In the latest edition of “Talking Shop” from Industrial Machinery Digest, we dive into the world of metal fabrication and cutting-edge machinery with insights from industry veterans at Scotchman Industries. As a leader in this domain, Scotchman has been pioneering innovations and solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the metalworking industry. In this feature, we bring you an engaging Q&A session with Jerry Koetch, Scott Olivier, and Mike Albrecht from Scotchman. They share their deep knowledge and expertise on an array of products ranging from Hydraulic Ironworkers to advanced Cold Saws. Jerry introduces us to the multifaceted and powerful Hydraulic Ironworkers, highlighting their Swiss Army knife-like versatility and efficiency. Scott takes us through the sophisticated world of Cold Saws, focusing on the GAA-500 CNC DT20 Automatic Upcut model and its programmable, multifunctional prowess. Lastly, Mike rounds out the discussion by exploring the range and advancements in cold saw technology, from manual to fully automated systems. Each segment provides a unique glimpse into Scotchman’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer-centric engineering, offering invaluable insights for anyone in the field of industrial machinery.

Jerry from Scotchman on Hydraulic Ironworkers

Jerry, could you share some history about Scotchman Industries and its significance in the hydraulic ironworker market?

Scotchman Industries has a proud history dating back to 1967, marking our beginning in the hydraulic ironworker manufacturing industry. We hold the distinction of being both the oldest and the largest American manufacturer in this sector. Our experience over the decades allows us to deeply understand the industry’s evolving needs and craft solutions that meet these changes head-on.

What is the range of models Scotchman manufactures for hydraulic ironworkers, and what are their capacities?

Our production line currently boasts 13 diverse models of hydraulic ironworkers, catering to a wide spectrum of needs. The models range from 45 tons to a robust 150 tons, ensuring we have a machine suitable for different scales and types of metal fabrication.

Can you delve into the specifics of the 50-ton hydraulic ironworker and its unique features and capabilities?

Absolutely! Our 50-ton model exemplifies versatility and power. One of its key features is the ability to cleanly shear up to a size of 4″ x 4″ x 3/8″, delivering precise cuts without distortion, wedges, or burrs. The machine also excels in mitering, capable of handling up to 2″ x 2″ x 1/4″. The precision and neatness of these cuts make them weld-ready, which is a substantial time-saver in fabrication.

How does the design of Scotchman’s hydraulic ironworker reflect its versatility, particularly in terms of tool adaptability?

We often compare our hydraulic ironworker to a Swiss Army knife because of its multifunctional capabilities. This versatility is largely thanks to what we call the ‘component tool table’ design. This feature allows operators to swiftly swap out tools like the angle shear and replace it with a press brake, rod shear, or a pipe notcher under the power cavity within seconds. This adaptability transforms the machine’s functionality for various tasks, ranging from notching to punching, making it an invaluable asset in a workshop.

What innovations does the 50-ton model bring to punching and notching operations?

The 50-ton ironworker stands out for its three-station turret punch, which is quite unique in the industry. This feature allows for quick changes between different shapes or sizes, like moving from an oval slot punch to a square hole within seconds. Additionally, the machine is equipped with a rectangular notcher for precise and varied notching tasks on different materials like angle iron or flat stock.

Scott Olivier on Scotchman’s Cold Saws

Scott, as a Cold Saw Product Manager at Scotchman, what are the standout features of the GAA-500 CNC automatic upcut cold saw?

The GAA-500 CNC DT20 Automatic Upcut non-ferrous cold saw, which we’re showcasing, is a true representation of Scotchman’s innovation in saw technology. This saw is specially designed for non-ferrous materials and integrates a unique drill and tap attachment. This feature allows the saw to advance material and perform drilling or tapping operations up to ten holes per length. Furthermore, the unit can be programmed for up to 30 different part lengths, each with up to ten different lines, offering unmatched flexibility in production.

Can you describe a typical operation cycle of the GAA-500 CNC DT20 as showcased at the FABTECH show?

During a demonstration at the FABTECH show, the GAA-500 CNC DT20’s operational prowess was on full display. The saw first makes a trim cut on the material then accurately cuts a part to the length specified. Following this, it positions the material under the drill for drilling and tapping. The precision of this machine is highlighted as it drills a hole and then switches to a tapping speed, even reversing at the bottom of the tap. The versatility of this machine was evident as it processed parts with varying numbers of holes and different lengths – showcasing its adaptability for different manufacturing needs.

Mike Albrecht on Advancements in Cold Saws

Mike, could you elaborate on the variety and capabilities of cold saws offered by Scotchman, particularly the manual and semi-automatic models?

At Scotchman, our range of cold saws is carefully curated to meet various needs and operational scales. Starting with our manual CPO 350 saw, which operates with a manual trigger switch and a pull-down action, we provide an essential, straightforward cutting tool with a manual vise. Stepping up, our semi-automatic models offer enhanced productivity with a foot pedal operation. This not only increases efficiency but also ensures consistent quality with each cut — essential for repetitive tasks where precision is key. The semi-automatic saws also boast mitering capabilities, allowing for adjustable angle cuts with either automatic or manual head locking.

Moving towards fully automated sawing solutions, how does the CPO AutoLoader enhance production efficiency, and what software features does it offer?

Our fully automatic CPO AutoLoader is a game-changer for high-volume production settings. It’s designed to handle bar lengths ranging from 12 to 24 feet and features an automated loading system that significantly reduces manual intervention. On the software front, the saw’s interface can store numerous cut lists, facilitating diverse cutting operations. It vividly displays different cut lengths and tracks completed parts, ensuring a seamless and efficient production flow. The optimizing software embedded within this system is another standout feature, enabling users to get the best possible yield from their materials, thereby boosting productivity and profitability.