Differentiate Between Hydraulic and Mechanical Shearing Machine

The shearing machine is one of the most essential equipment in the metal fabrication business. They are designed to cut the metals with pure precision and efficiency. The metals are further used for manufacturing parts of various automobiles and machines. There are mostly two types of shearing machines used in the industry: hydraulic and mechanical. Each of them has its share of benefits and features. In this post, we will compare both of these metal shaping machines. It will help you decide if you are planning on investing in one of them.

Understanding a Shearing Machine 

It is a machine that is used to cut metal sheets and plates. The machine consists of a fixed blade and a moving blade, which apply pressure to precisely chop through the given workpiece. 

Hydraulic Shearing Machine

Working Principle:

This machine works by using hydraulic cylinders and fluid pressures to create the precise pressure needed for operations. The blade moves with high force, ensuring that even the thick metal is chopped with precision and uniformity. The fluid pressure is controlled by the valves and pumps, which regulate the speed of operations as per requirement.

Benefits:

• The hydraulic machines are accurate, which makes it easy to get the desired shape for metals.
• The hydraulic machine is compact. It takes less space, even though the amount of pressure applied is huge.
• The machine is simple with easily available components, so the maintenance part is neither tough nor expensive.
• To ensure precise output, the machine holds the workpiece with sturdy metal clamps, which keep the metal steady in its place. 
• The machine is versatile and is available in different specifications, thus it can cater to all sizes of metals.

Tips to Use Hydraulic Shearing Machine:

• The operator should be trained to regulate the operations of the machine.
• Clean the debris from the machine after operations. The accumulation of dust can lead to mishaps or accidents.
• Always switch off the power source of the machine after the operation. 

Mechanical Shearing Machine

It uses a flywheel (a mechanical device that stores energy in the form of rotational momentum). When the operation starts, the motion is generated with the crankshaft (a mechanical component in the engine used to generate the motion). It leads to quick and precise cuts.

Benefits: 

• Lesser wastage of resources as it does not use hydraulic oil, so there is no hydraulic waste generated.
• They are simple, easy to use, and have a longer life span due to it’s less components.
• It has a faster speed and can quickly complete the metal-cutting task.
• It is a versatile machine that can cut a wide range of metals like aluminum, copper, and steel, among others. 
• Easy maintenance, like lubrication of joints and cleaning the machine after usage.

Tips to Use the Mechanical Shearing Machine

• Wear the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure safety during operations.
• The metal sheet that needs to be cut should be positioned and fixed properly during the operations.  

Major Differences Between Hydraulic & Mechanical Shearing Machines 

• Power Source: 

The hydraulic shearing machine uses hydraulic fluid, whereas the flywheel and mechanical force generate the force. 

• Speed:

The speed of the hydraulic machine is less compared to the mechanical shearing machine due to the nature of the hydraulic operations. The mechanical ones are faster and suitable for repetitive tasks. 

• Accuracy:

The hydraulic machine is apt for precise cuts as it offers better blade control and also reduces vibrations. They can make complex cuts easily. On the other hand, due to mechanical shocks and vibrations, the mechanical metal fabricating machine falls short in terms of accuracy and is best for general cutting operations.

• Noise Factor:

It offers smooth and noiseless operations. On the other hand, the mechanical one is more prone to movements and vibrations because of the constant movement of the flywheel.

• Safety Features:

The hydraulic metal shaping machine is advanced with safety features like overload protection, emergency stops, and automated operations handling, which reduces the chances of accidents. On the other hand, the mechanical ones need to be handled with care as the operation is manual, and if the high-speed machine is not controlled or inspected from time to time, it can injure the workers.

• Cost:

The advanced systems and the complex parts of the machine make the hydraulic shearing machine more expensive as compared to the mechanical one. 

Wrapping Up…

Several factors need to be considered when choosing the shearing machine. The thickness, type, and size of the metals should be considered so that the output rate is high. Apart from that, production capacity and accuracy are also must-have factors. It will help you choose the appropriate model. Choose a manufacturer like Harjot International, they are of superior quality and gives your fabrication operations unparalleled precision.

The user-friendly yet advanced interface offers precise cuts with minimum waste of resources and enhances productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the Use of the Shearing Machine?

It is an essential tool that is widely used for metal fabrication. The blades of the machine cut the metal into the desired shape for further processing. This machine is also used for shaping plastic, and sometimes rubber.

2. Which Kind of Shearing Machine is Best for Your Needs?

The hydraulic shearing machine is apt for precise cuts of thick metals, providing consistent force and adjustable pressure. On the other hand, the mechanical shearing machine offers high output however, the accuracy is lower. You can choose the one according to their requirements.

3. What are the Safety Considerations to Keep in Mind While Using the Shearing Machine?

• The operators should be properly trained to shape the metals with utmost accuracy.
• Inspection and proper maintenance can increase the life of the machine.
• Wearing a PPE kit and maintaining of metal shaping machine will reduce the chance of mishaps.

4. What are the Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shearing Machine?

• The size and thickness of the metal that you will be cutting.
• The accuracy requirements
• The rate of production needed
• Budget is also of major concern, the hydraulic ones are more expensive as compared to the mechanical ones.