Shearing is a process for cutting sheet metal to size out of a larger stock
such as roll stock. Shears are used as the preliminary step in preparing stock
for stamping processes, or smaller blanks for CNC presses.
Material thickness ranges from 0.125 mm to 6.35 mm (0.005 to 0.250 in). The
dimensional tolerance ranges from ±0.125 mm to ±1.5 mm (±0.005 to ±0.060 in).
The shearing process produces a shear edge burr, which can be minimized to less
than 10% of the material thickness. The burr is a function of clearance between
the punch and the die (which is nominally designed to be the material
thickness), and the sharpness of the punch and the die.
Design Considerations
• Material selected for shearing should be standard stock sizes to minimize the
extra costs associated with special slitting.
• Burrs and hold down marks which are inevitable, should be considered in the
design of the end product. Burrs should be kept away from handling areas,
preferably folded away, or in some obscure area. The same can be done with hold
down marks too.
