Comparison of Hydraulic & Mechanical Shearing Machines

Shearing machines are classified into two types: hydraulic and mechanical, based on their transmission methods. Shearing tools with a cutting thickness of less than 10mm are mostly mechanically driven, whereas those with a cutting thickness greater than 10mm are primarily hydraulically powered.

Everyone agrees that shearing metal is one of the most common and vital activities in the fabrication industry. The choice between hydraulic and mechanical methods is up for debate. When purchasing a shear, you’ll want to know which one performs better and does the greatest job for your needs.

Many users believe the hydraulic operation is preferable because it is similar to a press brake. However, shearing is an entirely different operation, and mechanical actuation may be preferred for a shear due to the following reasons:

Mechanical Shearing Machine Highlights:

1. Mechanical shears operate quicker in full cycle mode.
2. Heavy castings and frames absorb the snap of the shearing process more effectively than hydraulic cylinders.
3. Mechanical shearing machines feature simpler systems for maintenance and repair. This is good for longer uptime and less downtime.
4. They are quieter since hydraulics do not operate continuously.
5. Without hydraulics, mechanical shears operate substantially cooler.
6. No hydraulic oil, hydraulic heat (which requires cooling), hydraulic oil waste, or filter waste.
7. Mechanical shears are faster, simpler, and more environmentally friendly than hydraulic shears.

Hydraulic Shearing Machine Highlights:

1. Mechanical shears must complete the whole cycle while shearing, but hydraulic shears may be configured to conduct rapid, short strokes—which is advantageous for shearing material that is just a few inches wide.
2. A hydraulic shearing machine, which is protected by a blowout valve, can prevent the blade from being “locked” with the material. When the hydraulics reach the maximum PSI for the shear, a safety valve opens and empties the high-pressure hydraulics. This prevents the downward force and allows the ram to be backed off and the oversized/hard/obstruction removed.
3. Hydraulic shears are cheaper to construct than mechanical shears.

Final Words

Common misunderstandings about shearing include the belief that hydraulic shears are “safer.” A mechanically operated device can also be halted in a cyclic downstroke, just as hydraulic shears. The difference is that hydraulic shears can automatically reverse when stopped, but mechanical shears cannot. 

A mechanical or hydraulic shear, when properly guarded and equipped with light curtains, may be an excellent addition or complement to your fabrication process. Mechanical shearing machines are operated manually, whereas hydraulic shearing machines use numerical controls.

Leo Engineers offers a collection of mechanical and hydraulic shears. With our skilled staff, we can help you choose the appropriate shearing machine for your needs and budget. 

Leo Engineers

Leo Engineers has been providing top-notch solutions for fabrication and other industries that require precise cutting since 1996. Our shearing machines and blades are known for producing high-quality cuts and exceptional reliability.