Processing solid building materials often requires the use of special tools. The sheet metal cutting operation is one of the most common. Quite varied and equipment that allows you to perform it qualitatively. Today, such problems are solved both by thermal apparatuses, and laser installations, as well as by sandblasting waterjet machines. At the same time, traditional mechanical tools, which also give a good result, remain relevant. Such devices include guillotine shears, available on the market in a wide range.
Varieties of Guillotines for Metal Cutting
Conventionally, a group of guillotine cutters can be divided into three segments. The first will include the most powerful electrical machines that operate on a drive mechanism and include a full engine in the device. These are the most powerful guillotine shears, with which you can cut metal sheets in the production flow mode. The following is an intermediate category of carvers, whose representatives are deprived of an electric drive, but also have a massive active element in the form of a cutter and a bed, the presence of which combines such models with the first class of planers.
If we are not talking about complex operations that are planned to be carried out in large volumes, then it makes sense to use compact and low-maintenance cutters. These are manual guillotine shears , the device of which is optimized as much as possible for quick work with small workpieces. With this tool, you can cut a small metal sheet to the desired size, spend a little effort on it.
Technical device equipment
Again, the design and its characteristics are determined by the type of specific model. If we talk about machines, their device is represented by a supporting platform, a working table, an electric motor, a clamping mechanism, as well as cutting knives, which are set in motion after activation of the power plant. The guillotine shears for metal of the manual type are significantly different. They also have two knives, one of which, even during operation, remains stationary, but the principle of operation is based on muscular effort. The latest models also include auxiliary sheet feeding and positioning mechanisms. Using such devices, the operator can more accurately organize in-line metal processing with different parameters.
Key Features of Guillotine Shears
Performance is the main criterion for choosing guillotine shears. One of the main parameters is the force with which the equipment and, in particular, the knife acts on the workpiece. So, the average value of the power load for machine models is about 5-7 kg / mm 2 . Next, the width and thickness with which the guillotine shears work is taken into account. The characteristics of the machine equipment allow cutting sheets from a thickness of 0.5 to 3 mm. In a hand tool, this indicator rarely exceeds 2 mm. The width of the cut also matters in the workflow. Depending on the model, this value can vary on average from 1000 to 1500 mm. The frequency of operations affects the overall performance of the guillotine and is usually about 60 cuts per minute.
Engine specifications
The operational capabilities of the guillotine machine are directly determined by the potential of the power plant, which provides the function of the knives. To begin with, it is necessary to subdivide the machines into models that operate on 220 and 380 V. The power is the main indicator of the unit’s performance and usually is 3-4 kW. This potential makes it possible to confidently cope with thick sheets at a high frequency. By the way, the torque at which the hydraulic guillotine shears operate can be 1200-1500 rpm. It is important to note the dependence of the electric motor on the structural design. So, the wider the possibilities of cutting, the higher should be the power potential of the drive.
Technical characteristics of a manual guillotine for metal
The segment of manual guillotines for working with metal is mainly represented by saber-type aggregates. Their design is based on a small panel or platform that holds the base, and a movable knife directly performs cutting. As already noted, manual guillotine shears can serve sheets up to 2 mm thick. As a rule, in the case of stainless steel, this figure is 1.5-1.7 mm. However, aluminum sheets can be cut with such a tool and with a thickness exceeding 2 mm. True, the cutting length is still noticeably inferior to full-fledged machines - in standard families the maximum reaches 1300 mm. On the other hand, such models benefit from their compact size and low weight, which rarely exceeds 100 kg. Accordingly, the manual guillotine can be moved along the working platform to different points of installation operations, which simplifies the production and construction process.
Consumables and accessories
In addition to guillotine equipment, manufacturers offer sets of processing tools, personal protective equipment and adjusting accessories. From the point of view of performing the main cutting operation, it is important to have high-quality diamond files on hand , which are most often used for metalwork operations with metal, as well as tile products and glass. These devices will help if the main work is done by mechanical guillotine shears, which do not allow to obtain a neat cut. In other words, needle files will make the edge better and smoother. Also, to adjust the guillotine machines, sets of appropriate keys should be provided. Usually, an all-metal bench square is used for this purpose. As for personal protective equipment, they should be in the equipment of the operator of an electrical machine. The basic set includes: gloves, a filtering half mask, glasses and anti-noise headphones.
Maintenance
Without fail, maintenance personnel must check the reliability of fastening the movable parts of the machine, the quality of the fixing of the bed, the correct location of the platform and desktop. A correctly installed and adjusted machine will ensure cutting with high accuracy and without deviations from the technical specifications. Special attention is paid to the electric motor, which drives the guillotine shears and, in some models, is responsible for the automatic feeding of sheets. Check the condition of the oil, cooling systems and carbon brushes, if any. Masters pay attention to beam mechanisms that are involved in the transmission of torque. Clutches and gears must be in optimal working condition, otherwise the function of the cutter simply will not be performed.
Manufacturer's Reviews
The segment of guillotine equipment is not as widespread as more technological and at the same time expensive machines for high-precision metal cutting. However, there is a choice. In particular, in the domestic market, these products are represented by the brands Stalex, Enkor, MetalMaster, etc. Under the Stalex brand, machines of quite good build quality cope with hard steel grades. This is largely due to the use of high-quality high-carbon cutters in the design of machines. In addition, the welded construction increases the reliability of the installation as a whole, which is why the repair of Stalex guillotine shears is delayed. As the users themselves note, only a sheet clamp mechanism and a system for limiting the depth of material supply will have to be restored after a long time of operation. As for the models from the companies "Encore" and MetalMaster, they are mainly represented by manual reciprocating cutters with a simple design and convenient control mechanism. The only problem with the operation of such tools is the shortage of interchangeable knives, which equipment owners most often complain about.
Conclusion
The main advantage due to which mechanical cutters are still in demand is the combination of reliability, ease of handling and reasonable price. According to these indicators, sheet guillotine shears are significantly superior to alternative equipment made using modern technologies. But there are also disadvantages to the guillotine plane, which should be considered when choosing it. First of all, it concerns the quality of cutting. The fact is that only some models of manual modifications can provide an even and accurate cut - and that, provided that the user has certain skills. Machine versions are mostly focused on mass processing of large volumes of sheet metal, but you should not rely on providing them with a smooth edge.