Several variables, such as the guillotine type and the material being cut, determine the maximum thickness of metal that can be guillotined. There is a wide range of guillotines available, some of which can cut through metal sheets that are several inches thick. But most guillotines used for metalworking can handle sheets of metal no thicker than about 25 mm (1 inch).
The maximum allowable thickness of guillotined metal is also material-specific. When compared to easier metals like aluminium and copper, tougher metals like steel and stainless steel are far more challenging to cut. A guillotine with a greater cutting capability may be necessary to cut through thicker sheets of tougher metals.
The maximum guillotine thickness is affected by the metal's condition in addition to the sheet's thickness and the metal's type. Metals with extensive corrosion or numerous surface flaws could be more challenging to cut and necessitate a more robust guillotine.
In general, the maximum thickness of metal that can be guillotined differs from one guillotine and material to another. However, the majority of guillotines utilised for metal manufacturing can slice through sheets of metal that are approximately 25mm (1 inch) thick.
Table of Contents
What Is Metal Guillotine
Cutting metal sheets into precise shapes and sizes is the job of guillotine sheet metal cutting machines. Using this equipment, you may precisely cut metal sheets.
Also, guillotine-cutting machines are widely used in the metalworking industry to fulfil customer demands and requirements. Use it as a standalone procedure to create sheet metal fabrication or to get metal ready for further shaping.
Because of their precision in measuring and cutting to precise angles, mechanised cutting machines are indispensable in the metal shaping process.
The features of the controls can teach you all you need to know about this guillotine-cutting machine.
You may regulate the direct-drive motor using the pedal next to the large red button, which acts as an emergency stop. If the machinery is pneumatically propelled, the pedal will open the valves that direct the flow of air. If something goes wrong, like an operator getting wounded, this huge button stops the entire machine.
The guillotine has controls on top that let you change the fall speed and angle. Numerous safety elements, such as electrical guards, are also present. Removing the guards will render the cutting machine inoperable. This is a crucial safety measure, so keep that in mind.
The guillotine's ability to precisely and accurately cut depends on its blade gap adjustment. When working with thicker-than-average sheet metal, the blade gap is adjusted upwards. The angle at which the blades are raked is also identical.
The amount of sheet material that is cut is determined by the "Rake Angle," which is measured from left to right. Cutting less material is achieved with a higher angle. The cut is more precise since this adjustment reduces the amount of bowing and bending in the sheet.
A skilled operator can manipulate the pressure and angle using their fingertips. In addition to adjusting the blade angle, you may also change the stroke speed. The standard way to assess blade angle is by observing the change from left to right.
How To Cut Metal With A Guillotine
Two blades, one stationary beneath the workpiece and the other moving downward, are used by guillotines to cut metal. There is a wide range of sizes and names for guillotine shears, including squaring shear, Beverly, guillotine, plate, and throatless shears. However, they all use the same cutting mechanism.
Mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic guillotine versions are all readily accessible for usage in a broad range of tasks. Cutting through aluminium, bronze, brass, and mild steel is a breeze with these hand or foot-operated machines, which are perfect for the do-it-yourselfer or hobbyist who doesn't want to break the bank or rent a huge workshop. A bigger CNC pneumatic or hydraulic model would be more suited for the metalworker who frequently has to cut numerous sheets quickly.
After a guillotine cut, the metal may require finishing or deburring; a mill file or sanding sheet made of aluminium oxide will do the trick.
Below, we'll take a closer look at the many guillotine types.
One can use a guillotine, power shear, or squarering shear.
While foot or hand-operated versions are available, hydraulically-powered CNC machines are the most used in industry. The blades of guillotines can be adjusted to a constant or variable cutting angle, which decreases the likelihood of metal being stuck in the blades. However, the precise squareness of the cut edge is compromised when this angle is set to an angle between half a degree and two and a half degrees. Altering the shear angle,' which changes the blade's rocking action to increase the stroke, is another way to decrease the cutting force. This makes the cut from one side of the metal to the other more like a scissor action than a chopping one.
Tips For Cutting Metal Using A Guillotine
- When working with metal, you must always use protective gear, including gloves and goggles, to avoid cuts and splinters. Additionally, earplugs are a must-have when working with electric guillotines because of how loud they are.
- Follow the manufacturer's directions to set the machine's parameters to the required cut length, shear angle, and rake angle.
- Verify the proper installation and operation of all guards. To prevent entanglement, the guards should appropriately isolate the clamps and blades. Avoid rushing the machine setup or settling for subpar equipment when working with guillotines since the force applied could cut a limb.
- To secure the metal, pass it through the machine until it reaches the back gauge, and then engage the clamps.
- Pull the lever, press the keypad, or use the treadle to activate the blade mechanism. Metal shards will be sucked into the machine's collection chute at the back when the blades slice through them.
- Never manually remove metal from a machine unless necessary; doing so puts you in danger of slamming the blades shut or the metal dropping unexpectedly, both of which can cause serious harm. Turn off the machine and have a licenced engineer clear it.
Why It’s Important To Choose The Right Guillotine
Hydraulics Or Mechanical?
Consider your capacity requirements first. Guillotine widths range from 1 metre to 5 metres, and thicknesses from 0.1 mm to 25 mm. Which machine is ideal for cutting what you want to cut depends on the material.
Whether you require a hydraulic or mechanical machine is the next thing to think about. Bruce lays out the benefits of each in the video. The cutting capability of hydraulic machines can handle material thicknesses up to 25 mm, in contrast to the mechanical guillotine's maximum cutting capacity of 4-5 mm.
Guillotine Machine
The mechanical option is more straightforward. The mechanical machine has several advantages over its hydraulic equivalent, including a smaller footprint, less noise, and less environmental impact due to the elimination of hydraulic oil. The mechanical machine's high cut-per-minute pace makes it an excellent choice for light sheet metal materials up to 4mm in thickness.
Hydraulic Guillotine With A Swing Beam
You get a lot of bang for your buck with the hydraulic swing beam guillotine. Materials with a thickness of more than 1.5 mm and up to 20 mm are the best candidates for the swing beam option. To handle heavier materials, these models come with a fixed rake angle. Among our clientele, this is the choice that stands out the most.
Hydraulic Guillotine With Adjustable Rake
A variable rake hydraulic guillotine is ideal if you have a wide variety of thicknesses to cut. More cutting variety is possible with the variable rake, which is particularly useful for cutting thin, narrow strips. As its name implies, the variable rake feature lets you adjust the rake on the top beam while it cuts, making it less likely that the cut section will twist. You could expect the most exact cut from this design, but it comes at the highest price tag.
Extras Aside From Core Services
To make cutting even easier, there are a plethora of optional options to choose from. A longer squaring arm or support arm is an excellent choice if you're cutting a narrow strip from a big sheet with most of the material at the front of the machine. If you want to avoid material bowing at the machine's front, these additional are a must-have.
What about the number of pieces you're cutting? If so, a stacker and a conveyor might be useful pieces of equipment. Unfortunately, these solutions can slow down the cut-per-minute rate and aren't cheap.
Conclusion
Several variables, such as the type of guillotine and the material being cut, affect the greatest thickness of metal that may be guillotined. Sheets no thicker than 25 mm (1 inch) can be handled by most guillotines. Tougher metals, including steel and stainless steel, are more difficult to cut, and as a result, the maximum permissible thickness of guillotined metal varies depending on the substance. The maximum guillotine thickness depends on the state of the metal, including any corrosion or surface imperfections.
In the metalworking sector, guillotine sheet metal cutting machines are commonly employed to satisfy client needs and specifications. When fabricating sheet metal or getting ready to shape metal further, they are indispensable. These devices are equipped with a direct-drive motor, a sizable red emergency stop button, and fall speed and angle settings. The blade gap adjustment on the guillotine determines its cutting capacity; thicker-than-average sheet metal requires a adjustment higher. The "Rake Angle" controls how much sheet material is sliced; sharper cuts are produced at greater angles.
Metal is cut by guillotine shears, which include throatless, plate, Beverly, squaring, and guillotine shears. There are guillotine variations that are mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic for different applications; the most widely used types are hydraulically operated. It could be necessary to finish or deburr the metal following a guillotine cut.
Wearing safety equipment, adhering to the manufacturer's instructions, and making sure guards are installed and operated correctly are essential while using a guillotine to cut metal. Once the metal reaches the rear gauge and the clamps are engaged, it can be secured by feeding it through the machine. You may use the treadle, pull the lever, or press the keypad to activate the blade mechanism. When it's not required, never physically remove metal from the machine.
Based on the required capacity, widths, and thicknesses, select the appropriate guillotine. While mechanical machines are less noisy, have a smaller environmental imprint, and can handle material thicknesses of up to 25 mm, hydraulic machines can manage higher thicknesses. Light sheet metal up to 4 mm thick is best suited for mechanical machines. For materials with thicknesses up to 20 mm and exceeding 1.5 mm, swing beam guillotines are perfect. More costly but perfect for a large range of thicknesses are hydraulic guillotines with the variable rake.
Longer squaring arms or support arms for cutting narrow strips, as well as stackers and conveyers for bigger pieces, are further possible alternatives. These methods are not inexpensive, though, and they can cause cut-per-minute rates to decrease.
Content Summary
- The maximum thickness for metal guillotining varies by guillotine type and material, generally up to about 25 mm (1 inch).
- Tougher metals like steel and stainless steel require more cutting capability compared to softer metals like aluminium and copper.
- The condition of the metal, including corrosion or surface flaws, can also affect the cutting process.
- Guillotines are essential for cutting metal sheets into precise shapes and sizes, offering high precision.
- They are versatile, capable of handling different metal types and thicknesses, suitable for various metalworking needs.
- Guillotine-cutting machines include features for adjusting the cut's direct-drive motor, airflow, and emergency stops.
- Adjusting the blade gap and rake angle is crucial for cutting thicker metals accurately.
- Guillotines utilise two blades for cutting metal, one stationary and one moving downward.
- Mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic guillotines cater to different levels of metalworking tasks.
- After cutting, the metal may need finishing or deburring to smooth the edges.
- Guillotines can have adjustable cutting angles to reduce the likelihood of metal jamming in the blades.
- Altering the shear angle can decrease cutting force and cut more like a scissor action.
- Safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and earplugs, is essential when using guillotines.
- It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting machine parameters.
- Proper installation and operation of guards are crucial to prevent accidents.
- Choosing the right guillotine involves considering capacity requirements and the choice between hydraulic and mechanical machines.
- Hydraulic machines are suitable for thicker materials, up to 25 mm, while mechanical guillotines handle up to 4-5 mm.
- Mechanical guillotines are quieter and have a smaller footprint compared to hydraulic ones.
- Hydraulic swing beam guillotines are ideal for materials thicker than 1.5 mm and up to 20 mm.
- Variable rake hydraulic guillotines offer flexibility for cutting a wide range of thicknesses accurately.
- Optional features like longer squaring arms or support arms can enhance cutting precision for large sheets.
- Stackers and conveyors can be useful for handling multiple cuts but may reduce the cut-per-minute rate and increase costs.
- Regular maintenance and proper operation are key to maximising the efficiency and safety of guillotine cutting.
- Understanding the specific requirements of your metalworking projects helps in selecting the most suitable guillotine type.
- Guillotines play a crucial role in the metal fabrication sector, offering efficiency, precision, and adaptability for cutting tasks.
- The efficiency of guillotine cutting significantly reduces production time, making it ideal for high-volume tasks.
- Safety protocols for guillotine operation are critical to prevent accidents and ensure operator safety.
- Regular inspections and blade maintenance are essential to keep the guillotine performing at its best.
- The choice between hydraulic and mechanical guillotines depends on the specific needs of the metal fabrication project.
- Hydraulic guillotines are preferred for their power and ability to handle thicker materials with precision.
- Mechanical guillotines offer a cost-effective solution for thinner materials and smaller-scale operations.
- Guillotine shears can be customised with various features to meet the unique requirements of different metalworking projects.
- Training and expertise are crucial for operators to maximise the capabilities of guillotine-cutting machines safely.
- The adaptability of guillotines to different metals and thicknesses makes them a versatile tool in metal fabrication.
- Investing in the right guillotine can enhance productivity, improve cut quality, and expand the range of metalworking capabilities.
- Guillotine cutting provides a clean and straight edge, reducing the need for secondary finishing processes.
- The precision of guillotine cuts ensures that metal components meet exact specifications for various applications.
- Hydraulic guillotines with adjustable rake angles offer the flexibility to optimise cutting conditions for each material.
- Properly maintained guillotines can serve as a reliable and efficient cutting solution for many years, offering a good return on investment.
- The integration of safety features, such as emergency stops and blade guards, is essential for protecting operators during guillotine operations.
- Guillotine cutting is an environmentally friendly option, as it minimises waste by producing precise cuts that maximise material usage.
- The capability to quickly set up and adjust guillotine shears makes them suitable for both small custom jobs and large production runs.
- The selection of a guillotine should consider the business's future needs to ensure it can handle anticipated material types and thicknesses.
- Guillotines are an essential component of the metalworking industry, contributing to the efficiency and quality of manufactured products.
- By choosing the appropriate guillotine, businesses can improve their operational efficiency, product quality, and ability to meet customer demands.
- Understanding the limitations and capabilities of different guillotine models is crucial for making an informed purchasing decision.
- Regular training updates for operators can help operators utilise the guillotine's features to their full potential and maintain safety standards.
- The right guillotine enhances the metal fabrication process, enabling businesses to tackle a wide range of projects with confidence.
- Maintenance and proper use are key to ensuring the longevity and reliability of guillotine-cutting machines in the metalworking industry.
- The investment in a high-quality guillotine pays off by providing precise cuts, efficient operation, and flexibility to meet various metal fabrication needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guillotine shearing is a method used to cut metal sheets with precision using a blade.
The main types of guillotine shears are mechanical and hydraulic.
Factors include the type of material, blade angle, blade material, and cutting capacity of the machine.
Advantages include high cutting precision, minimal material wastage, and cost-effectiveness.
Safety measures include wearing protective equipment and ensuring the machine is properly maintained.