The Ultimate Guide to Metal Guillotines
PRECISION CUTTING FOR SHEET STEEL
Metal fabrication requires precision, efficiency, and reliability, and one of the most crucial tools in any workshop or manufacturing plant is the guillotine for metal sheet cutting. Whether you’re working with sheet steel guillotines in a high-volume industrial setting or a specialised fabrication shop, these machines play a vital role in ensuring clean, accurate cuts with minimal material wastage and high repeatability.
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The working principles of metal guillotines
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The mechanical and hydraulic aspects of guillotine shears
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The advantages and limitations of guillotines for sheet metal
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A comparison of two leading industrial brands: Ermaksan and Cidan
Technical factors to consider when selecting a metal guillotine
How does a sheet steel Guillotine work?
A sheet steel guillotine is a high-force shearing machine designed to cut through metal sheets with precision. The fundamental operation of a metal guillotine involves a linear downward shearing action, where a high-tensile steel blade moves against a fixed lower blade, exerting immense force to achieve a clean cut.
Modern guillotines are powered by hydraulic or brake drive electric systems, ensuring consistent force distribution and enhanced control over cutting parameters. The shear angle and blade gap play a crucial role in optimising cut quality, reducing burr formation, and minimising material distortion (twisting).
Key Components of a Guillotine Shear
Cutting Blade Assembly – Includes hardened tool steel blades capable of withstanding high loads and repeated cycles.
Hydraulic or Mechanical Actuation – Hydraulic systems ensure smooth and controlled cutting action, while modern mechanical guillotines rely on brake drive motors and eccentric.
Sheet Clamping System – Spring loaded or hydraulic clamps secure the sheet before cutting, preventing movement and ensuring accuracy.
Backgauge System – Lead screw, or preferably ball screw or CNC-controlled backgauges enable exact material positioning, crucial for repeatability and production efficiency.
Sheet Supports – These can be mecahnical or pneumatics and are an important option to keep the material flat and level for accurate measurement.
Blade Clearance Adjustment – The clearance between the upper and lower blades must be fine-tuned based on material thickness and type.This can be done manually or by the CNC.
pros and cons of using a steel sheet guillotine
ADVANTAGES
- Precision & Repeatability
- A quality guillotine can achieve ±0.1mm accuracy, ensuring uniform cuts and blank sizes across production runs.
- Optimised for Different Material Types
- By utilising the blade gap adjustment, guilltines are suitable for cutting stainless steel, aluminium, mild steel, and alloy sheets with minimal deformation.
- Cost-Efficiency & Energy Consumption
- Compared to laser or plasma cutting, guillotines offer lower operational costs with faster ROI.
- Enhanced Safety Features
- Modern guillotines integrate light curtains, emergency stops, and two-hand control systems to prevent accidents.
LIMITATIONS
- Restricted to Straight Cuts
- Guillotines lack the flexibility of CNC laser cutters for intricate profiles.
- Material Thickness Constraints
- Standard hydraulic models typically cut up to 25mm thick sheets although 13mm these days is the more common maximum application.
- Blade Wear & Maintenance
- Regular blade regrinding and gap adjustments are necessary to maintain optimal performance. This is a relatively inexpensive process.
Technical COmparison: Ermaksan Vs Cidan Guillotines
When selecting a guillotine for metal sheet, the choice of manufacturer plays a critical role in machine durability, precision, and ease of maintenance. Below is a technical breakdown of Ermaksan and Cidan guillotine shears.
Ermaksan Guillotines
Ermaksan is known for manufacturing robust, high-precision hydraulic and CNC-controlled guillotines engineered for heavy-duty industrial applications.
Key Technical Features:
- Hydraulic System – Provides smooth, controlled shearing forces with minimal impact stress.
- Variable Rake Adjustment – Reduces distortion and optimises blade life.
- CNC-Integrated Backgauge – Achieves ±0.05mm precision with automatic positioning.
- Integrated Sheet Supports – Ensures accurate cutting on thin material.
- High-Capacity Sheet Holding System – Ensures zero slippage during cutting operations.
- Heavy-Duty Frame Design – Prevents vibration and increases machine longevity.
Popular Models:
- Ermaksan HGS Series – Standard hydraulic guillotine with a fixed rake angle. Ideal for medium duty applications.
- Ermaksan HGD Series – Advanced, high-speed hydraulic guillotine shears with programmable blade gap control. Ideal for heavy duty industrial use.
- Ermaksan HGR Series – A variable rake CNC-controlled guillotine shear offering maximum precision and efficiency in industrial applications. It is designed to handle demanding cutting operations with minimal material deformation. Ideal for aerospace, automotive, and heavy fabrication.
Cidan Guillotines
Cidan specialises in precision metal cutting and forming solutions tailored for high-performance fabrication.
Key Technical Features:
- Electromechanical Drive System – Ensures consistent force distribution for thin-gauge metal cutting and high speed cutting with up to 35 strokes per minute at full length.
- Smart Shearing Angle Control – Reduces cutting force and improves edge quality.
- Pneumatic Sheet Support System – Allows for precise positioning of lighter gauge sheets.
- Touchscreen HMI Interface – Simplifies operation and reduces training time.
- Eco-Efficient Hydraulic Systems – Reduces energy consumption without compromising force output.
Popular Models:
- Cidan RAPIDO Series – Optimised for fast cutting cycles in light fabrication.
- Cidan EVO Series – CNC-controlled shears designed for automated workflows.
choosing the right metal guillotine for your operations
When selecting a sheet steel guillotine, technical specifications must align with production needs:
- Material Thickness Capacity – Match blade and hydraulic power to your material specifications.
- Cut Length & Blade Width – Longer blades improve efficiency but require more workspace.
- Control System (Manual vs. CNC) – CNC models enhance precision but require higher investment.
- Blade Material & Edge Durability – Tungsten-carbide coated blades extend service life.
- Clamping & Support Mechanism – Ensures stable and consistent cutting operations.
Conclusion
A sheet steel guillotine is a cornerstone of metal fabrication, offering unmatched precision and efficiency in straight-cutting applications. Whether opting for an Ermaksan or Cidan model, ensuring alignment with your operational requirements will maximise productivity and cost-effectiveness.
By investing in high-quality blades, automated controls, and robust maintenance practices, manufacturers can extend the lifespan of their guillotine shears while maintaining top-tier cut quality and process reliability.