Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Introduction to Shearing Machines and Their Types
- Considerations for Using Shearing Machines
- Main Components of Shearing Machines (Guillotine)
- Comparison Between Hydraulic and Electromechanical Shearing Machines
- Advantages of Hydraulic Shearing Machines
- Maintenance of Shearing Machines
Introduction
Metals play a fundamental role in modern life and industry, and it is difficult to imagine a world without them. It can be confidently stated that metals, especially iron and steel, are among the most widely used raw materials in the world today. The process of cutting iron, steel, and other metals is the first and most essential step in the production of metal products. To cut metal components, particularly steel sheets, into the desired dimensions, specialized metal cutting tools and machines, such as guillotine shears, are required.
A shearing machine, also known as a guillotine, is a device used for cutting metals. This machine is equipped with a blade that moves vertically, cutting the metal in the process. Shearing machines are manufactured in various types, with hydraulic guillotines and electromechanical guillotines being the most common.
Introduction to Shearing Machines and Their Types
Shearing machines (guillotines) are practical devices widely used in industries for cutting sheets and metal components. These machines are available in different sizes and types to meet the specific needs and goals of customers.
The machine consists of two separate blades (one movable and the other stationary) mounted on the upper and lower jaws of the machine. Typically, the movable blade is attached to the upper jaw, while the stationary blade is mounted on the lower jaw. The movable blade is angled between 1 and 6 degrees relative to the stationary blade.
The metal sheet is secured between the jaws (blades) by clamps, and the cutting is performed by the vertical movement of the upper blade past the stationary lower blade.
Requirements for the Cut Metal Piece
After the cutting process, the flatness and parallelism of the cut surface must be ensured, and sheet distortions minimized to produce a high-quality workpiece. Additionally, support balls on the worktable prevent scratches on the sheet as it slides.
A back gauge is used to position the sheet, and its position is adjusted by an electric motor via the machine’s control panel. Hydraulic clamps are used to firmly hold the sheet during cutting, preventing movement. Safety barriers are also in place to prevent accidents during operation.
The return movement of the machine’s blade typically relies on an accumulator system, which often uses nitrogen gas.
Types of Guillotines and Their Naming
Guillotine machines are manufactured in various types, including hydraulic, electromechanical, pneumatic, and more. The force used for cutting is reflected in the machine’s name. For example:
- Hydraulic Guillotines: Use a hydraulic system to provide the cutting force.
- Electromechanical Guillotines: Use electric motors to generate the required cutting force.
Grand Dayyani Machine Manufacturing , with nearly half a century of experience in manufacturing industrial bending and cutting machines, is capable of designing and producing various hydraulic guillotines and electromechanical guillotines in standard sizes and dimensions.
The guillotines produced by Grand Dayyani Machine Manufacturing are of high quality, and many industries in the field of metal cutting are among their customers. Their products are also exported to many countries, including Iraq, Oman, Qatar, India, the UAE, and more.
Considerations for Using Shearing Machines
- The distance between the blades must be adjusted based on the sheet’s thickness and should not exceed its thickness.
- Blades must be sharp and securely fastened. If the blades are dull or cracked, they should be sharpened or replaced.
- During cutting, the sheet clamps must firmly hold the sheet in place. If the clamps fail to do so, stop the operation immediately and notify a technician.
- For hydraulic guillotines, the thickness of the cut sheet is determined using a “curve chart of ultimate strength and sheet thickness.”
- After completing the work, the upper blade must be returned to its highest position.
Main Components of Shearing Machines (Guillotines)
Shearing machines consist of numerous components that can be categorized into three main groups:
- Mechanical Components: Includes the back gauge system, filler assembly, and lever for adjusting the cutting gap in lightweight hydraulic guillotines.
- Hydraulic Components: Includes the machine pump (types include piston, gear, or cartridge), electric and manual pressure relief valves, oil filters, hydraulic cylinders, accumulators, hydraulic motors, and other hydraulic components.
- Electrical Components: Includes the main electric motor, stepper motor, micro switches, PLC circuit board, control panel and pedal, power switches for the main motor, emergency stop button, electric terminal, contactors, timers, transformers, power source control switches, pressure switches, pressure transmitters, protective switches, rectifier bridge, LED lamps, and electrical panels.
During the warranty period, the company provides and replaces all components manufactured by Grand Dayyani Machine Manufacturing . Even after the warranty period, the company offers after-sales services, including the repair or replacement of all the aforementioned parts.
Comparison Between Hydraulic and Electromechanical Shearing Machines
- Electromechanical Guillotines: Known for being cost-effective, having high speed, low maintenance costs, and not requiring specialized operators for cutting. They are among the most popular products in the cutting field.
- Hydraulic Guillotines: Typically used when cutting thicker sheets, longer lengths, or when high precision is required. These machines hold the sheet firmly with hydraulic clamps during cutting, ensuring clean and straight cuts. To enhance their efficiency, these machines combine a powerful electric motor with hydraulic cylinders, which increases their cost. Therefore, they are only cost-effective for applications requiring higher cutting capacity or larger sheet sizes.
Advantages of Hydraulic Shearing Machines
- A welded steel frame ensures excellent stability and durability.
- Adjustable cutting angles help minimize sheet distortions.
- Integrated hydraulic systems provide high reliability and durability.
- Advanced filler systems (automatic or manual) allow precise, quick, and easy blade gap adjustments.
Maintenance of Shearing Machines
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of shearing machines, the following should be observed:
- Follow the user manual provided by the manufacturer.
- Weekly check the machine’s oil for cleanliness, proper level, and quality.
- Keep the machine clean and grease the specified parts regularly as per the manual.
- Inspect the safety components, such as micro switches and emergency stop buttons, daily.
- Lubricate and clean the machine 10 minutes before finishing daily work.
- Prohibit unauthorized personnel from operating the machine.
Company Recommendation: If you need an inspection or repair of the guillotines purchased from our company, please contact us so that our team of specialists can assist you promptly.