Blade Clearance

Blade clearance is one of the most important shear parameters because it directly controls the quality of the cut edge and the longevity of the blades themselves. If clearance is too tight, the blades will dull rapidly and produce excessive burr; if too loose, the material can slip and produce ragged cuts or incomplete separation.

For example, when shearing stainless steel at 1/8 inch thickness, the typical clearance might be set at 8 to 10 percent (roughly 0.010 to 0.013 inch), whereas aluminum might require slightly less due to its different shear strength characteristics. Each material grade requires careful clearance adjustment to balance cut quality against blade wear.

Proper clearance settings minimize burr formation and reduce the need for secondary metal finishing operations downstream.