Shearing is the method of cutting sheet metal, bars, and plates by applying shear force with a die and a punch, which is similar to paper punching. The die and punch can be of many shapes, such as straight or circular blades that resemble scissors. Shearing machine include blanking machines for making washers, punching machines for making small discs, and so on. Moreover, shearing processes are commonly used to divide metals in sheet or strip form. The shearing of the plate, sheet, or strip is determined by the type of shearing blade used, which can be either rotatory or straight. Additionally, the straight knife shearing is used to cut and square flat stock to the proper size and shape.
This blog explores all about shearing machine including their characteristics, working principles, and more.
Main characteristics of the shearing machine process
The following are the shearing process characteristics:
- It is capable of cutting straight lines on flat-sheet stock
- Metal positioning between upper and lower shear blades
- Its signature product is burred and slightly distorted metal edges.
- Because the shearing blades can be positioned at an angle to lower the necessary shearing force, they can cut relatively short lengths of material at any time.
Working Principle of Shearing Machine
The shearing machine’s upper blade is fixed to the knife holder, and the bottom blade is fixed to the work table. A supporting ball is placed on the work table to prevent scratching as the sheet material slides across it. The motor adjusts the position of the backstop, which is used to position the sheet metal. The press cylinder presses the sheet to prevent it from moving during shearing. The guardrail is a safety item used to avoid workplace accidents. The return is mainly based on nitrogen, high speed, and low impact.
The following are critical variables in the shearing process:
- The punching force
- The punch’s velocity
- The sheet’s edge condition
- Materials for the punch and die
- The clearance for the punch & die
- Lubrication
Different Types of Shearing Machine
Shearing tools are used to cut or shear sheet metal or plates into desired shapes or sizes. These are classified into numerous categories, each of which is built by Shearing Machine Manufacturers in India for a distinct cutting purpose.
Mechanical Shears: One of the first forms of shearing equipment, mechanical shears are propelled by a mechanical crank or flywheel. They are appropriate for cutting thin to moderately thick metal sheets. Mechanical shears feature a simple and durable design, although they may have speed and precision restrictions.
Hydraulic shears: These use hydraulic power to create a high cutting force, making them appropriate for cutting thicker and more difficult materials. When compared to mechanical shears, they provide more cutting capacity and control. Hydraulic shears are often employed in industrial and manufacturing environments.
Foot shears: The foot shears are powered by a foot pedal, and they are best suited for small-scale or light-duty cutting applications. They are frequently used in tiny workshops or for DIY projects to cut thin sheets of metal.
Mechanical guillotine shears: These shearing machine have a cutting blade that moves vertically or almost vertically to make clean and precise cuts. They are frequently used for straight-line cuts and can handle a wide range of sheet metal thicknesses.
Hydraulic Guillotine Shears: In this, shears combine guillotine-style cutting precision with hydraulic system power. They are adaptable and can work with a broad variety of sheet metal thicknesses and forms.
Swing Beam Shears: These have an upper blade that pivots and swings down to cut. They are suited for cutting heavier materials and provide good precision. Swing beam shears are extensively used in fabrication facilities.
Turret Shears (Turret Punch Press): Turret shears are multifunctional devices that can conduct shearing, punching, forming, and hole-cutting operations. They are utilized in industries such as automotive and electronics for high-precision, high-speed sheet metal processing.
CNC Shearing Machine: CNC (Computer Numerical Control) shearing or cutting machines are mechanized and controlled by computer programs. They provide excellent precision, repeatability, and the capacity to conduct complex cuts with minimal operator intervention. CNC machines are employed in modern industrial setups.
Hand Shears: Hand shears are portable manual instruments that are used to cut sheet metal by hand. They are best suited for small-scale or on-site cutting jobs where precision is not required.
In addition to the above, the thickness and type of material to be cut, the needed precision, production volume, and available budget all influence the shearing equipment selection. Hydraulic or CNC shearing is commonly used in industrial and manufacturing environments due to its versatility and efficiency, but smaller workshops or DIY enthusiasts may prefer manual or foot shears for lighter-duty applications.
In Conclusion
This blog provides an overview of shearing machine characteristics, operating principles, components, and its different types. As mentioned these machines are a highly adaptable piece of equipment that is commonly utilized in various industries. However, when selecting a shear machine, it is critical to carefully analyze its features, pricing, warranty, and more. With years of experience in this industry, Leo Engineers has gained the position of reliable Shearing Machine Suppliers in India. Additionally, the machines they provide are assured in terms of quality and performance. So, if you buy products from them, it will be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the shearing machine?
This machine produces straight-line cuts without the formation of chips or the burning or melting of the material. As a result, the method is compatible with most softer metals, including aluminum, brass, bronze, and mild (low carbon) steel.
What does a manual shearing machine do?
Plates can be cut with manual sheet metal shears by manually raising and lowering the blade. These shears are simple to use and ideal for cutting small plates, but their cutting accuracy is poor and they cannot handle large plates.
What are the benefits of a shearing machine?
First is accuracy, the most important factor.
Second, you can simply change the machine’s shear angle.
Last is, increased blade life, and the longevity of the cylinder.
What are the applications of a shearing machine?
These machines are multipurpose equipment that are used to cut alloys and other sheet metal. Some shear machines cut metal into sheets or strips using a scissor-like, angular shear action. Other, larger machines, instead of angular movement, use a straight shear action with the blade fixed at an angle.
