Cutting Machines - Shears: Types, Working Principles, and Leading Manufacturers

Introduction:

Cutting Machines – Shears are essential machines in metal fabrication and other industries that require precise cutting and shearing of materials. These machines are widely used in sectors such as automotive, construction, aerospace, and metalworking to perform tasks that involve cutting through sheets, bars, and other materials. Whether it's for creating precise cuts or trimming materials for further processing, shears are fundamental in modern manufacturing.

In this blog, we will delve into the different types of cutting machines - shears, their working principles, various industries where they are utilized, and introduce some of the leading manufacturers globally. From Europe, USA, China, and Japan, we will explore top-tier companies known for their innovative and high-performance cutting solutions.

1. Types of Cutting Machines - Shears:

There are several types of cutting machines - shears used in the industry today, each designed for specific applications:

• Mechanical Shears: Mechanical shears utilize a motorized system to create the cutting motion. They typically work through a flywheel system that generates force to cut materials. These shears are ideal for applications involving high-speed cutting.

• Hydraulic Shears: Hydraulic shears operate using hydraulic pressure to create the cutting force. They are more versatile than mechanical shears and can handle a wider range of materials with different thicknesses. Hydraulic shears are commonly used in heavy-duty applications.

• CNC Shears: CNC shears (Computer Numerical Control) provide automated control over cutting operations, ensuring precise cuts with minimal human intervention. These machines can be programmed to perform intricate cutting tasks with high repeatability, making them perfect for mass production environments.

• Guillotine Shears: Guillotine shears are known for their ability to cut through thick and thin materials with precision. The design includes a straight blade that moves vertically to make the cut. These shears are widely used in industries that require large volume cutting, such as metalworking and automotive manufacturing.

• Power Shears: Power shears are used for cutting metals and materials like steel and aluminum. They come in both hand-held versions for smaller tasks and large, stationary versions for industrial applications.

• Plate Shears: These shears are specifically designed for cutting metal plates into smaller sections. They are commonly used in the construction, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries.

2. Working Principles of Cutting Machines - Shears:

The working principle of cutting machines - shears involves applying a significant amount of force to shear through materials. Depending on the machine type, the cutting force can be generated through mechanical means (flywheels, cranks), hydraulic pressure, or electrical mechanisms. In CNC models, the entire cutting process is controlled by a computer, ensuring precision and repeatability.

For example, in hydraulic shears, a hydraulic cylinder applies pressure to the cutting blade, causing it to move and cut through the material. In mechanical shears, a motorized system drives a flywheel that powers the cutting blade.

3. Specifications of Cutting Machines - Shears:

Key specifications of cutting machines - shears include:

• Cutting Capacity: This refers to the thickness and width of materials the shear can handle. The capacity is typically measured in tons, and for larger applications, shears with higher tonnage capabilities are used.

• Cutting Speed: This is a critical factor, especially for high-volume operations. CNC shears tend to have higher cutting speeds and can perform automated cuts quickly, optimizing production efficiency.

• Blade Material and Durability: The quality and material of the cutting blades are important. Shears must be fitted with durable blades, often made from high-carbon steel or tungsten carbide, to ensure long-lasting performance.

• Backgauge System: The backgauge system ensures that the sheet material is correctly positioned for accurate cutting. CNC shears often come with automated backgauges for precision.

• Angle Adjustment: This feature allows operators to adjust the angle at which the blade cuts, providing versatility in the cutting process.

4. Industries and Sectors Using Cutting Machines - Shears:

• Automotive Industry: In the automotive industry, shears are used to cut metal sheets and components that are then used in the production of vehicles, parts, and bodywork.

• Construction Industry: Shears are essential in the construction industry for cutting rebar, metal sheets, and other structural materials.

• Metal Fabrication: The metal fabrication sector extensively uses cutting machines to cut steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals for various applications.

• Aerospace Industry: In aerospace, cutting machines - shears are used to cut aircraft components with precise specifications to ensure quality and performance.

• Shipbuilding Industry: The shipbuilding industry often uses shears to cut large metal sheets into smaller parts that make up the structure of ships.

• Electronics Manufacturing: Cutting machines - shears are used to process materials used in manufacturing electronics, ensuring accuracy in creating metal housings and enclosures.

5. Leading Manufacturers of Cutting Machines - Shears:

Below is a list of leading manufacturers of cutting machines - shears from around the world. These companies provide high-quality and innovative solutions for industries requiring precision and heavy-duty cutting.

European Manufacturers of Cutting Machines - Shears:

1. TRUMPF (Germany)
2. Bystronic (Switzerland)
3. LVD (Belgium)
4. Salvagnini (Italy)
5. Beyeler (Switzerland)
6. Amada (Japan, with European operations)
7. HACO (Belgium)
8. Durma (Turkey)
9. Baykal (Turkey)
10. KUKA (Germany)
11. Cincinnati (Germany)
12. Schmitz (Germany)
13. Metmac (Turkey)
14. Mecal (Italy)
15. Bending Machines (Germany)
16. Eurobend (Greece)
17. Microlins (Germany)
18. Jorgensen (Denmark)
19. Tepro (Germany)
20. Girbau (Spain)
21. Piron (Italy)
22. Rainer (Germany)
23. Biesse (Italy)
24. Ficep (Italy)
25. Kaltenbach (Germany)
26. Muratec (Italy)
27. Eckel (Germany)
28. Prada Nargesa (Spain)
29. MTM Maschinen (Italy)
30. Hirschmann (Germany)

USA Manufacturers of Cutting Machines - Shears:

31. Baileigh Industrial (USA)
32. Accurpress (USA)
33. Piranha (USA)
34. Wilson Tool (USA)
35. Cincinnati Incorporated (USA)
36. Durma USA (USA)
37. Kaiser (USA)
38. Grizzly Industrial (USA)
39. Jet Tools (USA)
40. Geka (USA)
41. Jet Tools (USA)
42. American Machine Tools (USA)
43. Chicago Steel (USA)
44. Eagle Press Brake (USA)
45. Park Industries (USA)
46. MTD Products (USA)
47. Mitsubishi Electric (USA)
48. Roper Whitney (USA)
49. KUKA USA (USA)
50. Peddinghaus (USA)

Chinese Manufacturers of Cutting Machines - Shears:

51. Jiangsu Yawei (China)
52. Qingdao Wuxi Machinery (China)
53. Dalian Machine Tool (China)
54. SMEC (China)
55. Hubei YZT (China)
56. Jiangsu Jinfeng (China)
57. Qingdao Jinfangyuan (China)
58. Shandong Shitong (China)
59. Wuxi Beiyi (China)
60. Dongguan Jintan (China)
61. Baileigh China (China)
62. Zhongtai (China)
63. Dahong CNC (China)
64. Guangzhou Keda (China)
65. Shenzhen JG (China)
66. Changzhou Liyuan (China)
67. Jiangsu Guosheng (China)
68. Tianjin Jingdong (China)
69. Shandong Lingmei (China)
70. Wuxi Xiangxin (China)
71. Tianjin Huatong (China)
72. Shanghai Shengyu (China)
73. Jiangsu Xinda (China)
74. Shaanxi Xinyu (China)
75. Zhongshan ZJ (China)

Japanese Manufacturers of Cutting Machines - Shears:

76. Amada (Japan)
77. Murata Machinery (Japan)
78. Kinki Industrial (Japan)
79. Furukawa (Japan)
80. Nisshinbo (Japan)
81. Okamoto Machine Tool (Japan)
82. Toyoda (Japan)
83. Sanyo Machine Works (Japan)
84. Fujii Seiki (Japan)
85. Hattori Seiko (Japan)
86. Yasuda Seiki (Japan)
87. Shibaura Machine (Japan)
88. Nakamura-Tome (Japan)
89. Hitachi Metals (Japan)
90. Sanyo Presses (Japan)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, cutting machines - shears are indispensable tools in modern manufacturing, offering diverse applications across industries like metalworking, automotive, construction, and aerospace. The variety of shears—from mechanical shears to CNC shears—ensures that businesses can choose the right machine for their specific cutting requirements.

By understanding the types, working principles, and key specifications of cutting machines - shears, manufacturers can make informed decisions when selecting the most appropriate equipment. The top manufacturers globally, from Europe, the USA, China, and Japan, continue to innovate and provide solutions that push the boundaries of precision, productivity, and efficiency.