Operating and Maintaining Your Shearing Machine: Cutting-edge Tips

Ever wondered how to maximize the efficiency and safety of your shearing machine? This guide delves into essential tips for operating and maintaining these powerful tools. From choosing the right materials and ensuring proper lubrication to troubleshooting common issues, you’ll discover best practices that enhance performance and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Dive in to learn how to keep your shearing machine running smoothly and safely.

Table Of Contents

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to establish standardized operating procedures for machine operators, ensuring both human and equipment safety while optimizing production efficiency. By implementing these guidelines, we aim to minimize product rework and scrap rates resulting from human error, promote consistent and normalized operations, and ultimately enhance overall manufacturing quality and productivity.

Scope

This document outlines the operational controls and best practices for the shearing machine within our company’s production department. It encompasses all aspects of machine operation, from pre-operation checks to shutdown procedures, and is designed to be used by all personnel involved in shearing operations, including operators, supervisors, and maintenance staff.

Working Principle

The shearing machine employs a precise cutting mechanism to separate metal plates of varying thicknesses into desired dimensions. This process utilizes a carefully calibrated blade clearance between the dynamic upper blade and the stationary lower blade. As the upper blade descends, it exerts a concentrated shear force on the workpiece, inducing controlled material failure along the cutting line.

Shearing machines are categorized based on their actuation methods:

  1. Manual (foot pedal-operated)
  2. Mechanical (powered by electric motors)
  3. Hydraulic swing beam (utilizing hydraulic systems for enhanced force and control)

Primarily designed for producing straight-edged blanks, shearing machines are integral to sheet metal fabrication processes. The effectiveness of the shearing operation hinges on several critical factors:

  • Blade clearance optimization: Tailored to material properties and thickness
  • Blade geometry and material: Engineered for durability and clean cuts
  • Hold-down pressure: Ensures workpiece stability during shearing
  • Cutting angle: Influences force distribution and edge quality

To achieve high-quality workpieces, the shearing process must maintain:

  1. Straightness and parallelism of the sheared edge
  2. Minimal plate distortion
  3. Controlled burr formation
  4. Precise dimensional accuracy

Our facility employs the QB11-4×2000 shearing machine, a robust model capable of handling sheets up to 4mm thick and 2000mm wide. This machine offers:

  • High-precision blade alignment
  • Programmable back gauge for repeatable cuts
  • Variable rake angle adjustment for optimized cutting performance
  • Integrated safety features to ensure operator protection

Responsibilities

Relevant production personnel are responsible for material confirmation, quality assurance, and report filling during the production process.

Procedures

5.1 Material Selection

Related personnel select the required materials according to production requirements: when selecting, they should pay attention to the color, grade, coating type, thickness, width, and strength of the materials, and whether they are consistent with the requirements on the production order. Use leftover materials first.

5.2 Startup and Shutdown of the Machine

When starting the machine, the main control power supply lock on the electrical cabinet should be opened first, the switch should be set to the “ON” position, and then the power switch on the main control panel should be turned on to the “ON” position. When shutting down, first set the main control switch to the “OFF” position, then rotate the power switch on the electrical cabinet to the “OFF” position, and lock the cabinet.

5.3 Precautions for Using the Shearing Machine:

  • Run the shearing machine without load for several cycles to ensure that under normal conditions, cut different thickness plates from thin to thick. Ensure that the operator is familiar with the performance of the shearing machine.
  • When trial cutting different plate thicknesses, adjust the corresponding blade clearance. If the corresponding blade clearance is not adjusted, it will affect the durability of the blade.
  • Maintain a balanced sound level during operation. If there is abnormal noise in the shearing machine, stop the machine and check it.
  • The oil temperature during operation should not exceed 60 degrees. If it exceeds, shut down and rest.
ModelMax. Cutting Thickness.(mm)Max. Cutting Width(mm)Shearing AngleBackgauge Range(mm)Stroke Frequency (Times/Min)Main Motor Power(kw)Weight(kg)Dimensions(mm)
QB11-4×2000 Hydraulic swing shearing machine420002°30′500275.533003200×1300×1610

7.4 Operation Procedures

7.4.1 Preparation before Operation

(1) Before operating, the operator must wear tight protective clothing, fasten the cuffs, and not wear loose clothing or wrap anything around the body near the running machine to prevent being caught by the machine. Safety helmets must be worn, and hair should be tucked inside the helmet. Skirts and sandals are not allowed.

(2) The operator must be familiar with the main structure, performance, and usage of the shearing machine.

(3) This machine is suitable for shearing various steel plates, copper plates, aluminum plates, and non-metallic material plates with a thickness equal to the rated value of the machine, provided that they are free of hard marks, slag, burrs, and welds. Over-thickness is not allowed.

(4) The lubrication of each part of the machine should be maintained regularly. The operator should add lubricating oil once per shift, and the machine repairman should add lubricating oil to the rolling bearing part once every six months.

7.4.2 Operating Procedures

(1) Operators must be familiar with the general structure and performance of the equipment and strictly prohibited from using the equipment beyond its performance limits.

(3) Before starting the machine, add lubricating grease according to the equipment lubrication requirements, check the oil cup level and oil quality, and cover the oil cup hole cover.

(4) Before working, the blade must be kept sharp. If the blade becomes dull or cracks, it should be sharpened or replaced promptly. The blade plate must be securely fastened, the blade must be close to the plate, and the upper and lower blade plate surfaces must be kept parallel. After adjustment, manual rotation of the flywheel should be used to check for any accidents.

The blade clearance should be determined according to the thickness of the steel plate to be sheared, generally between 5-7% of the thickness of the sheared plate. Each time the clearance is adjusted, the flywheel should be manually rotated to make the upper and lower blades move back and forth once, and an auxiliary measuring tool should be used to check if the clearance is appropriate to prevent spring breakage or damage to the blade.

(5) It is not allowed to cut two different specifications or different materials of sheet metal at the same time or to cut stacked materials. The cut sheet metal should have a smooth surface, and the edge of the burr material should not be trimmed. It is not allowed to cut narrow or short materials that are not tightly pressed.

(6) Adjust the stopper or fixture according to the cutting requirements of the workpiece. Loosen the positioning material stopper bolt, adjust the position of the positioning material plate, and fix it firmly. Before working, run the machine without material 2-3 times to confirm good lubrication and normal operation before starting work.

(7) The feeding must be straight, flat, and stable. Fingers must not be close to the cutting edge or pressure plate. When feeding, pay attention to finger safety, especially when cutting the last piece of material, do not put your fingers under the material or into the cutting edge. If the last piece of material is less than 200mm, manual cutting is not allowed, and auxiliary tools should be used for cutting.

(8) It is not allowed to repair or wipe the machine tool during operation, and tools or other objects are not allowed to be placed on the machine table to avoid damaging the blade by entering the cutting edge.

(9) During cutting, the material pressing device should press the sheet metal tightly, and cutting is not allowed in the state of loose pressing.

(10) A protective fence should be installed on the shear trigger to prevent the operator’s hand from entering the cutting area. The protective fence should not obstruct the operator’s eyes from seeing the cutting position. It is strictly forbidden to pick up waste materials on the ground during work to avoid injury from falling workpieces. After the operation, the operator should clean up the waste material with sharp edges in time to prevent stabs or cuts.

(11) The moving parts of the belt, flywheel, gear, and shaft of the shear must be equipped with protective covers.

(12) Pay attention to whether the clamping mechanism, clutch, and brake have any abnormal malfunction. Concentrate during cutting. If there are any abnormal phenomena in the equipment, stop cutting immediately, cut off the power supply, and notify relevant personnel for inspection.

(13) To ensure safety production and improve work efficiency, in case of personal or equipment accidents, the scene should be kept and reported to the relevant departments.

(14) Before leaving work, the power supply should be cut off, the equipment should be wiped clean, and the inspection record should be completed.

7.4.3 Precautions

(1) It is forbidden to cut materials that are too long or too thick, and materials such as high-speed steel, tool steel, and cast iron that have been hardened or tempered.

(2) Before starting the machine, disengage the clutch and do not start the motor under load.

(3) Before starting the machine, perform a test cut without a workpiece. Only after the test is successful can you start processing.

(4) It is forbidden to cut explosive materials, bars, materials that are too thin, and non-metallic materials.

(5) Pay attention to the clutch to ensure that it is functioning properly. Check if the fasteners are secure, and keep your fingers away from the cutting area when feeding. It is strictly forbidden for two people to cut two pieces of material at the same time on the same machine, and it is not allowed to stand on the cutting bed after cutting.

(6) The equipment should be operated by a dedicated person, and it must not be used without permission. It is necessary to ensure that the machine is stopped when people are away.

(7) Adjusting, repairing, and cleaning the equipment must be done when the machine is stopped.

(8) It is forbidden to loosen or tighten the material clamping device or adjust the blade clearance by tapping. When adjusting the blade clearance, the machine must be stopped first.

(9) It is forbidden to reach into the cutting area with your hands or use your hands to feed or pick up materials during operation.

Safety

When operating the shearing machine, all safety regulations must be followed:

  1. Under no circumstances are hands or any part of the body allowed to reach into the cutting edge or other rotating parts.
  2. Operating under the cutting rack is not allowed.
  3. Standing within the machine protection or danger zone is not allowed.
  4. No one is allowed to stand at the back of the machine or under the cutting rack before the machine is started.
  5. When adjusting the machine’s blade gap uniformity, the motor must be turned off.
  6. If any abnormal noise or other unusual situation is discovered during machine operation, the machine must be stopped immediately until the problem is resolved before continuing use.
  7. In case of multiple operators, it is necessary to ensure that there are no dangerous factors before pressing the foot switch or button.

Maintenance methods for the shearing machine

Maintenance and upkeep procedures for the shearing machine are critical for ensuring optimal performance, longevity, and safety:

  1. Adhere strictly to established operating procedures and safety protocols.
  2. Prior to each startup, apply lubricating oil as specified in the lubrication chart. Use only clean, sediment-free oil of the recommended grade to prevent contamination and ensure proper lubrication.
  3. Maintain machine cleanliness and apply rust-preventive grease to unpainted surfaces to protect against corrosion. Pay particular attention to areas prone to moisture accumulation.
  4. Regularly service motor bearings, replacing lubricating oil at manufacturer-specified intervals. Conduct frequent inspections of electrical components, including wiring, switches, and control panels, to ensure safe and reliable operation.
  5. Perform routine inspections of the machine and surrounding area. Maintain cleanliness and verify proper insulation of electrical cables to prevent short circuits and potential safety hazards.
  6. Conduct regular checks on wear-prone components such as the triangular belt, handles, knobs, and buttons. Replace worn parts promptly to prevent operational issues. Implement a spare parts inventory system, reporting and replenishing as necessary to minimize downtime.
  7. Regularly test and verify the functionality of critical safety components, including the repair switch, fuses, and emergency stop handles. Ensure these components operate reliably and meet current safety standards.
  8. Dedicate at least 10 minutes at the end of each shift for thorough lubrication and cleaning of the machine. This practice helps identify potential issues early and maintains optimal operating conditions.
  9. Restrict machine operation to trained and authorized personnel only. Implement lockout/tagout procedures when the machine is not in use to prevent unauthorized access and potential accidents.
  10. Develop and maintain a comprehensive maintenance log, recording all inspections, repairs, and part replacements. This documentation aids in tracking machine health, predicting maintenance needs, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
  11. Conduct periodic precision checks using appropriate measurement tools to verify and maintain the accuracy of the shearing process. Adjust blade clearance and alignment as needed to ensure consistent cut quality.
  12. Implement a predictive maintenance program using vibration analysis, oil analysis, or thermal imaging to detect potential issues before they lead to machine failure or safety hazards.

Cleaning

  1. Adjustment and cleaning must be done when the machine is stopped.
  2. Keep the work site and machine clean at all times. Do not pile up workpieces or debris.
  3. After work is finished, store the finished products properly, cut off the power supply, clean the machine, clean the work site, and lock the switch box.
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Shane
Author

Shane

Founder of MachineMFG

As the founder of MachineMFG, I have dedicated over a decade of my career to the metalworking industry. My extensive experience has allowed me to become an expert in the fields of sheet metal fabrication, machining, mechanical engineering, and machine tools for metals. I am constantly thinking, reading, and writing about these subjects, constantly striving to stay at the forefront of my field. Let my knowledge and expertise be an asset to your business.

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