How to Use Hydraulic Shearing Machine – A Detailed Explanation

Using a hydraulic shearing machine involves a series of steps to ensure proper setup, safe operation, and efficient cutting. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to use a hydraulic shearing machine:

Steps to Use the Hydraulic Shearing Machine:

1. Start the machine and run it for a certain number of cycles to ensure that plates of different thicknesses can be cut under normal conditions (from thin to thick) for testing purposes.

2. Open the pressure gauge switch during cutting and observe the oil pressure value. If there is an abnormality, adjust the overflow valve to meet the requirements.

3. Adjust the blade clearance to a suitable position based on the plate thickness.

4. Transfer the plate to the work table.

5. Adjust the backgauge to the proper position based on the size of the cutting sheet.

6. Push the plate so that it comes into contact with the backgauge plate, and set the shearing size.

7. Step on the foot switch to shear the steel plate.

8. Repeat steps 4-6 to cut off the next sheet.

9. After cutting a piece of steel, replace it and repeat the processing of steps 4-8.

10. Turn off the power when the work is finished, and carry out daily maintenance of the equipment as specified in the daily maintenance instructions for the shearing machine.

11. Warning mechanical injury

Safe Operating Guidelines for the Hydraulic Shearing Machine

1. The operator must be familiar with the general structure and operation of the shearing equipment.
The operator must be trained in the use and maintenance of the shearing equipment.

2. Lubricate the shearing machine as per the lubrication instructions, check the oil level and quality, and cover the oil cup.

3. Before operation, align the cutting blade. The blade clearance should be set based on the thickness of the material being cut, typically 5-7% of the material’s thickness. Adjust the clearance by turning the flywheel with your hand to cause the upper and lower blade to reciprocate once, and then check the clearance with a feeler gauge.

4. Based on the requirements of the material being cut, loosen the anchor bolt, adjust the position of the retaining plate, and tighten it. The shearing machine should be run 2-3 times before starting work to ensure good lubrication and error-free operation.

5. Do not use percussion to loosen the backgauge device or adjust blade clearance. When adjusting the guide rail clearance and blade clearance, the machine must be stopped before making any adjustments. Do not reach into the cutting area or handle the material during operation.

6. The blade must be sharp and should be sharpened or replaced promptly if damaged or worn.

7. When cutting different thicknesses and types of material, adjust the clamp spring pressure and blade clearance appropriately to prevent spring breakage or damage to the blade edge.

8. Do not cut steel bars using the hydraulic shearing machine. Do not place any other items on the work table to avoid damage to the blade.
The operator must not leave the machine during operation, or allow anyone else to operate it.

9. Pay close attention to the clamping mechanism, clutch, and brake for any signs of abnormal failure. Stay alert while shearing and if you detect any abnormal behavior in the machine, stop shearing immediately, turn off the power, and inform maintenance personnel.

10. Before leaving work, turn off the power, wipe down the equipment, and make a record of the inspection.

11. Do not cut excessively long or thick plates, high-speed steel, tool steel, or cast iron.

12. The clutch should be off before starting and the motor should not start with a load.

13. Before starting, test the empty cutting. Once everything is working well, then begin the cutting operation.

14. Do not cut explosive items, rods, excessively thin materials, or non-metal materials.

15. Check the pull rod for any signs of failure and make sure that the fastening screw is secure. Keep your fingers out of the blade’s path when feeding material. Do not cut material with two operators at the same time, and do not stand behind the shearing machine.

Matters to Consider During Hydraulic Shearing Machine Operation

(1) Regularly check the blade clearance and adjust it according to the thickness of the different materials being cut;

(2) Ensure that the blade is sharp and that the cut surface is free of scars, gas cuts, and protruding burrs;

(3) When making adjustments to the machine, it must be turned off to prevent personal injury and machine damage;

(4) If abnormal noise or overheating of the oil tank is detected during operation, stop the shearing machine immediately to investigate the issue. The highest temperature of the oil tank should not exceed 60℃;

(5) Do not attempt to cut strips, as this can damage the machine. The minimum width of the material being cut should not be less than 40mm;

(6) Note that the cutting capacity of the hydraulic shearing machine depends on the strength of the material being cut. For example, with a maximum cutting thickness of 16mm for Q235 steel (with a tensile strength of 450Mpa), the cutting thickness for Q345 steel would be 13mm. For Q235 steel with a cutting thickness of 8mm, the cutting thickness for Q345 steel would be 6mm.

Conclusion

By following these steps and adhering to safety guidelines, operators can effectively use a hydraulic shearing machine to cut sheet metal and other materials with precision and efficiency.