One of the major parts of fabrication is shearing the sheet metal or other materials you are using. Shearing machines are the equipment used to get the material down to a workable size whether it’s for a later punching operation or directly to a press brake for forming. There are different types of shearing machines, performing the same tasks but in different ways. And although they are several ways to power a shear; electric, pneumatic, manually, hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically, mechanical shears are thought of as “old” technology. Yet the truth is there are still mechanical shears built and used today and those that know, prefer the mechanical operation over the other options. 

What Can Mechanical Shears Be Used For? 

Mechanical shears are often the first step in metal fabrication. Shearing sheet or plate metal is very similar to using scissors to cut paper or cardboard. The lower the rake angle the better quality of sheared parts however low rake angles require more pressure / tonnage to get through. The blades also need to come together at a minimum distance or offset called a blade gap. This is determined by the thickness and type of metal that is being sheared. The tighter the gap the better the quality of the sheared edge and the more pressure / tonnage the shear requires to get through the material.  

Because it takes a great deal of power and strength to cut or shear metal. Blades must be very sharp and the equipment must be sturdy and robust. The process of shearing is also a shock to the machine so a machine that is excellent in absorbing vibration is desired, This is where the robust design and heavy weight of the mechanical shear excels. 

Just a few areas where mechanical shears are used:

  • Aviation
  • Light industry
  • Metallurgy
  • Chemical
  • Construction
  • Shipbuilding
  • Automobile
  • Electric power
  • Electrical appliances
  • Decoration
  • Industrial Fabrication

5 Interesting Use Cases for Mechanical Shears

There are plenty of advantages and uses for mechanical shears. They are a popular and necessary piece of equipment in any fabrication shop. 

1) Clean Cuts

Shearing machines make clean, straight-line cuts on flat sheet stock. It is a much straighter edge. Due to the inherent rigidity in the design the blades can be gapped closer providing for the sharpest of cuts without burr or rounded edges.

2) Precision 

Due to the process of mechanical shearing, it allows your manufacturing or production facility to make products that are as precise as possible. The mechanical actuation of the machine performs the powerful process repeatedly without flexing providing a sheared part free from camber or twist.

3) No Mess

Perhaps the biggest advantage of mechanical shearing is that it produces almost no waste. In what you might call a “green” process there is little hydraulics required and thus lower electrical consumption and no hydraulic oil heat build up. Unlike other methods of cutting, shearing doesn’t leave a mess of stray chips, bits, or other debris and there is almost no loss of material. 

4) Less Work

Since the machinery can cut relatively small lengths of material at a time your project can be sized exactly on a mechanical shear.

5) Safety

Another great advantage of using mechanical shearing machines is that they are much safer compared to other types of cutting machines. Unlike torch cutting or other methods, the operator stands clear of the machinery minimizing the risk of burns or other injuries. Also with proper safeguarding the operator is well protected from the hold downs and shear blades. With regular maintenance and following all safety regulations, the work can be done with very little risk. 

New and Used Machines

Another great advantage is you can buy machines used to save a lot of money. What you save on buying a used or refurbished machine is savings you can pass on to your customers or put in other areas of your shop. 

Take a look through our inventory at Southern Fabrication Machining Sales. We have new and used machines arriving daily. We can help you find the perfect piece of equipment for your shop. 

If you don’t see what you are looking for, just ask one of our sales team. We have many options on machines that we are working on that may be coming available. We can also help you unload some of your older machines, to help you get moving forward.

Shear Machinery Inventory