Types of Shapers

Types of Shapers

Types of Shapers - Shapers may be classified on the basis of

(a) Design of work table as

Standard shaper
Universal shape,

(b) Driving mechanism as

Crank shaper
Geared shaper
Hydraulic shape,

(c) Direction of travel of ram as

Horizontal shape,
Vertical shape,
Travelling head shaper

(d) Nature of cutting stroke as

Push cut shaper
Draw cut shaper
Standard shaper

In a standard shaper the work table has only vertical and horizontal movements. The work table may not have the vertical support at its front.

Universal shaper Universal shaper has a work table-which may be swivelled around two horizontal axes and also adjusted horizontally and vertically.As compared to standard shaper, the universal shaper can be used to machine a wide variety of jobs.

Crank shaper A crank shaper is the most common type of shaper.Such shapers have a crank and slotted link mechanism to constitute the quick return motion in the driving mechanism. The crank changes the circular motion of the power source (i.e. the electric motor) to the reciprocating motion of the ram or cutting tool.

Geared shaper A geared shaper is not commonly used. A geared shaper has got a rack under its ram. The rack (and hence the ram) is driven by a spur gear.

Hydraulic shaper The drive in hydraulic shaper is neither a crank nor gear, rather it is a hydraulic circuit (Fig.).Though expensive, a hydraulic shaper is very efficient. In a hydraulic shaper, the reciprocating movements of the ram are obtained by the application of oil pressure on the piston in a cylinder. The end of the piston rod is connected to the ram of the (hydraulic) shaper.

Horizontal shaper A horizontal shaper has a ram which reciprocates in the horizontal plane only. Horizontal shapers are very commonly used to produce flat surfaces.

Vertical shaper A vertical shaper (also known as slotter) has the ram which reciprocates in vertical plane. It possesses a rotary work table. Vertical shapers are used to generate internal surfaces, keyways, grooves, slots etc.

Travelling head shaper A travelling head shaper has a reciprocating ram mounted on a saddle which travels sideways along the bed. The ram carries the tool slide. Heavy duty jobs which cannot be held on the standard shaper table, are kept stationary on the base of the travelling head shaper and machined as the ram reciprocates.

Push cat shaper Most shapers are of the horizontal push cut type. In this type, cutting occurs as the ram pushes the tool across the workpiece (Fig).

Draw cut shape Draw cut shapers are used primarily in tool and die shops. Cutting is done during the return stroke as the tool is set in a reversed direction to that of the standard shaper.Because of its heavier construction, a draw cut shaper can take heavy cuts with 'less vibration and strain on the work table.