Shearing machine is a kind of mechanical equipment widely used in the metal processing industry, mainly used for straight-line shearing of metal plates. The shearing quality and efficiency largely depend on the proper adjustment of the blade gap. Improper adjustment of the blade gap not only affects the shearing effect but may also lead to equipment damage or increased maintenance costs. Therefore, mastering the correct method of blade gap adjustment is of great significance to ensure shearing quality and extend the service life of the equipment.



One, The importance of blade gap



The working principle of the shearing machine is to shear metal plates through the relative movement between the upper and lower blades. Blade gap refers to the distance between the upper and lower blades in the vertical direction. A reasonable blade gap can ensure smooth shearing process, flat shearing surface, and reduce blade wear and equipment load. A large gap will lead to incomplete shearing and burrs; while a small gap will increase tool wear and even cause blade chipping or equipment overload.



Two, Factors affecting the adjustment of blade gap



1. Material thickness: Different thicknesses of metal plates require different blade gaps. Generally speaking, the thicker the material, the larger the required gap.

2. Material type: For materials with different hardness, such as low-carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., the appropriate gap should be adjusted according to their physical properties.

3. Shearing quality requirements: For workpieces with higher surface quality requirements, the gap should be appropriately reduced to obtain a smoother shearing edge.



Three, General adjustment standards for blade gap



In most cases, the blade gap should be controlled between 8% and 12% of the material thickness. For example, when shearing a 1mm thick steel plate, it is recommended that the blade gap be controlled between 0.08mm and 0.12mm. Specific values should be referred to in the operation manual provided by the equipment manufacturer.



Four, Methods of adjusting blade gap



1. Manual adjustment method:

Most small shearing machines adopt manual adjustment methods. The position of the upper blade is changed by adjusting the screw or eccentric shaft to adjust the gap. A feeler gauge can be used to measure the gap between the upper and lower blades during adjustment to ensure uniformity and consistency.



2. Automatic adjustment method (suitable for CNC shearing machines):

Modern CNC shearing machines are equipped with automatic gap adjustment systems. Users only need to input the plate thickness and material information, and the system can automatically set the appropriate blade gap, improving work efficiency and shearing accuracy.



3. Regular inspection and calibration:

After long-term use, the blades may wear or shift, so it is necessary to regularly use measuring tools to check the gap and calibrate it to maintain stable shearing performance.



Five, Precautions



- The power supply should be cut off before adjusting the gap to ensure operation safety.

- Uniform force should be applied during adjustment to avoid damage to the components due to uneven force.

- For plates of different specifications, corresponding gap values should be set separately, and it is not a one-time solution.

- After adjustment, a trial cut should be carried out to confirm the shearing effect before mass production.



Six, Conclusion



Proper adjustment of the blade gap of the shearing machine is a key link to ensure the quality of shearing and the normal operation of the equipment. Whether it is manual adjustment or automatic control system, the operator should have basic adjustment knowledge and strictly follow the operation procedures for work. Through scientific management and maintenance, not only can production efficiency be improved, but also the service life of the shearing machine can be effectively extended, creating higher economic benefits for the enterprise.