Choosing the Right HPT Hydraulic Ironworker Machine for Your Metalworking Needs

Nov 28, 2025 | blog

HPT Ironworker machines are essential for a wide range of metalworking tasks, including cutting, punching, bending, shearing, and notching. These machines are designed to handle various materials, such as steel, stainless steel, iron, and aluminium, with precision and power. With different models available, it’s crucial to understand the specifications and capabilities of each machine to ensure you select the best one for your shop’s needs.

This guide will break down the different types of hydraulic ironworker machines offered by HPT, their key specifications, and the types of work each machine is designed for.

Types of HPT Hydraulic Ironworker Machines

HPT offers a range of hydraulic ironworker machines designed to cater to different fabrication requirements, from light to heavy-duty work. Below, we will discuss each model, its specifications, and the types of work it excels at.

HPT HIW‑55 Ironworker Machine

  • Capacity: 55 tons 
  • Punching Capacity: 50 mm round hole (for steel) 
  • Shearing Capacity: 10 mm flat bar, 12 mm angle iron 
  • Blade Size: 610 mm 
  • Suitable Materials: Mild steel, aluminium, small steel sections 
  • Key Features: 
    • Compact design with high versatility 
    • Adjustable punching pressure 
    • Ideal for small to medium-sized fabrication tasks 

Best For:
The HIW‑55 is perfect for light to medium work such as shearing flat bars, punching small holes in sheets, and cutting angle iron. It’s an entry-level model designed for shops that work with lighter materials, such as small steel sections or aluminium.

HPT HIW‑65 Ironworker Machine

  • Capacity: 65 tons 
  • Punching Capacity: 70 mm round hole (for steel) 
  • Shearing Capacity: 12 mm flat bar, 15 mm angle iron 
  • Blade Size: 610 mm 
  • Suitable Materials: Mild steel, medium-sized angles, and flat bars 
  • Key Features: 
    • Increased punching capacity for larger workpieces 
    • More robust shearing action for thicker materials 
    • Versatile for both shearing and punching tasks 

Best For:
The HIW‑65 is ideal for medium fabrication shops that require more punching and shearing power. It’s suitable for tasks involving medium-sized steel sections and thicker aluminium or mild steel. It’s a perfect step up from the HIW‑55 if you need more versatility.

HPT HIW‑85 Ironworker Machine

  • Capacity: 85 tons 
  • Punching Capacity: 85 mm round hole (for steel) 
  • Shearing Capacity: 16 mm flat bar, 20 mm angle iron 
  • Blade Size: 810 mm 
  • Suitable Materials: Steel, stainless steel, and larger angles or channels 
  • Key Features: 
    • Suitable for heavier fabrication work 
    • Stronger frame and hydraulic system for higher performance 
    • Quick die change system for efficient operation 

Best For:
The HIW‑85 is designed for shops that regularly work with heavier materials like thick steel plates and large structural sections (e.g., beams, channels). It offers the power and capacity required for high-production environments and is ideal for fabricators who need to cut and punch large workpieces regularly.

HPT IW‑110 Ironworker Machine

  • Capacity: 110 tons 
  • Punching Capacity: 100 mm round hole (for steel) 
  • Shearing Capacity: 20 mm flat bar, 25 mm angle iron 
  • Blade Size: 1010 mm 
  • Suitable Materials: Steel, stainless steel, thick plates, large structural sections 
  • Key Features: 
    • High-capacity machine with a versatile tool setup 
    • Ideal for large, heavy-duty punching and shearing operations 
    • Longer service life with minimal downtime 

Best For:
The IW‑110 is a heavy-duty model best suited for large fabrication jobs. It’s ideal for cutting and punching thick plates and large sections of steel, stainless steel, and other tough materials. This machine is best for larger workshops that handle heavy-duty work such as structural steel fabrication.

HPT IW‑200L Ironworker Machine

  • Capacity: 200 tons 
  • Punching Capacity: 120 mm round hole (for steel) 
  • Shearing Capacity: 30 mm flat bar, 40 mm angle iron 
  • Blade Size: 1200 mm 
  • Suitable Materials: Heavy steel sections, I-beams, thick plates 
  • Key Features: 
    • High tonnage for large, complex fabrication tasks 
    • Suitable for cutting large I-beams, channels, and thicker plate materials 
    • Equipped with a high-strength hydraulic system for maximum efficiency 

Best For:
The IW‑200L is the perfect choice for high-production shops that require maximum punching and shearing power. It’s designed for large fabrication jobs, including I-beams, thick structural sections, and complex steel structures. This machine is ideal for industries like construction, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery manufacturing.

HPT Q35Y‑30 Ironworker Machine

  • Capacity: 135 tons 
  • Punching Capacity: 130 mm round hole (for steel) 
  • Shearing Capacity: 30 mm flat bar, 35 mm angle iron 
  • Blade Size: 1250 mm 
  • Suitable Materials: Heavy-duty steel, large plates, I-beams, structural components 
  • Key Features: 
    • High-speed punching and shearing 
    • Suitable for both light and heavy structural work 
    • Advanced safety features and automatic systems for enhanced productivity 

Best For:
The Q35Y‑30 is designed for heavy-duty punching, shearing, and bending applications. It excels at processing thick steel plates, I-beams, and other large sections, making it an excellent choice for heavy manufacturing industries that require versatility and high tonnage.

Choosing the Right HPT Ironworker for Your Shop

Now that you have an understanding of the different models, it’s time to choose the one that best suits your shop’s needs. Here are some key factors to consider:

Your Shop’s Needs Machine Recommendation
Small to medium-sized jobs HIW‑55, HIW‑65 (Entry-level to mid-range)
Heavy-duty punching and shearing HIW‑85, IW‑110 (Medium to heavy-duty work)
Large sections, structural work IW‑200L, Q35Y‑30 (High production, heavy-duty)
Frequent, high-tonnage jobs IW‑200L, Q35Y‑30 (High power and capacity)

Specifications to Keep in Mind

When selecting your HPT Ironworker machine, consider the following specifications to ensure you choose the right model for your needs:

  • Punching Capacity: Ensures the machine can handle the material thickness and diameter you need to punch. 
  • Shearing Capacity: Indicates how thick of a material the machine can shear efficiently. 
  • Blade Size and Type: Affects the machine’s ability to cut various material thicknesses. 
  • Machine Capacity and Tonage: Larger capacities (e.g., 110 tons, 200 tons) are better for heavy-duty work, while smaller machines (e.g., 55 tons) are suited for lighter work. 
  • Machine Footprint: Make sure the machine fits your available space and meets your operational efficiency. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right hydraulic ironworker machine depends on the materials you work with and the scale of your fabrication tasks. Whether you need a versatile machine for medium-duty work or a powerful, high-tonnage model for heavy-duty fabrication, HPT Ironworkers offer the flexibility, durability, and performance required to tackle a variety of metalworking jobs.

Contact us today to learn more about how our machines can enhance your production efficiency and provide the precision and cutting power your operations demand.

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