to be quickly used up, more quickly than what is required. It will also create other issues, such as diminishing the quality of the cut. To ensure you produce a high quality cut, make sure to cut at the appropriate speed. 

2) Using consumables until they burn out 

Every consumable has a distinct lifespan. The length of the lifespan will be different depending on which materials are being cut and the cutting technique. To check whether your consumables need to be replaced, look at the evolution of your cut quality; if it has been decreasing, you most likely need new consumables. 

3) Piercing Too Low 

The next mistake to avoid when using a plasma cutter is piercing too low. The distance of the torch and the material can drastically affect the final outcome of the cut. So, make sure to not make the mistake of piercing too low, which causes molten metal to splatter. You can avoid this potential problem by using an automatic torch height control (ATHC). 

 At Acra Machinery, we provide top-of-the-range metal machinery. From plasma cutters to bandsaws, we have a range of products to suit your business. Get in touch with one of our friendly staff members today by calling us at 03 9795 6675.  

With the current competitive industry, it’s important that every aspect of your shop is working as effectively as possible. This includes your shop layout, as this can help your workers be more efficient. In this article, we’ll be running through some ways to make positive improvements to the layout of your shop. After analysing the flow of your operation, it might also be a good idea to consider getting new equipment to increase productivity.

Effective shop layout

There are a variety of different effective shop layouts, depending on the way your building is constructed. As a sheet metal machinery provider, Acra also offers a service to help with your layout if you’re looking for assistance, or even just a second opinion. But the main thing to remember with layouts is that you’re looking to create the most amount of work output with the least amount of time. This is influenced by the kind of machinery you use; you want to reduce the amount of steps your employees have to take. Taking these kinds of steps towards improving your shop will set a good example for workers, with an emphasis on efficiency, convenience and ease of operation, and who doesn’t want that?

The principles of workflow

A more effective shop layout can be measured specifically through these indicators:

• Workflow: The shop should be organised according to the sequence in which actions are done when making specific items.
• Space available: To be more effective, minimise the amount of space you have available. Wasted space means wasted productivity.
• Safety and employee satisfaction: While you’re focused on efficiency in the workspace, the most important thing is always to ensure that the shop is safe for your employees to move around and work in. You should also ensure that they have to walk the minimum amount of distance between different machinery and projects for ease of workflow.
• Flexibility: The best shop layouts will allow for minor adjustments with minimum cost and inconvenience.

Take these four factors into account, as the overall integration of your layout is potentially the most important of all. Remember, these indicators are only effective if they work well together.

Increased efficiency due to improved shop layouts can lead to many benefits, from reducing accidents to increasing output per hour. Acra offer a dynamic range of services and products for sheet metal machinery manufacturers. Get in touch to learn more by calling 03 9794 6675 for more information today.