Electric scissors for metal: features, types and tips

Every craftsman can confidently say that cutting a metal sheet with mechanical shears is a very difficult task, during which the operator can get injured. Such processing takes quite a lot of time and effort, especially if you need to cut a corrugated surface. And if the product is located in a hard-to-reach place, then it is almost impossible to process it with hand scissors.

Electric metal shears are presented on the market especially to solve this problem. This article will talk about their features, types, advantages and disadvantages.

Outwardly, this device has many similarities to a small angle grinder. Models of the "mini" lines are a compact device with a narrow body and an ergonomic handle. Professional models are equipped with an external swivel holder and are much more difficult to hold with one hand. The casing is made of impact-resistant plastic.

Of the features of the instrument, positions can be distinguished, which will be discussed below.

• If we compare mechanical and electric scissors, then the latter do not require any effort from the operator - the tool performs the cut in automatic mode. Thanks to this, the speed of work and productivity are increased several times.
• Electric shears for metal are designed for cutting rather thick products (up to 0.5 cm). The device is capable of processing non-ferrous metals, polymers, multi-component high-strength materials, which a mechanical device simply cannot cope with.
• Such a device is capable of cutting not only smooth and corrugated metal surfaces, but also roofing materials and metal tiles.

• Thanks to the ergonomic design of the power tool, the operator can perform not only a straight cut, but also a pattern cut.

• The product is equipped with sharp cutters, which, in combination with high-speed movement, allow you to cut metal evenly without the formation of burrs.
• During work, the surface to be treated is not damaged or distorted.

Electric metal shears are divided into three groups: sheet, slotted and notched. Each representative is different in structure, purpose and principle of work. The features, advantages and disadvantages of each type of scissors will be discussed in detail below.

By the structural features and the principle of operation, this type of scissors belongs to household tools. The stationary cutting part is mounted on a rigid U-shaped support element. The movable cutting part is in a vertical plane and works by means of translational movements.

Positive criteria.

• It is a high-performance device that boasts a high operating speed. In most cases, it is used to dismantle metal structures.
• The tool allows you to make not only an even straight cut, but also easily bite high-strength wire.
• During operation, a minimum amount of waste remains. When compared to mechanical shears, the electric sheet options almost do not form chips.
• The device can process metal layers up to 0.4-0.5 cm thick.
• Durability. One cutting element can be used for quite a long time. It has a square shape and is endowed with incisors at the edges. If one of them becomes dull, the operator can simply turn it over, thereby returning the device to working condition.

Like any technique, this device has negative sides:

• the process of cutting metal with sheet scissors can only be started from the edge of the blade;
• these devices allow you to make a curvilinear cut, but this maneuverability will not be enough for professional activities;
• scissors have a large-sized design.

This type of fixture is also equipped with two knives. The static knife is shaped like a horseshoe and is attached to the top of the device. The lower cutting part treats the surface with a reciprocating motion. Provided by the manufacturer function of control of the distance between knives, thanks to which you can adapt the device to workpieces of various thicknesses.

During operation, the formation of fine metal chips is observed. Good manufacturers place great emphasis on ergonomics, therefore, in high-quality models, the chips come out from the side, without blocking the view and leaving no scratches on the sheet.

The positive aspects of the device are described below.

• The tool allows you to start the cut from any part of the sheet metal. This is especially useful if you need to open holes in it. Shears won't do it here.
• The unit will cope with cutting even a deformed workpiece without any problems.
• During work, the cut is neat, and the sheet does not bend.
• This is a fairly accurate tool that allows you to cut straight along the line, without deviating from it.
• The slotting scissors are equipped with a narrow nose, thanks to which the operator can work comfortably even in the most difficult to reach places.

As for the negative points, they are presented below.

1. Slotted models cannot boast of high power. This device is designed for metal sheets no more than 2 mm thick.
2. The tool has a large turning radius.
3. The lower cutting element grinds down rather quickly

Punching (perforated) electric shears are made in the form of a press, which, if desired, can be moved in different directions over the entire surface of a metal sheet. The configuration of the unit practically does not differ from the rest of the electric shears. The die and the punch act as cutting elements.

Round punching elements are designed to cut thin workpieces up to 3 mm thick, while square ones are designed for heavy-duty sheets. The manufacturer provides the ability to rotate the die and punch 360 degrees, so that the operator can easily make a patterned cut.

The positive aspects can be described in several positions.

• The device has the smallest turning radius of all its competitors.
• This is a multifunctional device. There is a possibility of quick change of cutters.
• If you drill a hole in the metal tile, you can start the cut from any part of the sheet.
• Electric shears are highly productive and can handle even the toughest metal.

Of the minuses, the criteria described below stand out.

• Chips are generated during the cutting process.It is very shallow and can cause discomfort, filling the clothes and shoes of the worker.

• Making a patterned cut is not difficult, but making a perfectly straight cut is much more difficult.

Below you can familiarize yourself with the outstanding representative of the electric shears for metal Sturm ES 9065.