Guillotine is a machine tool in which shearing is performed. Shearing is a quick and simple way to cut thin sheet metal.
A guillotine is a machine tool that cuts some types of sheet metal. The workpiece is fixed in the machine tool and subsequently cut by pressing a blade through the workpiece and into a die underneath. Unlike many other processes, shearing does not use a rotating tool-piece. Instead it works like a pair of scissors which means a blade presses against it using a good amount of force. Naturally, a sharp blade would not last long if pressed against metals so the edge of the blade is square. The are some techniques to reduce the force needed to cut, for example cutting at an angle. Some types of material are well-suited for shearing such as aluminium, brass, bronze and mild steel.
