Shears are tools or machines used in industrial production lines. These tools work by applying force through a lever, roller or hydraulic system to cut materials, either in a straight line or in more complex shapes.
Shears can be classified into different categories based on their use and design, such as manual, electric or hydraulic shears. In this article we will delve into the definition and function of the shearsas well as its operation and main characteristics.
Definition and concept of shear
The shear is a tool or machine that is used to cut, which is made up of two blades or knives that are pressed together to cut the material between them. These blades can be straight, curved or with specific shapes depending on the type of cut required.
The force required to cut the material is applied by a mechanical, electrical or hydraulic system.
Shears are used in a wide variety of industries, such as metallurgical, paper and cardboard, textile, foodamong other.
What are the shears used for?
The shears are used to cut materials precisely and efficient. Depending on the type of shear, they can cut a wide variety of materials, such as metals, plastics, paper, cardboard, leather, fabric, among others.
Shears are essential tools in the industry since they allow cutting large quantities material quickly and accurately, saving time and effort compared to manual cutting. They are also used in craft workshops and in DIY and home repair jobs.
exist specialized shears to cut specific materials, such as the guillotine shear for cutting paper, or the metal shear for cutting sheet metal.
On the other hand, in the area of geology, shears can be used as a tool for the mineral exploration and extraction.
What types of shears are there?
There are several types of shears, classified according to their use and design. Here are some of the most common types:
electric shear
The electric shear is a cutting tool that uses an electric motor to drive the blades that cut through the material. Electric shears are suitable for cutting thicker and more resistant materialssuch as metal and stoved wood, and are more efficient and faster than manual shears.
this can be portable or stationary. Now, portable electric shears are hand tools that allow cutting materials anywherewhile the stationary ones are designed to cut larger and heavier materials and are used in the industry.
They are straight or curved and are usually made of hardened steel for durability and efficiency. The electric motor provides the necessary force to cut the material and the blades can be adjusted to cut at different angles and shapes.
hand shear
The manual shear is a cutting tool that is actuated by the force applied by the user through a lever or a handle. Manual shears are suitable for cutting light and thin materialssuch as paper, cardboard, and thin sheet metal.
They can have different designs and sizes, depending on their application and use. For example, there are shears lever manuals which are used to cut thin and light materials, such as paper and cardboard, and shears traction manuals which are used to cut sheet metal.
Like electric shears, manual shear blades are usually made of hardened steel for durability and efficiency, and can be straight or curved, depending on your application. Additionally, some manual shears have interchangeable blades for different types of cuts.
industrial shear
The industrial shear is a cutting tool used in the industry to cut thick and resistant materials, such as metal and plastic, in large quantities and with precision. Industrial shears can be manual or electric and are designed to work in high-demand manufacturing and production environments.
They have one robust and resistant structure to withstand the force required to cut these materials, and they can come in different sizes and designs to suit different applications. For example, industrial roller shears are used to cut sheet metal and other hard materials, while guillotine shears are suitable for cutting large pieces of metal.
They are usually of high quality and made of hardened steel for durability. Some industrial shears have interchangeable blades for different types of cuts and can be equipped with security systems to protect the user.
lever shear
The lever shear is a manual cutting tool that uses a lever as an action mechanism to apply force needed to cut materials. Lever shears can be used to cut different types of materials, such as paper, cardboard, cloth, and thin sheet metal.
The lever shear design consists of a flat base on which the material to be cut is placed, and a sharp blade that moves downward through the material with the application of force on the lever. The blades of this shear are usually made of hardened steel.
They can be used in different applications, from work of diy and crafts even in the office to cut paper and cardboard. Some lever shears may also have interchangeable blades for different types of cuts, such as zigzag cutting or curved cutting.
roller shear
The roller shear is a cutting tool used to cut sheet metal and other hard materials. This type of shear works by applying pressure to the material through rollers that rotate in opposite directions and crush the material to cut it.
The roller shear design consists of a flat base on which the material to be cut is placed and two upper rollers that move downward to apply pressure on the material. The rollers have a rough surface that helps hold the material while it is being cut.
They are used in different applications, from DIY and handicraft jobs to the industry for cutting sheet metal. Some roller shears may also have height and width adjustments for precise cuts and interchangeable blades for different types of cuts.
How are the shears used?
The use of a shear can vary depending on the type of shear and the material to be cut, but in general the following can be followed steps to use a shear:
- Preparation: Make sure the shear blade or rollers are clean and in good repair for efficient and safe cutting. It is also important to choose the right type of shear for the material to be cut.
- Material placement: Place the material to be cut on the base of the shear, making sure it is level and held in place.
- Measurement and marking: Measure and mark the place where you want to make the cut, to make sure that it is precise and uniform.
- Court: Apply the necessary force on the shear to make the cut, either by moving the lever on a manual shear or by adjusting the rollers on a roller shear. It is important to make sure apply force evenly and consistently and avoid applying excessive force that could damage the blade or rollers.
- Check: Check the result of the cut, making sure it is clean and precise. If necessary the shear can be adjusted to achieve the desired result.
- Cleaning and storage: Clean the cutter after use to avoid accumulation of waste or materials that may affect its operation. Store the shear in a safe, dry place to protect it from damage and prolong its useful life.
