Industrial shears are essential equipment in metalworking shops. Used to quickly and precisely cut sheet metal, they produce clean cuts without deforming the material. Whether in the metallurgy, mechanical manufacturing, or sheet metal industries, choosing the right shears can directly impact productivity and the quality of the parts produced.
In this article, we explain how to choose a industrial shears tailored to your needs, the different types of machines available as well as the essential criteria to consider before investing.
An industrial metal shear is a machine designed to cut sheet metal using a moving upper blade and a fixed lower blade. This cutting principle, called shearing, allows the metal to be separated cleanly without producing chips.
Shears are used to cut different materials:
They are very present in the following sectors:
Thanks to their speed and precision, shears allow parts to be prepared before bending operations on a press brake, welding or assembly.
There are several types of shears used in the metal processing industry. The choice depends mainly on the thickness of the sheet metal to be cut, the production volume, and the level of precision required.
The hydraulic guillotine shear is one of the most common machines in industrial workshops. It operates using a hydraulic system that drives the upper blade.
Its advantages:
This type of shear is particularly suited to cutting thick sheets and demanding industrial environments.
The oscillating beam shear is often used for thinner materials or medium production volumes.
Its characteristics:
It represents an excellent solution for sheet metal workshops looking for good value for money.
THE CNC shears are equipped with a digital control system allowing precise programming of the cuts.
They offer several advantages:
These machines are particularly interesting for companies that want to automate their production and improve their efficiency.
Choosing an industrial shear isn't just about the machine's power. Several criteria must be analyzed to select equipment perfectly suited to your production needs.
One of the first things to consider is the maximum thickness of sheet metal that the shear can cut.
Each machine has a specific capacity, for example:
It is recommended to choose shears with a capacity slightly greater than your usual needs in order to maintain a safety margin.
The cutting length corresponds to the maximum width of the metal sheet that the machine can cut.
The most common lengths are:
Workshops working with standard sheet metal formats generally prefer shears of 3000 mm or more.
The backstop allows for precise positioning of the sheet metal before cutting. On modern machines, it may be:
A high-performance backstop significantly improves cut repeatability and productivity.
Some shears allow you to adjust the cutting angle according to the material and its thickness.
This setting offers several advantages:
Shear blades play a crucial role in the quality of the cut. High-quality blades offer:
It is also important to check that the blades are reversible or easily replaceable.
In a metalworking shop, shears are often used upstream of many operations. A high-performance machine therefore improves the entire production process.
An efficient shear allows for quick cutting of sheet metal while reducing handling time. This translates into a significant increase in productivity, especially for mass production.
A precise cut limits errors and material waste. The resulting parts are more uniform and require less rework.
Modern machines make it possible to obtain clean, straight and repeatable cuts, which is essential for parts intended for bending or assembly.
Modern industrial shears incorporate several safety features:
This equipment helps to reduce the risk of accidents in the workshop.
Choosing a pair of shears depends on many factors:
For sheet metal or metal fabrication companies, choosing a reliable, precise, and durable machine is essential. Discover all the equipment available on Garant Machinery to equip your workshop effectively.