Descripción
ANCHU Shear 1/4" x 8' US – Hydraulic Guillotine Shear
Hydraulic guillotine shear engineered for North American fabrication shops requiring reliable, accurate straight-line cutting of sheet and plate up to 1/4" thick and 8' wide. Designed for job shops, OEMs, and metal fabrication cells seeking dependable throughput and consistent results.
Max cutting thickness (rating): 1/4" mild steel* · Max cutting length: 8' (≈ 2500 mm) · Power: 480V, 3-phase
*Thickness rating applies to mild steel within a defined tensile strength range. Capacity for stainless, high-strength steels, or other alloys must be evaluated per application.
Key advantages for US buyers
- Handles up to 1/4" mild steel (≈ 6 mm), covering most light-to-medium gauge shearing needs for general fabrication, HVAC, machinery, and OEM work.
- 8' (≈ 2500 mm) working width supports common sheet sizes and panel work while keeping footprint and investment lower than 10' models.
- Motorized backgauge with digital/NC control enables repeatable, programmable cut lengths and efficient batch jobs for high-mix environments.
- Heavy welded steel frame and hydraulic hold-downs provide rigidity and precise clamping, supporting straight cuts and consistent edge quality.
- Front squaring arm, support arms, and side gauges simplify operator alignment and handling, improving part consistency and reducing setup time.
- Integrates well with ANCHU lasers, press brakes, and material handling setups as the cutting front-end of a compact fabrication cell.
Technical overview
Max cutting thickness (rating): 1/4" mild steel (≈ 6 mm)
Supports most common sheet and light plate gauges for fabrication, HVAC, and general job shop work. Rating is defined for mild steel; higher-strength materials require derating of thickness and/or cut length.
Max cutting length: 8' (≈ 2500 mm)
Accommodates standard US sheet sizes and efficient blanking for panels, frames, and nested jobs. Shorter parts can be ganged across the width, subject to hold-down spacing and scrap strategy.
Backgauge: Motorized, digital/NC control, typical stroke 24–40"
Motorized backgauge with numeric control facilitates accurate, repeatable cut positioning for both short runs and larger batches. Exact travel and accuracy depend on the ANCHU backgauge configuration.
Shear type: Hydraulic guillotine
Hydraulically driven upper blade beam in a near-vertical path. Guillotine geometry helps maintain consistent rake angle and blade clearance for uniform cutting conditions across the full width.
Frame & construction: Heavy welded steel, hydraulic hold-downs, industrial guarding
Rigid welded frame minimizes deflection under load, supporting long-term accuracy and straight cuts. Hydraulic hold-downs clamp material along the cutting line to prevent lift and slip during shearing.
Controls: Foot pedal, digital/NC backgauge, safety circuits
Foot pedal controls cutting stroke; digital/NC interface manages cut length and batch quantities. Integrated emergency stop and safety circuits support safe operation in busy shop environments.
Power: 480V, 3-phase (other voltages on request)
Compatible with standard US industrial power. Alternate voltages and frequencies available; phase converters and transformers can adapt the machine for 240V single-phase sites via ANCHU PowerPhase solutions as appropriate.
Extended specification details
The values below represent typical ranges for a 1/4" × 8' hydraulic guillotine shear in this class. Replace any “example” values with exact certified ANCHU specifications before publishing.
Strokes per minute (example at full stroke): ≈ 12–20 spm
Representative cutting rate at maximum stroke length. For thinner materials and reduced stroke settings, higher stroke rates may be achievable. Actual values depend on hydraulic design and controller options.
Rake angle (example): ≈ 1–3° (fixed or adjustable)
Rake angle influences cutting force, strip twist, and edge quality. Lower rake angles improve squareness but increase force; higher angles reduce force while potentially increasing twist on narrow strips.
Blade clearance adjustment: manual or motorized (per configuration)
Operators adjust blade gap to match material thickness and type. Correct clearance balances burr control, deformation, and blade life; incorrect settings accelerate wear or increase burr and roll-over.
Hold-down system: multiple hydraulic cylinders along 8'
Distributed hold-down cylinders clamp the plate firmly along the cutting line, maintaining flatness and preventing slip. Cylinder count and spacing are defined in the ANCHU mechanical drawing and spec sheet.
Front squaring arm length (example): ≈ 39–48"
Squaring arm with scale and stops supports accurate alignment of the leading edge for 90° cuts. Final length and features (T-slots, flip-up stops) depend on selected configuration and options.
Support arms: front support arms with stops
Support arms carry thin or large sheets, reducing sag and improving cut straightness and operator comfort. Typically include positioning stops or fingers for repeat part alignment.
Main motor power (example): ≈ 7.5–15 hp (5.5–11 kW)
Typical installed motor power for a 1/4" × 8' hydraulic shear. Exact horsepower depends on required stroke rate, pump selection, and expected duty cycle in your application.
Hydraulic system: conventional hydraulic power unit
Hydraulic power pack with pump, valves, tank, and filtration sized for 1/4" × 8' duty. Cooling and filtration capacity should match planned production duty and ambient conditions.
Backgauge travel (example): ≈ 24–32" (600–800 mm)
Defines maximum programmable distance from the knives. For longer blanks, multiple cuts or nesting strategies may be required. Confirm exact travel and minimum distance in the ANCHU spec sheet for your model.
Backgauge accuracy (example): up to ±0.004" (±0.1 mm)
Representative repeatability and positional accuracy under correct installation and calibration. Final guaranteed values depend on the backgauge hardware and control package delivered.
Table height (example): ≈ 30–33" (760–840 mm)
Height from floor to table surface. Influences ergonomics and compatibility with material handling equipment such as roller conveyors and infeed tables.
Machine weight (example): ≈ 8,000–16,000 lb
Typical weight range for a 1/4" × 8' guillotine shear. Floor loading and foundation requirements must be verified against the machine drawing and facility structural data.
Important: All “example” values are indicative of this machine class and are not guaranteed for every configuration. Use the official ANCHU quotation, certified spec sheet, and installation drawing when making engineering or safety decisions.
Cutting performance & material guidelines
The 1/4" × 8' rating is defined for mild steel at a specified tensile strength and duty cycle. Actual capability depends on thickness, material strength, cut length, rake angle, and blade condition.
Conceptual shear force relationship:
F = τ × t × L
- F – required shear force
- τ – shear strength of the material
- t – material thickness
- L – length of cut
For many steels, shear strength is a fraction of tensile strength (often around 0.6 × Rm). Engineers should use actual material data and apply an appropriate safety factor, especially for continuous or high-duty-cycle applications.
Illustrative material guidelines
| Material | Relative to 1/4" rating | Typical recommendation* |
|---|---|---|
| Mild steel (baseline) | Reference case | Up to 1/4" at full 8' per rating, considering tensile strength and duty cycle. |
| Stainless steel | Higher strength than mild | Derate thickness and/or cut length; verify specific cases with ANCHU engineering. |
| High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) | Significantly higher strength | Consider thinner material, shorter cuts, or a higher-capacity shear for heavy usage. |
| Aluminum | Lower strength | 1/4" is usually conservative for force; focus adjustments on blade clearance and support to control burr and deformation. |
*Guidelines only. Actual limits must be verified against ANCHU capacity charts and your specific material properties and duty profile.
What this means in practice
- The machine is a workhorse for mild steel up to 1/4" at 8' and thinner materials at higher throughput.
- Material strength and cut length are as important as thickness when evaluating applications near the limit.
- Proper blade clearance, rake angle, and hold-down pressure settings are essential for edge quality, twist control, and blade life.
- For continuous heavy-duty cutting near rated capacity, plan for proactive maintenance and blade management.
Mechanical design & cutting geometry
The ANCHU 1/4" × 8' hydraulic guillotine shear combines a rigid frame, guided blade beam, and tuned cutting geometry to deliver straight, repeatable cuts in a compact footprint suitable for US job shops and OEM cells.
- Welded monolithic frame: Engineered to distribute cutting loads and limit deflection, preserving squareness and straightness over the working life of the machine.
- Guided upper blade beam: Guides provide controlled near-vertical motion with consistent rake angle, stabilizing cutting conditions from one side of the bed to the other.
- Rake angle control (where equipped): Allows tuning between lower force / more twist and higher force / less twist depending on strip width and material.
- Blade clearance adjustment: Fine-tuning clearance for each material and thickness helps balance burr height, roll-over, and blade wear.
- Hydraulic hold-downs: Clamp the sheet before cutting to prevent lifting and motion, which is key to safe operation and consistent cut length and edge quality.
Control system, backgauge & automation
Digital/NC control
- Numeric entry and program storage for cut lengths and batch sizes.
- Batch programming for repetitive cut patterns and common blank sizes.
- Cut counter and basic diagnostics (depending on NC model).
- Often supports stroke reduction for shorter sheets to improve cycle times.
- Exact feature set depends on the NC control package supplied with the machine.
Backgauge system
- Motorized backgauge with digital/NC control for repeatable cut lengths.
- Stroke range suited to typical fabrication and HVAC blank sizes (see extended specs).
- Program storage for frequently used dimensions and job families.
- Integration options with downstream conveyors and stacking for semi-automated lines.
Capabilities & typical applications
This hydraulic guillotine shear is a core asset for shops needing reliable shearing ahead of bending, laser cutting, or welding. It fits seamlessly into compact fabrication cells or as a standalone station for blanking and prep work.
- Cutting blanks for press brake forming, laser cutting, or turret punching.
- Shearing panels, brackets, frames, and structural parts up to 1/4" thick.
- Supporting fabrication for machinery, HVAC, contract manufacturing, and OEM production.
- Handling high-mix/low-volume jobs as well as repeat batch runs with stored programs.
- Integrating with material racks, conveyors, and downstream forming or welding stations.
Implementation & support for US shops
ANCHU works closely with US job shops, OEMs, and fabricators to ensure a smooth implementation—from application review through commissioning and training.
- Pre-installation review of power, floor space, access, and material flow.
- Material and thickness fit checks based on your part mix and material specifications.
- Guidance on cut programming, batch setup, safety procedures, and daily maintenance.
- Coordination with your team for operator training and startup support.
Next step: send us your typical part sizes and materials (grade, thickness, sheet size, volumes), and we’ll confirm fit, estimate cycle times, and recommend the right configuration for your shop.
Engineering notes & technical FAQ
This section addresses typical questions from engineers and technical buyers: how the 1/4" × 8' rating should be interpreted, what affects cut quality, and what data is needed for a proper engineering review.
How should I interpret the 1/4" mild steel rating at 8'?
The rating is usually defined for mild steel of a specified tensile strength at full 8' cutting length. In practice:
- Higher-strength materials require more force and may need reduced thickness and/or cut length.
- Continuous cutting at maximum thickness and length increases wear and hydraulic loading.
- Duty cycle (how often you cut near the limit) is critical in addition to the peak rating.
What role do rake angle and blade clearance play?
Rake angle and blade clearance are primary tuning parameters for balancing cut quality, material behavior, and machine loading:
- Lower rake angle: improved squareness and less twist, but higher cutting force and stress.
- Higher rake angle: reduced force, but potentially more twist on narrow strips.
- Correct blade clearance: minimizes burr and deformation while protecting blade life.
- Incorrect clearance: too tight damages edges and blades; too loose increases burr and roll-over.
What backgauge accuracy and cut tolerance are realistic?
Final tolerances are a combination of machine capability, material, and handling:
- Backgauge repeatability in this class is typically within a few thousandths of an inch.
- Plate camber, residual stresses, and operator technique affect cut length and squareness.
- Very tight tolerances may still require secondary processing such as machining or grinding.
How can I confirm my materials are within safe limits?
To verify an application, compare required shear force and duty cycle to the machine rating:
- Use actual shear or tensile strength from material datasheets, not just nominal “mild steel.”
- Include worst-case thickness tolerance and material strength variation in your calculations.
- For near-limit, high-duty, or specialty materials (stainless, HSLA), consult ANCHU engineering.
What information does ANCHU need for an engineering review?
To provide a clear yes/no answer and recommend settings, ANCHU typically asks for:
- Material type(s), grade(s), thickness range, and mechanical properties (if available).
- Sheet/plate sizes and sample cut patterns (drawings, DXF, or simple layouts).
- Required tolerances for length, squareness, and edge quality.
- Expected production volumes, duty cycle (cuts per hour, shifts per day), and job mix.
- Any special edge or cleanliness requirements (e.g., for painting, welding, or sealing operations).
With this information, ANCHU can confirm whether the 1/4" × 8' hydraulic shear is appropriate or whether a different capacity or configuration is recommended for your workload.
