Air plate shear

Types of Air Plate Shears

Air plate shears are useful tools used to cut metal. There are different types of air plate shears, which have specific features and functions.

• Design and Size Variations

  Air plate shears come in different designs and sizes to cut metal plates precisely. People can find the saws designed for cutting small metal plates, as well as large ones. If looking for a heavy-duty option, the air shear table is the right option because it features a large table for optimal productivity. These types are usually stationary and can efficiently and quickly cut thick plates with ease. The hand-held air plate shear is the total opposite of the air shear table because it requires users to hold it with their hands to cut through the metal. These powered tools are great for cutting thinner metal working with awkward shapes and tight spaces.

• Jigsaw Machine

  An air jigsaw shear works by using air pressure to move a straight blade up and down to make precise cuts in metal materials. It is a popular compact tool that can cut through metal of varied thicknesses and help work with curves and intricate shapes. The blade of the jigsaw moves vertically inside a machined guide in an allotted space as the cutting action is controlled mechanically and pneumatically. Many air jigsaw shears come with variable speed control features that allow users to adjust the speed to suit different thicknesses and types of materials.

• Scroll Shears

  Scroll air plate shears cuts off metal components with intricate designs. It can also trim internal shapes and holes in the plate and make turns and curves easily. The mechanism of a scroll shear is typically powered by electricity and uses a thin blade that moves up and down. Just like other types of air plate shears, a scroll shear can also be powered by electricity and compressed air.

Specifications and maintenance of air plate shears

Specifications

• Cutting thickness: The thickness of plates sheared by an air plate shear generally ranges from 1.5mm to over 25mm, with some exceptions even reaching up to 50mm.
• Cutting width: The cutting width of air plate shears can be quite wide, reaching up to 3m or more, depending on the model and capacity of the machine.
• Cutting angle: A large cutting angle of 1-5 can help the plate obtain a bevel edge. Plates with bevel edges are more accessible and more prone to further processes, such as welding.
• Maximum and minimum dimensions: Maximum and minimum dimensions are crucial because they help set the functional limits of the shear, determine the size and weight of the machine, and influence its capacity.
• Power: The power of air plate shears can be measured in several ways: cutting capacity, torque, power output, operational power, installed power, etc. Generally speaking, bigger is better, but some machines need to be bigger to be more efficient because they use air conditioning.
• Machine weight: The weight of the machine, usually expressed in tons, tells a lot about the machine. A heavier machine is more robust, and a lightweight machine may be more portable, but it will also be more delicate.

Maintenance

• Lubrication: Regularly grease and lubricate the shearing machine's moving parts per the manufacturer's instructions to ensure its good operating condition and prolong its service life.
• Maintenance of hydraulic system: Regularly check the hydraulic oil level and quality of hydraulic shears, ensure the sealing rings and pipelines are not leaking, and maintain and inspect the hydraulic pump and valve to ensure the normal operation of the hydraulic system.
• Maintenance of electrical systems: Regularly check electrical components such as wires, switches, and contactors to ensure no loose connections, degradation, or malfunction, and promptly deal with them if any problem is found. Also, ensure the electrical box is clean and well ventilated.
• Maintenance of blades: Regularly clean the blades and remove the residue and dirt on the blades to prevent blade clogging and overheating. Check the blades for damage, such as nicks, deformations, and wear, and repair or replace them as necessary. Adjust the blade gaps and cutting angles to ensure the sheared plates have smooth and even edges.
• Maintaining the machine body: Keep the machine body of the air plate shear tidy and remove any flammable materials for fire safety. Also, check the machine's body for any signs of loosening and damaging to the parts, and repair it in time if there's any damage.
• Safety operation: Ensure the guards and safety devices are intact and operate per the operations for safety and avoid accidents. During operation, avoid overloading and long-time shearing of high-strength materials, which will damage the machine faster.
• Regular inspection and maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of critical parts to ensure timely detection and solution of problems, thereby ensuring the machine's stability and safety.

Scenarios of using air plate shears

The air plate shears have many applications in different industries. The shears are used at manufacturing companies to cut various metals used to make products, such as stainless steel plates. The large tool can cut bigger plate sizes quickly and with ease.

Construction companies use air plate shears to cut metal parts, such as gutters, roofing sheets, pipes, and metal frames. The shears can produce cuts with smooth edges that do not require further finishing.

Car repair shops and the automotive industry use the shears to cut metal parts of vehicles. They employ them to modify existing vehicle metal parts and make new ones, such as body panels, frames, and brackets.

The HVAC industry uses air plate shears to cut metal parts of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They use the shears to cut ducts, vents, and enclosures.

The sign-making industry uses air plate shears to cut and shape metal materials to make signs. The shears cut aluminum or stainless steel plates used to make company logos, promotional signage, and storefront signs.

How to choose an air plate shear

Consider the following factors before buying to ensure it fits business needs.

• Review cutting needs:

  Customers should start with the parameters of the most common Shear Plates they cut to identify their most common material thickness, widths, and sizes. Then they look at the maximum cutting capacity of the Shear they plan to purchase. If not, it will have a risk of under-performance and damaging the machine.

• Select a suitable type:

  Customers can choose a stand Air Plate Shear or a shear used for milling machines based on their requirements. The former works well for cutting plates into different shapes. The latter works well for cutting plates into strips.

• Prioritize essential features:

  Customers should prioritize essential features, such as an adjustable blade gap, an air consumption and pressure range, a push-button control vs. foot control, and so on, and trade off the non-essential ones to stay within budget.

• Assess build quality:

  Customers should assess the build quality of the blades and the Shear body and consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Cheap Blades will have to be replaced quickly and reduce the cost savings from the purchase.

• Perform a cost-benefit analysis:

  Customers should perform a cost-benefit analysis. Remember that upfront purchase expenses are only one part of the analysis. Customers should also study the air in-built and running expenses, the electricity saved, and the productivity gains.

FAQ

Q1 What is the difference between a shear and a shear brake?

A1 A shearing machine or shear is a cutting machine used to cut straight metals and other materials. On the flip side, a shear brake can cut and bend materials.

Q2 What is the difference between air plate shear and electric plate shear?

A2 An electric plate shear uses electricity and has a high-speed cutting capacity. Air plate shears are more robust and safer than electric shears.

Q3 Do air plate shears have advantages?

A3 Yes. An air shear plate cuts thicker materials with greater precision than electric shears. It is more robust and generally safer than electric shears. It is more economical, and maintenance costs are lower.