Shearing machines or sheet metal guillotines are used to make straight cuts in sheet metal.
There are two common types we’re going to explore in more detail today. The first is a swing beam shear, which moves with the upper blade in a circular arc. The second is a sheet metal guillotine, where the upper beam moves up and down in a straight line.
Both movements are illustrated below.
Guillotine: Upper blade penetration
The upper blade penetrates the material with an offset (blade clearance) to the lower blade.
Swing beam: Upper blade penetration
The upper blade penetrates the metal sheet above the lower blade.
Guillotine: After the cut is made
On metal guillotine shears, the cut is made by a linear motion of the upper beam.
Swing beam: After the cut is made
The cut is made by a pivoting movement of the swing beam. After the cut is made the upper blade moves away from the lower blade.
Guillotine: Sharp blade movement
Swing beam: Sharp blade movement
Guillotine: Blade clearance adjustment
Swing beam: Blade clearance adjustment
Guillotine: Twist-free cuts
A metal guillotine cutter uses a variable rake angle. Low rake angle for thin materials. High rake angles for thicker materials. This means the machines can be built lighter.
Swing beam: Twist-free cuts
Swing beam cutting requires a ridig shear design. The reason is the low rake angle, which is fixed for any material thickness.
Still not sure which shear or metal guillotine your business needs?
With over 50 years in the business, there isn’t much we don’t know about the sheet metal fabrication industry. This is because our team of experts are constantly learning about the newest machines.
We invest in training across all sheet metal cutting machines, so our team know the latest techniques and what works within every industry. We offer a range of machines from the best manufacturers, including Yawei, Adira and RAS.
The easiest way to work out which machine is right for you is by speaking to our team or visiting our showroom. We’ll talk through what your business does, how your cutting operations could be more efficient and what your future growth and operations might mean for your machine requirements.
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Source: RAS Online DE