What is the primary function of shears in metalworking?

The primary function of shears in metalworking is indeed to cut sheet or bar metal between two blades. Shears operate on the principle of applying significant force to a metal workpiece, causing it to shear along a specific line. This process allows for clean and precise cuts, which is essential for fabricating parts and components from flat stock or elongated metal pieces.

The design of shears includes two sharp blades that move past each other, enabling the user to make straight cuts or even intricate shapes as needed. This cutting method is efficient for producing flat sections and can accommodate various thicknesses, surface finishes, and material types, making shears a fundamental tool in both manufacturing and fabrication environments.

While shaping, grinding, and welding are important processes in metalworking, they each serve different roles; shaping alters the form of the metal, grinding finishes surfaces for smoothness or accuracy, and welding joins pieces together. Therefore, shears’ primary role is specifically focused on the cutting aspect of metalworking.