Pneumatic Valves: The Difference Between Pneumatic Shears and Nibblers
Air tools or pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air. The use of compressed air means the tools contain pneumatic valves that control the air compression and release. While professional contractors and factory workers commonly use air tools, homeowners and DIY enthusiasts are also known for using such tools. This is because air tools are lightweight, portable, user-friendly, and makes working faster. They’re also handy in remote locations if there is no access to power.
Pneumatic tools for metalworking
Metalworking is one of the most complicated jobs because of the variety of its processes and purposes. Workers working with heavy gauge metal sheets need to regularly cut these sheets for various purposes. To make the cutting job easier and get a faster output rate, workers use pneumatic shears or pneumatic nibblers to produce clean metal sheet cuts.
Pneumatic shears
Shears are commonly used for cutting copper, brass, aluminium, lead, and other “soft” metals. Sheet metal in factories is usually cut with shears. Their cutting action is similar to how a pair of scissors can cut through a sheet of paper. Because of its cutting or shearing action, the slicing is clean and leaves no waste material as nibblers do. However, shears will distort, warp, or bend the metal to some degree as it cuts through. Thus, if the metal (such as sheet metal) needs to be kept flat for a specific application or tolerance, a pneumatic shear is set aside in favour of a pneumatic nibbler.
Pneumatic nibblers
Nibblers are used to cut large metal sections, small channels, cut-outs, and tubes. This tool is used to cut metals of varying thickness even when making quick direction changes. Nibblers work like a motorised metal chewing rodent. The tool literally nibbles its way through metal at high speed, spraying out small semi-circular chips. The nibbler has a die and punch assembly that does the nibbling. This eventually becomes worn and will need replacing. Because of the chewing action that destroys the metal in its path, nibblers are not suitable for cutting extremely fine lines. But they are ideal in cutting corrugated sheet metal because the nibbling assembly will cut without becoming stuck or jammed.
Shears and nibblers are both the popular choices for metal shops, garages, and body repair shops; hence, both can be found at said locations. They are also more affordable than the more expensive metal cutting discs, jigsaw blades, and plasma cutters.
Master Mac 2000
If you are in the market for pneumatic valves to provide for your industry needs, Master Mac 2000 is the exclusive authorised valves dealer, particularly Mack Valves, in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Mack Valves is an Australian brand known locally and internationally for its reliability and longevity. Call Master Mac 2000 today on 07 3344 4711 or visit our website at https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.