Hydraulic guillotine shears

Hydraulic shears: types and functions

The hydraulic shear, also called a hydraulic shearing machine, cuts sheet metal in a straight line with a blade driven by cylinders. Heller shears of the CCB series cut thicknesses from 4 to 20 mm, with cutting lengths from 2000 to 4000 mm.

Hydraulic shears are an instrument used in industry for handling and working different types of metal. The way in which they transform a given type of metal varies according to the type of hydraulic shear.

They can deliver pinpoint accuracy and automate work processes on metal materials. Thanks to their characteristics, they can be used in metal recycling.

Hydraulic shears, whatever their type, share a number of characteristics:

• They work with optimum efficiency on materials of different sizes.
• They offer pinpoint accuracy.
• They are capable of making smooth cuts, with a cutting range of up to ninety degrees.
• They allow a large number of cuts in a short time.
• They make it easier to cut very hard materials such as metal.
• They take up little space.

Types of hydraulic shear

All hydraulic shears work by means of a mechanism able to exert pressure by reacting to a gas or a liquid. Thanks to their design, they offer pinpoint accuracy when cutting by means of this mechanism. According to their specific characteristics, the following types can be distinguished:

Guillotine shear

This double-acting hydraulic shear is designed to cut metal into sheets. It is characterised by the possibility of adjusting the pressure applied to the metal according to the demands of the machining job. Making these adjustments or using the machine is not difficult.

These machines are also quite fast, so they can cut a large amount of metal in a short time without compromising accuracy.

Hydraulic swing-beam shear

The hydraulic swing-beam shear, also known as a hydraulic plate shear, is another easy-to-use tool that is not dangerous when handled properly. It is more sophisticated than guillotine shears, as it has dividers that make it possible to see the gauge, number of cuts and speed.

CNC

What is special about CNC hydraulic shears is that they can be swing-beam or guillotine type. They differ from the two previous types of shear in how they operate, since they are equipped with automated control systems that allow the cutting actions to be set up by computer.

As a result, they can reach the highest level of accuracy in every task, they are safer to use and the operators' role when using them is more limited. Modern CNC systems are designed to be easy and intuitive to use.

They usually include an internal database with information on the different types of material they are compatible with. This makes machine setup easier, as they allow precise adjustment of the optimum pressure levels for each material.

The CNC control system also makes it possible to adjust not only the pressure levels but also to adapt the machine's actions to the length of the piece to be cut.

Functions of hydraulic shears

The basic function of hydraulic shears is to make cuts. In most cases they are used to work with metals. However, they are also designed to be able to work with softer materials such as paper, plastic and wood. The operation of the machine must be adjusted to suit the material it will be used on.

A proper cutting setup matters because not all materials have the same thickness and hardness as metal. Without correct pressure adjustment, there is a risk of damaging the material to be worked.

How to operate hydraulic shears

To stay safe when operating a hydraulic shear of any type, bear in mind the following recommendations:

• Check the machine's oil level before using it.
• Avoid removing the safety dividers on swing-beam shears.
• Do not force the machine to work at excessive capacity.
• Keep your fingers away from the hold-downs that hold the sheets in place.
• Do not bring your hands close to the blades.
• Avoid holding the pieces to be cut by hand.
• Keep your feet away from the underside of the pedal.
• Do not let more than one person use the machine at the same time.
• Restrict the use of hydraulic shears to professional personnel.

Special mention should be made of machine maintenance, as it is the only way to make sure the machine is in optimum condition. This maintenance involves carrying out the following tasks regularly:

• Lubricate the machine before and after use.
• Change the oil regularly.
• Clear offcuts after every cut.
• Check that the electrical parts and switches are in good condition.

Other machines you may be interested in

• Hydraulic press brakes
• All industrial machinery

Unsure which machine to choose? Talk to a Heller technician.