Every industry that works around metal uses some common methods, such as metal shearing. The method uses sharp tools to make clean, precise, and consistent cuts to ensure that the components fit perfectly with each other. Thus, it can be said that sheet metal shears are indispensable tools across various industries. They cut many metals, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, iron, copper, brass, bronze, and other alloys.
As Albuquerque grows and the demand for metals rises, businesses turn to shearing machines for small-scale jobs and large industrial projects due to their faster speed.
Whether you are a contractor, engineer, or just a curious hobbyist, this blog will help you use the right metal with sheet metal shears.
A metal shear machine uses shear force to create clean and precise cuts. It doesn’t chip the metal, cause excessive burrs, or warp it due to excessive heat. The sheet metal cutting process involves applying a strong, even force to shear the metal between two blades. One of the blades moves while the other remains stationary, chopping the metal cleanly. The method is quite popular for mass processing.
The different types of metal shears are discussed here:
Mechanical Shears: Powered by a flywheel, these shears deliver quick, high-powered cuts ideal for thin to medium-thickness metals.
Hydraulic Metal Shears: These machines use hydraulic pressure to cut through thicker materials with more control.
Electric Sheet Metal Shears: These are compact, portable, and, thus, more suitable for small jobs. They are often used for on-site projects.
Guillotine Shears: These shears use the mechanism of a guillotine to cut metal. These machines are known for their ability to cut straighter lines.
Understanding which metal shear is suitable for cutting the underlying metal is crucial. Each of the shears discussed above has distinct advantages, but one aim i.e., to create straight and burr-free cuts.
Choosing a metal for sheet metal cutting is subject to many factors, such as project requirements, hardness, thickness, strength, ductility, etc. Thus, when choosing the metal, understand how different metals respond to metal shear machines. Let’s look at some of the most commonly used metals and why they are ideal for shearing machines.
The two metals offer a good mix of strength and flexibility. Steel plates made from these metals cut easily with minimal bending. The amount of carbon in the steel affects how tough it is, and it takes more effort to cut.
Stainless steel is harder compared to mild steel. However, it can be easily cut with hydraulic or guillotine shears. Depending on the thickness and hardness of the metal, use sharp, high-quality blades to get cleaner cuts.
Aluminum is easier to cut since it is soft and lightweight. Also, it puts less strain on the blades, making it a budget-friendly option.
These soft metals are great for cutting with shears. They are easy to shape and don’t leave rough edges, which is especially helpful in electrical work where smooth edges are important.
Galvanized and coated sheets can also be cut using sheet metal shears. However, they are not great for blades. The coating wears them down faster, making regular maintenance necessary.
Metal shearing is nothing less than an art and requires a thorough understanding of the metals, their properties, and metal shear machines. If you wonder why some metals work better with shears than others, remember that shearing works best with metal when:
These properties ensure clean cuts with minimal edge deformation.
If you’re seeking reliable solutions for metal cutting, choose New Mexico Metals LLC in Albuquerque. We are known for our superb quality of work. We embrace technology and use Cincinnati 1810 ¼” x 10’ mechanical squaring shear, Pexto Model 12U52 mechanical squaring shear, and GEKA Ironworker. Our cuts are immaculate, and we pride ourselves on our quality of work. We offer both retail and wholesale services. So, whether you need shearing for a pet project or you have an industrial need, we are your best choice in Albuquerque.
If you need metal shearing, do visit New Mexico Metals LLC.
To meet the needs of both wholesale and retail customers by providing an extensive selection of metals cut to size with exceptional service.
New Mexico Metals LLC
Address: 5821 Midway Park Blvd NE # F, Albuquerque, NM 87109, United States
Phone: (505) 717-1900
FAX: (505) 717-1769
Email: info@newmexico-metals.com
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