Metal cutting equipment: types, parts and maintenance

Metal cutting equipment includes various tools and machines designed to separate metal into parts, giving it a certain shape or size. There are many types of such equipment, each of which is designed to perform specific tasks. Here are the main categories and types of metal cutting equipment:

Hand tools for cutting metal:

• metal scissors: Hand shears are used to cut thin sheets of metal. There are straight and curly scissors.
• hacksaw for metal: A hand tool with a fine toothed blade used for cutting small parts and pipes.

Electric and cordless tools:

• angle grinder (grinder): Used with abrasive or diamond blades to cut metal. Popular due to its versatility.
• reciprocating saw: An electric tool with a long blade that can be used to cut metal of various shapes and sizes.
• electric scissors: Electric shears designed to cut sheet metal faster and with less effort than hand shears.

Mechanical machines:

• guillotine shears: machine for straight cutting of sheet metal. Used for cutting thick sheets with high precision.
• band saw: A machine with a continuously moving belt equipped with teeth for cutting metal. Suitable for cutting large and long workpieces.
• circular saws: Machine tools that use carbide or abrasive wheels to cut metal.

Thermal cutting methods

• gas cutting: Uses a mixture of oxygen and flammable gas (acetylene, propane) to heat and melt metal, and then blow out the molten material with a stream of oxygen.
• plasma cutting: Uses a jet of hot ionized plasma to melt and cut metal. Suitable for cutting various metals with high speed and precision.
• laser cutting: Uses a focused laser beam to melt and vaporize metal. Provides high precision and clean cutting, suitable for thin and complex parts.
• water jet cutting: A method that uses high pressure water with an abrasive to cut metal. Suitable for heat sensitive materials.

Special equipment

• electrical discharge cutting (EDM): A method that uses electrical discharges to remove material. Used for precise cutting of hard metals and alloys.
• hydraulic shears: Used for cutting thick metal sheets and rods. They operate using a hydraulic drive that provides high cutting force.

Application of different types of equipment

The choice of equipment depends on many factors, including the type and thickness of the metal, the required accuracy, the speed of the work, and the available budget. It is important to consider the following aspects when choosing equipment:

• metal type: Different materials require different cutting methods.
• metal thickness: Thick metals may require more powerful equipment.
• cutting accuracy: High precision may require the use of laser or water jet cutting.
• production volumes: Automated machines may be necessary for mass production.

Using the right metal cutting equipment ensures the job is done efficiently, accurately and safely.

Metal cutting equipment can indeed be complex and requires proper maintenance and regular maintenance to ensure it operates efficiently and safely — https://souzimport.ru/catalog/producers/erowa/. Here are the main aspects related to parts and maintenance of such equipment:

Main parts of metal cutting equipment

Hand and power tools

Hand scissors and hacksaws for metal:

• blades: regularly sharpen or replace worn blades.
• handles: check for cracks and damage, replace if necessary.

Angle grinders (grinders):

• cutting discs: regular replacement of worn discs.
• Motor brushes: periodic inspection and replacement.
• Cables and plugs: check for damage and replace if necessary.

Reciprocating saws and electric shears:

• Blades: Replaces worn or damaged blades.
• feed mechanisms: check for wear and replace if necessary.

Mechanical machines

Guillotine shears:

• • Blades: regular sharpening and replacement.
  • Hydraulic systems: checking and replacing hydraulic oil, checking for leaks.

Band sawing machines:

• Saw blades: Regular replacement of worn blades.
• Tensioning mechanisms: checking and adjusting belt tension.
• Lubrication systems: regularly check and top up lubricants.

Circular saws:

• Saw blades: replacement of worn or damaged blades.
• Drive belts and pulleys: check and replace if necessary.

Thermal cutting methods

Gas cutting:

• Burners and nozzles: regular cleaning and replacement of worn parts.
• Hoses and regulators: check for leaks and damage, replace if necessary.

Plasma cutting:

• Electrodes and attachments: regular replacement of worn parts.
• Cooling systems: inspection and maintenance, including coolant replacement.

Laser cutting:

• Laser sources: regular inspection and maintenance.
• Optical elements: clean and replace if necessary.
• Cooling systems: regularly check and replace coolant.

Water jet cutting:

• Nozzles and nozzles: Regular replacement of worn parts.
• High-pressure pumps: inspection and maintenance, including oil and filter changes.

Maintenance of metal cutting equipment

Scheduled Maintenance

• Regular scheduled maintenance includes:
• Checking all working components and mechanisms.
• Lubrication of moving parts.
• Cleaning from dust, chips and other contaminants.
• Check and tighten all fasteners and connections.

Calibration and Setup

• Periodic calibration of equipment to maintain cutting accuracy.
• Setting cutting parameters in accordance with the requirements for quality and thickness of the material.

Replacing wear parts

• Regular replacement of cutting tools, blades, discs, electrodes and attachments.
• Replacement of filters and working fluids (hydraulic, cooling and lubricating).

Diagnostics and repair

• Conduct regular diagnostics to identify potential problems.
• Prompt repair or replacement of faulty components and parts.
• Timely elimination any malfunctions to prevent prolonged downtime.

Training

• Train operators in proper operation and maintenance of equipment.
• Safety instructions and proper use of personal protective equipment.

Regular and proper maintenance of metal cutting equipment can significantly extend its service life, ensure high cutting quality and operational safety. When you have complex equipment, it is important to employ qualified personnel to maintain and repair it, as well as train personnel in the proper use and care of tools and machines.