Powerful Plate Cutting with Adjustable Shear Angle
ZW CNC Hydraulic CNC Guillotine Shear is built for workshops that need to cut medium to thick plates with consistent quality and flexibility. The adjustable shear angle is a key advantage over swing beam designs, allowing operators to optimize cutting conditions for different materials and thicknesses.
The robust hydraulic system and rigid frame structure ensure stable performance over time, making this machine a reliable choice for demanding production environments where cutting quality and machine uptime are both important.
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See Guillotine Shear in Action
Watch how the adjustable shear angle and robust hydraulic system work together for reliable plate cutting.
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A Powerful Guillotine Shearing Machine for Demanding Plate Work
ZW CNC Guillotine Shear is designed for workshops that regularly cut medium to thick plates and need a machine that can handle higher cutting forces with consistent quality. The adjustable shear angle allows operators to optimise cutting conditions for different material types and thicknesses.
The rigid frame structure and well-proven hydraulic system support stable long-term performance, making this machine a reliable choice for OEM production lines, job shops and heavy fabrication environments.
Unlike swing beam shears with fixed angles, the guillotine design gives operators more flexibility to balance cutting force, edge quality and plate deformation based on the specific job at hand.
Why Choose ZW CNC Guillotine Shear
Designed for strong and flexible plate cutting across medium to thick material ranges.
Adjustable Shear Angle for Optimal Cutting
The shear angle can be adjusted to match different material types and thicknesses. This flexibility helps reduce cutting force, minimize plate deformation and maintain better edge quality across a wider range of applications.
Strong Hydraulic System for Heavy-Duty Cutting
A robust hydraulic system delivers the cutting force needed for medium to thick plate work. The well-proven hydraulic components support reliable daily operation in demanding production environments.
CNC Backgauge for Precise Repeat Cuts
CNC-controlled backgauge positioning enables accurate and repeatable cuts across multiple pieces. This improves production efficiency and reduces material waste from positioning errors.
Rigid Frame for Long-Term Stability
A well-designed frame distributes cutting forces evenly, supporting stable accuracy over time. This is particularly important for heavy plate work where machine deflection can affect cut quality.
Choose Guillotine Shear if...
- Best for medium to thick plate cutting — If your production involves regular cutting of thicker plates where swing beam shears are at their limit, a guillotine shear provides the additional cutting force and flexibility you need.
- Recommended for adjustable cutting conditions — When you need to cut a variety of material types and thicknesses, the adjustable shear angle allows you to optimize cutting parameters for each job rather than working with a fixed geometry.
- Ideal for demanding production environments — For OEM lines, job shops and fabrication plants with heavy-duty plate work, the rigid structure and robust hydraulic system deliver the stability and reliability needed for daily production.
Shearing Machine Series: Find the Right Fit
Two shearing machine types, each positioned for different material ranges and production requirements.
Guillotine Shear
For medium to thick plate cutting with adjustable shear angle.
- Adjustable shear angle
- Higher cutting capacity
- CNC backgauge control
- For thick plate and demanding work
Swing Beam Shear
For fast, economical cutting of thin-to-medium sheet.
- Fixed shear angle
- Faster cutting cycles
- More economical investment
- For thin sheet and general fabrication
Control System Options
Choose the right control system for your production requirements and operator experience.

NC Backgauge Control
Standard, reliablePractical and reliable NC backgauge control for accurate repeat positioning in general fabrication environments.

CNC Controller
Advanced programmingCNC control option for improved programming capability, multi-step programs and better integration with automation systems.
Not sure which control system? Share your production context and we will recommend the right fit.
Standard Configuration
A practical configuration built for reliable daily shearing in industrial environments.
Cutting System
- High-quality shear blades
- Adjustable shear angle mechanism
- Hydraulic hold-down clamp
- Front support table
Backgauge & Control
- NC backgauge control (standard)
- CNC backgauge control (optional)
- Backgauge travel: model dependent
- Position repeatability: ±0.02 mm
Hydraulic System
- Proven hydraulic valve brand
- High-capacity hydraulic cylinder
- Hydraulic power unit
- Oil tank with filtration
Frame & Structure
- Rigid welded frame structure
- Precision-machined guiding surfaces
- Stable worktable with ball transfer
- Heavy-duty base and foundation
Core Specifications at a Glance
Technical Specifications
Guillotine Shear Series - Main Models
| Model | Max Cutting Thicknessmm | Cutting Lengthmm | Strokes per Minute/min | Main Motor PowerkW | Weightkg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QC11K-6×2500 | 6 | 2500 | 18 | 7.5 | 5500 |
| QC11K-6×3200 | 6 | 3200 | 16 | 7.5 | 6500 |
| QC11K-8×3200 | 8 | 3200 | 14 | 11 | 7500 |
| QC11K-10×4000 | 10 | 4000 | 12 | 15 | 9500 |
| QC11K-12×4000 | 12 | 4000 | 10 | 18.5 | 11000 |
| QC11K-16×6000 | 16 | 6000 | 8 | 22 | 18000 |
| QC11K-20×6000 | 20 | 6000 | 6 | 30 | 22000 |
| QC11K-25×6000 | 25 | 6000 | 5 | 37 | 28000 |
* All figures are standard values. For custom configurations and detailed specifications, please contact our engineering team.
Trusted Worldwide
ZW CNC
Why Buyers Choose ZW CNC Guillotine Shear
ZW CNC has been manufacturing shearing machines for over 48 years, with 800+ units produced annually and exported to more than 80 countries worldwide.
Proven Manufacturing Base
50,000m² facility with advanced production equipment, validated over 48 years of shearing machine manufacturing for global markets.
Global Service Network
50+ service centers worldwide with 24-hour response capability, so your equipment stays productive across different markets.
Engineered for Long-term Value
Strong configuration designed for demanding production — built to support multi-shift operation and long-term upgrade paths.
Guillotine Shear FAQ
- A guillotine shearing machine is used for straight-line cutting of sheet and plate material, especially when thicker plates or more demanding cutting conditions are involved. The upper beam moves vertically and the shear angle can be adjusted, which allows the machine to handle higher cutting forces and maintain cutting quality across different thicknesses.
- A swing beam shearing machine uses a pivoting upper beam with a fixed shear angle and is usually faster and more economical for thin-to-medium sheets. A guillotine shearing machine uses a vertically moving upper beam with adjustable shear angle, making it better suited for thicker plates, higher capacities and more flexible cutting conditions. The trade-off is higher investment and slightly slower cycles.
- Yes. Guillotine shearing machines are generally a better choice for thick plate cutting because their adjustable shear angle helps distribute cutting forces and reduce load. This allows more controlled cutting of heavier plates, with better edge quality and longer tool life when specified correctly for the material.
- Guillotine shearing machines typically have a more complex frame and drive structure, as well as adjustable shear angle mechanisms and higher capacity hydraulic systems. These design elements add cost but also provide stronger cutting capability and more flexibility for different materials and thicknesses. For buyers who regularly cut thicker plate, this additional investment is often justified.
- To choose a size, define your main material type, typical and maximum thickness and the maximum cutting length you require. Model designations such as 6×3200 or 12×6000 indicate thickness × cutting length. Select a model whose capacity comfortably covers your maximum thickness and sheet length with a safety margin, particularly if you work with stainless or high-strength steel.
What is a guillotine shearing machine used for?
What is the difference between a guillotine and a swing beam shearing machine?
Is a guillotine shearing machine better for thick plate cutting?
Why does a guillotine shearing machine cost more?
How do I choose the right guillotine shearing machine size?
Get a Guillotine Shear Recommendation
Share your material type, thickness range, working length, production volume and required cutting flexibility. We can help you confirm whether a guillotine shearing machine is suitable and recommend specific models and configurations for your fabrication line.
