What Is the Shearing Machine？

The first step in fabricating a sheet metal component is cutting to size. Shearing machines and shearing machinery perform this function. Shearing machines are multipurpose devices used in the cutting of alloys and other sheet metal. Some shearing machines use a scissor-like, angular shear action to cut metal into sheets or strips. Other, larger machines use a straight shear action with the blade fixed at an angle as opposed to the angular movement. Shearing operations are performed by the action of two blades, one fixed in the shear bed and the other moving vertically with little or no clearance. Shear action moves progressively from one side of the material to the other. The angular configuration of the blades is called the rake. Both rake and clearance are a function of the type and thickness of the material to be cut. In press type shears, the upper blade is inclined in relation to the lower blade, about .5 to 2.5 degrees. The typical shear consists of a fixed bed to which one blade is mounted, a vertically advancing crosshead and a series of hold-down pins or feet that hold the material in place while the cutting occurs. A gauging system with stops is used to produce specific workpiece finish sizes.

Types

●There are several types of shearing machines that can be used to meet your specific job needs.

●Air/pneumatic shears use a pneumatic cylinder to power the crosshead and upper blade.

●Hydraulic shears are driven or powered by a hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic presses can generate extremely high forces to cut metals or other materials. 

●Hydromechanical shears are driven by a hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic motor. 

●Mechanical shears have the moving blade driven by a rotary motor through a screw, toggle, lever, or another mechanism.

●Servo driven shears are driven by a direct connection to a servo motor.

●Manual shears are driven or powered by hand or with a manual force that is magnified with a screw, lever, or another mechanism. 

Features

Capacity/operating force is the operating press load required to cut apart during production. The rated capacity of a press is the pressure, in tons, that the slide or ram will safely exert at the bottom of the stroke while working within the range of the press. Stroke is the ram travel from top dead center (TDC) to bottom dead center (BDC). Stroke speed is the linear speed of the slide or ram during pressing or ram advancement steps. 

Specifications

●When specifying and purchasing metal shear equipment, an important consideration is the required dimensions needed to fit your range of workpieces.

●Sheet/stock thickness is the sheet or web thickness that can be shared.

●Sheet/working length is the largest dimension of working distance from right to left that can be cut.

●Throat depth is the distance from the centerline of the ram to the back frame in a gap frame, C frame, or similar press type. 

Operating a shear requires strict adherence to safety procedures. Machine operators can activate the shear using several methods.

●Manual (footswitch/pendant/pushbutton) action is controlled manually through an operator interface device such as a footswitch, pendant, or push-button controls. 

●Automatic/indexing units automatically load parts into the system and operate without operator intervention. The machine changes or adjusts tooling and other parameters, such as speed or applied load, in a pre-programmed manner. Several automation possibilities include

●CNC control or a PLC controller, which are used to program and perform a sequence of operations on the press. 

●Windows®/PC control shears are controlled or programmed through a PC interface. 

Shearing machines (sheet metal) require periodic maintenance. Shear blade sharpening must be performed on a regular basis so that shears do not yield poor quality cuts. In addition, the proper equipment must be used for shear sharpening. With shear blades, the angle of the cutting edge and the finish of the grind are important factors in determining shear performance and longevity. Often, suppliers of shears and shearing equipment may provide a maintenance schedule and provide replacement parts and sharpening services.