Guillotining can be used to cut thinner materials, typically up to 5mm thick. It uses two blades to produce a cut in the material - one blade is positioned underneath the workpiece, while the second blade is pressed against the top of the workpiece, resulting in a straight cut at the point where the two blades meet.
Otherwise known as 'shearing', guillotining can be used to produce straight cuts in a range of materials including aluminium, brass, bronze and mild steel. In order to preserve the blades against wear, the edges are square-shaped and the cut is largely achieved due to the extent of the pressure/force applied.
As a cold-cutting process, guillotining does not affect the properties of the material; however, its use is very limited to thinner materials and straight cuts. Therefore, it is mainly used to cut materials to size, as complex shapes cannot be achieved.
Used to produce
Straight cuts in materials typically up to 5mm thick.
Materials
Can be used to cut a range of materials including aluminium, brass, bronze and mild steel.
Advantages
Fast, simple process.
Cold-cutting process, meaning that the properties of the material are not affected.
Disadvantages
Use is limited to thinner materials.
Can only produce straight cuts, meaning that it is mainly used to cut materials to size. Complex profiles cannot be achieved.
