The process of sheet metal sheering is essential in conducting various activities like creation of sculptures, and building and construction. It involves a specific cutting process that is done to produce straight line cuts that separate the sheet metal into pieces. It makes it necessary to know the standard and correct methods used in the shearing process to avoid unnecessary mistakes or injuries during the process. Check out some basics of how the process takes place.

Have the Right Materials and Tools

To complete this project, you will need guillotine, band saw, power shears, tape measure, straightedge, protective goggles, workman's gloves, sandpaper, an overall, and a felt-tip pen. With these materials at hand, let's get down to business to explore the complete sheet metal sheering process.

Preparation Stage

It is necessary that you prepare for the process by considering the size of the metal sheet to be cut. This will help in determining the method to be used in cutting the sheet metal. Manual shears may be used for smaller pieces of sheet metal. The method may also be used for pieces of sheet that need intricate cutting which is always easier to complete. You can define clear dimensions needed for purposes of marking with a pen using a tape measure to improve the accuracy of the process.

Power Shearing Stage

A power shear is a hand tool that is powered electrically to enable straight cut and curved lines in the sheet metal. Ensure that you secure enough space of working to allow spreading of the sheet metal for proper cutting. Put on gloves to avoid cuts and carefully cut along the lines that you previously drew. This method is flexible enough to be used on any size of sheet metal.

Band Saw Stage

Band saws can be used to cut metal of varied size depending on what the table can allow. At this stage, wear protective gear and power on the saw to attain its full speed. This should be done before drawing the sheet metal across the blade. You will need to exert firm pressure on the sheet metal when cutting to avoid movements from vibrations to minimise jagged edges when working. After cutting is complete, use a sand paper to tidy up edges of the cut metal to make your work smooth, uniform, and consistent.

Guillotine Stage

Specific machines can be used for sheet metal cutting when precise cuts are required. The guillotine is operated with a hand or foot lever based on its design. You move the blade downwards into the sheet metal to make the desired cut. Blades can be easily adjusted to a specific angle to produce different cuts.