types, device, how to choose, rules of work

Cutting sheet metal with hand scissors or a grinder is a difficult, time-consuming and traumatic process, but the greatest difficulties arise in the processing of corrugated and profile metal products. And if they are also located in remote places, then it is almost impossible to perform any operation. No problem to cope with any task electric shears for metal. This article describes what they are, how they differ, how they function and what needs to be taken into account when choosing a tool.

Design features of metal shears for metal

Externally, metal shears for metal resemble a small angle grinder (Bulgarian). Compact models have a narrow, oblong-shaped body, conveniently located in the hand. Larger and more powerful options to wrap a palm more difficult, so they are equipped with an external handle. For the manufacture of the body of electric shears used shock-resistant constructional ABS plastic.

The electric motor is located inside the plastic case of the instrument, and in the front part is a multi-stage gearbox in a metal casing. In this node, the rotational movement of the spindle is converted into reciprocating, as a result of which the cutting tool is activated. The working unit operates on the principle of a hand-held mechanical tool: it includes in its construction static and movable elements, when passing between which the sheet metal is cut.

Electric shears for metal differ in the way the material is deformed - there are knife models that cut the canvas similarly to household shears, slotted and punching machines that resemble a clerical punch punch.

Working bodies of various types of electroscissors on metal:

Advantages of electroscissors for metal

We will talk about the functional features of specific modifications of electroscissors later, but now I would like to dwell on the virtues inherent in all these devices. So:

• compared with hand-held metal shears, the appliance does not require much physical effort, because the cutting or cutting process is performed automatically;
• for the same reason, productivity increases in times;
• metal shears for metal can be used to cut fairly thick (up to 5 mm) metal elements, as well as to work with non-ferrous alloys, polymers and composite materials, processing of which, naturally, is beyond the power of hand tools;
• power tools of this type can be easily cut not only smooth sheet metal, but also profile products (for example, metal tile, decking, etc.);
• the ergonomic design of electric shears allows you to make complex curvilinear parts, including patterns;
• thanks to the sharp cutting element and high speed of movement, the cut is accurate and clean;
• the workpiece is not deformed or damaged during the cutting process;
• safe tool design and no need for tactile contact with a metal product nullifies risk of injury during work.

Types and modifications of electric shears for metal

There are three main types of electric shears, differing in their functional purpose, design and principle of operation. So all models are divided into sheet, spline and cutting versions. Next, consider in detail the features of each type.

Sheet electric shears

By its design features and principle of operation, this tool most closely resembles economic scissors. A static knife is fixed on the horseshoe-shaped rigid support element in the horizontal plane. In a perpendicular (vertical) plane, a movable knife works by reciprocating movements. By resetting the bearing pad, you can adjust the gap between the upper and lower blades, adjusting the electroscissors to work with a material of a certain thickness.

Splined electric scissors

This version also has a pair of knives in its design. One of them is fixed on top, it is fixed, has a U-shaped and two cutting edges. The lower knife performs reciprocating movements in a vertical position, entering the groove of the fixed upper element of the electric shears. When cutting thin spiral chips are formed. The function of adjusting the gap between the knives is also available here, which allows the device to be adapted to the thickness of a specific metal sheet.

In high-quality models, the chips go up and to the side, without interfering with the view and doing no damage on the workpiece. Shavings are periodically cut with special nippers.

Punching (punching) electric shears

Electric punching shears are essentially a miniature punching press that can be manually moved along the web in a given direction. The design of this equipment includes the same elements as the stationary metalworking equipment - the matrix and the punch.

A matrix is ​​a static element of square or round shape, fixed in a matrix holder. The punch is a punch, which is a moving piece of equipment. It is mounted in a slider, which makes a reciprocating motion transmitted by a crank mechanism. The shape of the punch is fully consistent with the shape of the matrix. If it is necessary to replace one of the elements, they are changed in pairs.

Round-shaped punching elements are designed to work with thin sheet materials (up to 3 mm), and square - for thicker blanks. Matrix and punch have the function of a stepless 360-degree rotation, providing ease of curvilinear cuts. To make it easier to reach very hard-to-reach areas, the matrix can be fixed with an angular interval of 90º.

In the process of cutting die-cutting electroscissors, the punch cuts holes in the metal sheet, from which a continuous track is formed with a width equal to the diameter of the punch.

Some kind of punching shears are punching shears for corrugated sheets with high keystone.

How to choose electric shears for metal

Now let's talk about how to choose electric shears for metal. First of all, it is necessary to determine the specifics of the prevailing works. According to experienced craftsmen, who used different types of electric shears in their practice, the most versatile are cutting-type machines, namely, sheet models. For example, for the installation of ventilation - this is an ideal option. Splined electric shears can be classified as cut tools. They are excellent for working with thin sheet steel in hard-to-reach places, for example, for body repairs. Vysekny models are convenient for using when carrying out roofing works since they perfectly cope with cutting of relief surfaces - a professional flooring, metal tiles, corrugations, etc.

However at the choice it is necessary to be guided not only on character of future works, but and on the technical characteristics, as well as the capabilities of the tool itself.

Power Type

There are battery and mains models. For example, for roofing, the main factor is mobility, since it is not possible to connect the machine to the network on the roof. Plus, the battery devices have no risk of damage to the cord on the sharp edges of the roof elements. However, it should be noted that mobile electric shears have limitations in power and operating time. With the help of an accumulator device, you can cut a steel sheet with a maximum thickness of 1.5 mm, and the total cut footage per charge will be, at best, 70 m. When choosing a mobile model, you should pay attention to the number of spare batteries and their charging speed.

Motor power characteristics

The power of average electroscissors cannot be called high - it varies between 300-650 W. Naturally, this indicator affects the performance of electroscissors and their ability to cope with a certain thickness of metal. Choosing a more powerful tool, it should be noted that it will have a solid mass and a larger turning radius due to the size of the knives. The choice in this case will depend on your needs.

Cutting stroke frequency

The speed and "cleanliness" of the process of cutting metal parts will depend on this criterion. The higher the speed of the electroscissors, the neater the cutting line. As a rule, light, but not very powerful tools, work quickly and cleanly, and high-torque units are more sluggish and sloppy. When comparing the stroke frequency, one should take into account the parameters of indicators of the same type, i.e., sheet - with sheet, die-cutting - with die-cutting devices. The best option is the electric shears, which have a function of adjusting the frequency of the stroke, which allows you to adapt the tool to specific conditions and specific characteristics of materials.

Indicator of the maximum metal thickness

This characteristic is determined by the output power of the electroscissors and their design features. Attention should be paid to such indicators as the stroke of the cutting element to determine the maximum thickness of the metal to be cut, as well as to the category of metal with which to work (mild steel, strong steel, aluminum).

Maneuverability

Here the main indicator is the turning radius of the tool. Almost all manufacturers indicate in the passports for electric shears a minimum radius, but many models exceed this limit considerably. Do not forget that the sheet machines can start saws only from the edge of the sheet, the slotted ones are convenient to work in narrow areas, and the cutting ones are distinguished by the ability to rotate 360º around their axis and do an excellent job with the profiled products.

Ergonomics

Electric shears for metal are designed to be held with one hand so that the second hand can be fixed the workpiece. In this regard, the shape and design of the machine body (thickness, the presence of corrugations and linings) are of great importance. However, the ability to hold the device with two hands when performing certain operations is also important, so you should pay attention to whether the set includes a removable handle.

Execution option for the start-up node

The main requirement is that the switch be locked in operation. It should also check whether the switch "knocks out" when vibrating. The location of the button is also an important criterion.It should be in such a place on the body, so that it is convenient to reach it with your fingers, but the possibility of accidental pressing was excluded.

Anti-traumatic protection

It is recommended to choose models equipped with a special shield plate designed to protect the user's hands. By the way, this option is not provided in every device, although it is very important to ensure safe operation.

Cutting unit functionality level

When choosing a tool, ask about the range of adjustments of the distance between the blades and whether such a function is provided at all. In addition, appreciate how easy it is to replace the cutting tool (knives, dies, punch). Ask if the electric shears are equipped with a spare tool and, if not, whether it is possible to purchase it yourself, as well as whether similar components from other manufacturers are suitable.

Choice of electrical shears for metal, depending on the work performed

How to use electric shears: detailed instructions

Getting started and first precautions

Blades (punches) are very sharp and move fast, therefore Handle the tool very carefully. You can not immediately turn it on in the network - first you need to make sure that the "start" button is not activated. If not, move it to a safe position. Here - only now you can turn on the plug.

Before the start of cutting:

• It is necessary to firmly fix the metal sheet to be cut. Otherwise, it will shake, which will spoil the cut line. If it is not possible to firmly fix the sheet, at least firmly press it against a flat surface (for example, a table, workbench).
• To protect your eyes and hands, you must put on gloves with a mask.

Secrets of the flat cut line

To make it beautiful and high-quality, you need to work carefully and carefully. Especially if you have to cope with such complex materials as profiled sheet or metal tile.

Here are a few rules that will help you to do everything “by five”:

The distance between the blades of the sheet scissors and its adjustment

This parameter can be changed not for all types of electric shears, but only at sheet machines. This is necessary when a thick sheet is first cut, and then a thin sheet (or vice versa). Suppose that the steel sheet being machined is 0.7 millimeters thick. In this case, the knives should be closer to each other. If the next task is cutting aluminum with a thickness of 2 to 3 millimeters, then the blades will have to be moved apart to the appropriate distance. To adjust, you need to unscrew the special screws (adjustment). After setting the desired distance between the knives, the screws should be tightly tightened.

The whole truth about vibration

If the tool is of high quality, then nothing should vibrate anywhere. And if you feel that the vibration is present, then this may indicate a possible malfunction of the device. The second cause of vibration is cutting material that is not suitable for this tool. For example, more dense than acceptable. Or corrugated.

In order not to spoil the instrument, read its instruction. It describes in detail what materials the scissors can work with, as well as their maximum permissible characteristics (density, for example).

Tips to increase the durability of electric scissors

Of course, everyone wants their equipment to work as long as possible. In the case of scissors, the following will help:

	Tip # 1. Timely replacement of cutting blades. Working with a blunt instrument, you can very quickly ruin it. And the cut lines will be curved, with serrated edges.
	Council # 2. While working, do not forget to periodically allow the device to rest, so that the heated engine has time to cool down. The manual says how long the time of continuous work can last (usually it is 10 or 15 minutes).
	Tip # 3. Do not cut where it is too damp or dusty. In the first case, a short circuit may occur, in the second case, the ventilation holes may clog (due to which the engine will quickly start to overheat).
	Tip # 4. After finishing work, use a brush to clean the ventilation holes and working bodies well, which will keep them sharp for a longer period.

About work safety

The following simple rules will help not to injure or break a new device:

• After picking up electric shears before switching on, inspect them. Check that the blade retaining bolts have been removed and that there are cracks somewhere.
• You cannot work if the cable or electrical plug is damaged (double insulation is reliable protection from electric shock and must be intact). Power in the network must comply with the norm - 220 volts.
• When using cut or slotted type electric shears, take care to protect your eyes - wear special glasses. Chips flying out during work is a dangerous thing. In addition, it is very hot, so do not touch her hands. It is better to protect yourself with gloves.
• The cut line is as sharp as a knife, so it’s better not to touch it either - you can cut yourself badly.
• The gearbox of the apparatus can be very hot when cutting. In order not to get burned, do not touch it in the process of work or immediately after its completion.

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