Guillotine Shear

As we have already mentioned in previous articles about the processing of sheet metal, the traditional technique for cutting sheet metal is shearing. Shearing, as the name suggests, is performed by machines called shears. The most widely used shears can be classified into two different types: guillotine and circular blades. In both cases the cutting of the sheet metal is produced by the mechanical action of two blades whose stress exceeds the resistance determining the breaking of the material.

Guillotine shears are the most common and also the most requested on the used machinery market. The guillotine shear is structurally composed by two blades, a lower fixed blade and an upper blade, movable by hydraulic pistons fed by a hydraulic unit (hydraulic compressor). All the shears are provided with a device called blank holder, this allows the clamping of the material during the cutting phase, and by adjustable guides on which the sheet slides.

The guillotine shears can have very different characteristics, with blade length up to 6 m and cutting capacity up to 20-30 mm sheet thickness. Usually, especially in large shears, the upper blade is not perfectly straight but is slightly curved or tilted longitudinally. These measures are designed to reduce the cutting effort by exploiting the scissor effect.

The scissor effect indicates a blanking that does not occur simultaneously along the entire cutting line, but works the sheet progressively, just like the scissors cutting a sheet of paper, thus avoiding excessive pressure.

The premium hydraulic guillotine shearing machine is a powerful tool used for shearing materials in various industries including metal fabrication, automotive and construction. Selecting the proper hydraulic guillotine shear for a specific application is critical to ensuring optimum performance and efficiency. In this article, we discuss the factors that should be considered when selecting a hydraulic shear for a specific application.
 

Material type and thickness
The first factors to consider when choosing a hydraulic guillotine shear are the material type and thickness. The maximum cutting capacity of the machine should be determined to ensure it can handle the material being cut. The tonnage of the machine should also be considered to ensure it is suitable for the thickness of the material. Hydraulic shears with insufficient tonnage will result in poor cut quality and reduced efficiency.
 

Cutting length
When selecting a high-quality hydraulic guillotine shearing machine, the desired cutting length for the application should be determined. The cutting length of the machine should be sufficient to handle the material being processed. Choosing a machine with too small a cutting length will require multiple cuts, reducing efficiency and increasing production time.
 

Blade quality and type
The type and quality of blades used in a hydraulic guillotine shearing machine can significantly affect shear quality and efficiency. It is crucial to understand the different types of blades available and choose the right one based on the type of material and desired cut quality. A hydraulic guillotine shear with the wrong blade type or quality will result in poor cut quality, reduced efficiency and increased maintenance costs.
 

Control system
The control system of a quality hydraulic guillotine shearing machine is another key factor to consider when selecting a machine for a particular application. Understanding the different types of control systems available and selecting the one that meets the needs of the application can significantly impact efficiency and productivity. A control system that is difficult to use or does not meet the needs of the application can result in reduced efficiency and productivity.
 

Security features
Safety is a top priority when using hydraulic guillotine shears. A machine with appropriate safety features must be selected for a particular application. Safety features such as guards, emergency stop buttons and safety interlocks prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. Choosing a machine with insufficient safety features can result in accidents, injury and increased liability.
 

Budget and ROI
The budget for purchasing a hydraulic guillotine shear and the expected return on investment (ROI) should be considered when selecting a machine for a specific application. Selecting a machine that exceeds budget or does not provide an adequate return on investment can result in reduced profitability and increased financial risk. 

Clean and lubricate
Keeping your guillotine shear for metal clean and well lubricated is fundamental to proper maintenance. Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of dust, metal shavings and debris that can affect the machine’s performance. Additionally, lubricating moving parts and assemblies helps reduce friction and prevent premature wear.
To clean the scissors, first disconnect the machine from the power source. Use a brush or compressed air to remove any accumulated debris. Pay special attention to the cutting area, backgauge system and guide rails. After cleaning, apply the recommended lubricant to the pivot points, guides, and ball screws according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
 

Inspection and fastening of components
Frequent inspections are critical to early detection and resolution of potential problems. Regularly inspect critical and moving parts for signs of wear, damage, or misalignment. Check the blade for any chipping or dulling, as a sharp blade is essential for a clean cut and longer machine life.
Tighten loose parts in time to prevent further damage and ensure smooth operation of the machine. Note the backgauge system, hydraulic connections, and mechanical components. Refer to your machine manual for the correct torque value when tightening fasteners.
 

Blade maintenance and sharpening
The blade is at the heart of any guillotine shear and maintaining its sharpness is critical for optimum performance. A dull blade not only affects cut quality, but also puts extra stress on the machine, causing premature wear.
Sharpen the blades regularly or replace them when necessary. Depending on the purpose and material type of the scissors, the frequency of sharpening may vary. When sharpening your blades, make sure they are balanced and aligned correctly to avoid problems during cutting.
 

Check hydraulic oil level
The hydraulic system plays a key role in the operation of the hydraulic guillotine shearing machine. To ensure smooth operation, proper hydraulic fluid levels must be maintained. Check the hydraulic oil tank regularly and make sure it is filled to the recommended level. Low fluid levels can lead to poor hydraulic system performance or even damage.
 

Replace the filter
Filters are a critical component in keeping hydraulic systems clean and free of contaminants. Inspect and replace filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Clogged or dirty filters can reduce the efficiency of the hydraulic system and cause excessive wear on components.
 

Hydraulic system inspection
Check the hydraulic system regularly for signs of leaks, hose or fitting damage. Leaks can cause a drop in hydraulic pressure and significantly affect the cutting ability of the shear. Address any hydraulic system issues promptly to avoid costly repairs and potential downtime.
 

Check electrical connections
The electrical system in the hydraulic guillotine shear for metal is responsible for controlling various functions. Regularly inspect electrical connections for signs of wear, damage, or looseness. Connection errors can cause operational problems and pose security risks.
 

Control panel maintenance
The control panel is the interface for the operator to control the functions of the shear. Keeping your control panel clean and protected is critical to ensuring its longevity. Avoid exposure to water, dust, or excessive heat, which may damage electronic equipment. Also, update software and firmware according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to get the latest features and improvements.
 

Lockout/tagout procedures
Safety should always be the top priority when performing maintenance tasks. Before starting any maintenance or inspection, make sure the hydraulic gate shear is turned off and disconnect it from power. Implement lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental activation, which could result in serious injury.
 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to keep maintenance personnel safe. Depending on the task involved, operators should wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and other necessary personal protective equipment to protect against potential hazards. 

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