Different Types of Shears Used for Sheet Metal

The shearing machine is a major tool used in the metal fabrication and metal manufacturing industry. There will undoubtedly be a range of these instruments suitable for diverse shearing operations to provide a smooth, accurate, and tight-tolerance finish. In this article, we will look at some of the most often-used sheet metal shears. While most of them can cut a wide range of metal sheets, including aluminum, steel, and stainless steel, their cutting styles and aesthetics differ. So, let’s explore the various types of Shearing Machine or shear options.

Here are the Most Common Shear Options

Alligator shears

Alligator shears, powered by a hydraulic cylinder and equipped with a flexible saw, are commonly used for cutting long metal stock. Alligator shears are used for cutting L-beams, angle iron, pipe, and rebar. They can also be used to cut scrap metal for further processing. The shear-cutting motion is powered by a piston that expands to close the upper jaw. The main benefits of using this shear include its low cost, toughness, and durability. However, its precision and poor finish are negatives.

Metal guillotines

Metal guillotines can be used to cut sheet metal, trim parts, and shear bolts. Guillotines can be found in a variety of contexts, including machine shops, auto body shops, and residential garages. They are mostly used to cut sheet metal, although they can also be used to trim parts or shear bolts. 

Bench shears

Bench shears offer a mechanical advantage through a compound mechanism, making them ideal for cutting medium-sized sheet metal into various forms. This bench shear is suitable for a variety of operations, including cutting round and square bars at a 90-degree angle. A bench shear promises to be capable of producing a precise cut.

Power shear 

A power shear can be operated manually, electrically, or pneumatically. This type of shear allows for the easy and effective cutting of large sheets of metal. This shear stresses the material being cut as an upper blade travels toward a lower fixed blade. The most common uses for power shears include cutting large-radius curves and straight lines. Power shears provide various advantages, including flexibility because they can cut curves as well as straight lines, as well as speed, accuracy, strength, and the ability to maintain a high standard of finish.

Throatless Shear

Compared to traditional shears that need to retain the metal between the blades, throatless shears provide a unique technique for creating metal sheets. Sheet metal cuts can be performed straight or curved with throat shears. This shear differs in that it allows the metal to freely travel around the cutting blade, which makes it excellent for cutting a variety of shapes.

To Finish

Metal shearing is a precision cutting procedure that is used in a variety of sectors because it is efficient, accurate, and produces low waste. There are various types of shears used in sheet metal cutting. The alligator shear’s hydraulic prowess and the bench shear’s adaptability are notable. Furthermore, throatless shears are excellent for cutting a variety of shapes. Each form of metal shear has a significant impact on the metal manufacturing industry. 

Leo Engineers

Leo Engineers has been providing top-notch solutions for fabrication and other industries that require precise cutting since 1996. Our shearing machines and blades are known for producing high-quality cuts and exceptional reliability.