A shearing machine cuts sheet and plate in straight lines with two long blades, like a large pair of scissors. A hydraulic guillotine shear cuts a full sheet width in one stroke, so it is the fastest way to cut blanks, strips and squares before bending, punching or fabrication.
Quick facts
- Capacity
- Given as thickness × length, e.g. 6 × 2500 mm (0.236 × 98.43 inch)
- Typical thickness
- About 0.5–16 mm (0.0197–0.630 inch) mild steel (heavier on big machines)
- Accuracy
- About ±0.2–0.5 mm (±0.0079–0.0197 inch) with a back gauge
- Cuts
- Straight lines only
- Types
- Hydraulic swing-beam and guillotine, mechanical, NC back gauge
- Capacity note
- Lower for stainless steel (about two-thirds of mild steel)
Shearing or laser cutting?
| Shearing | Laser | |
|---|---|---|
| Shapes | Straight cuts only | Any profile, holes |
| Speed for strips and blanks | Very fast | Slower |
| Edge | Slight burr and deformation | Clean |
| Cost per cut | Very low | Higher |
Good practice
- Set the blade gap for the thickness, or edges burr and bend
- Keep blades sharp; dull blades raise burrs
- Stay within the rated capacity, especially for stainless and high-strength steel
Typical work
- Blanks for bending and stamping
- Strips and squares for fabrication
- Cutting sheets to size before laser or punching
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Questions
- What does 6 × 2500 mean on a shearing machine?
- It can shear mild steel up to 6 mm (0.236 inch) thick across a length of 2500 mm (98.43 inch). For stainless steel the safe thickness is lower.
- Why are sheared edges burred?
- Usually a wrong blade gap for the thickness or dull blades. Setting the gap correctly and sharpening the blades gives a clean edge.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 15 October 2026.