How to cut galvanized corrugated sheets. How and with what to cut corrugated sheeting - a proven cutting method. How to cut corrugated sheets

The profiled sheet is covered with several protective layers - galvanization, anti-corrosion, primer, decorative polymer. Violation of their integrity will lead to oxidation and rapid destruction. The greatest damage is caused by sparks and heating to high temperature, causing melting of the polymer layer and steel.

List of tools suitable for cutting

You can cut profiled sheets with the following devices:

electric circular saw with saw blade for steel;
hand saw;
jigsaw;
hand scissors for metal;
hand nibblers;
electric scissors - nibbling, knife, slotting;
drill attachment “Cricket” - an analogue of electric nibblers.

All of the listed types do not generate sparks during operation and operate on the principle of cold cutting. Electrical devices are available in two versions according to the type of power supply: wired and battery-powered.

It is theoretically possible to cut corrugated sheets with a grinder, but experts do not recommend using this tool. Galvanized steel, which is the basis of the material, and protective coating melt on both sides at a distance of up to 5 mm from its impact. This causes edge corrosion. The second risk factor is sparks. Once on the surface, they spoil polymer coating.

1. Hand scissors on metal.

The simplest tool for sheets up to 1.5 mm thick at home is scissors with blades made of high speed steel. They are suitable for those who have to deal with small amounts of material from time to time. There are two types:

roller - blades and handles are connected with a screw;
lever - the cutting part with the handles is connected by a hinge, this is a more convenient design that makes work easier and requires less effort.

Based on the location of the cutting edge, there are three types of scissors: left-handed, right-handed and combined. If you need to cut from left to right, then use a right-handed device and vice versa. For curved cuts, there are options with curved blades. When choosing, be sure to pay attention to cutting ability: not everyone can easily handle thick sheets.

2. Hand saw on metal.

Use replaceable fine-toothed files. She has comparatively high precision and speed of work completion. Consists of a C-shaped frame and cutting blade. Disadvantages: cutting can only be done on a workbench, only in a straight line, requiring significant hand force. You should choose a hacksaw with a blade of at least 300 mm. For hard-to-reach places or complex cuts, there are options without a bulky frame, with a side handle.

3. Manual nibblers (notching, perforating) scissors.

This optimal solution for small volume. The main element is a cutting head with an open die for easy entry and a device for cutting off chips. An additional detail is a transparent plastic protective shield for sawdust ejection. It directs the chips forward, making the process safer. The minimum cutting radius with cutting shears is 25 mm. To start cutting, you need to drill a hole with a diameter of 8.5 mm in the material. The advantages of this tool, when compared with conventional scissors, are greater maneuverability and ease of arranging curved cuts.

4. Nibblers (notching) electric shears.

One of best options in order to carefully cut corrugated sheets quickly and in large quantities, from the edges and from the inside. They are easy to use and work on the principle of a hole punch. The main elements are a movable punch and a fixed matrix with a hole of the same shape. The tool does not heat the metal, does not damage the polymer coating, makes turns at any angle, cuts holes in hard to reach places, including complex configurations. There are no burrs on cuts made with electric nibblers, so there is no need to further process them.

5. Drill attachment “Cricket”.

It can cut vertically and horizontally, and makes round or shaped holes. The cut is very neat, the material is not deformed, but for this you need to select the right drill speed, otherwise the punch will bend the edges. Disadvantage - suitable only for small volumes.

6. Electric scissors.

In professional construction, for work related to cutting smooth and profiled sheets, two more types of electric shears are used:

Knife. It is convenient to cut in a straight line, but it is difficult to turn at an angle. The main element consists of two blades, one of which is movable and the other is not. The chips are diverted to the side, which prevents the appearance of defects on the protective polymer coating.
Splined. Their main part is the cutting head open type. Slotted electric shears are suitable for straight and curved cuts.

Both types have a powerful engine and are easy to use. The cut is perfectly smooth and clean, especially high quality for splined ones.

7. Jigsaw.

Special replaceable knife files are used. They allow you to make a very even, thin cut. With a jigsaw it is easy not only to cut a sheet in a straight line, but also to make curved cuts. It is impossible to place corrugated sheets suspended, since the metal is thin and easily deformed.

Advantages:

you can work directly on the construction site;
high speed compared to manual mechanical tools;
ease of control;
low cost consumables(files).

Disadvantages of using a jigsaw:

files wear out quickly and often break;
high noise level;
impossibility of cutting sheets with a profile height of less than 20 mm;
cutting with a jigsaw can only be done in a vertical position, that is, two people are needed to complete the work;
does not burn the protective coating, but tears the metal; the edges require primer treatment.

It is permissible to choose a jigsaw only if it is not possible to use other tools.

8. Electric circular (circular) saw.

Builders recommend using special carbide disks with fine pitch and reverse angle (curved teeth) or universal Pobedit disks. To cut corrugated sheets evenly, you need a plywood jig. A guide groove is cut in the center of the plywood. Marks are made on both sides of the sheet, then placed on a plywood jig and pressed tightly. The metal does not melt, but falls into small sawdust and does not spoil the polymer coating. This is the optimal solution for large items.

Advantages: smooth cut, minimal heating, no sparks. Disadvantages - the tool is not suitable for curved cuts, an incorrectly selected disc can tear the metal, the risk of injury is relatively high, the edges require primer treatment.

When constructing a roof from corrugated sheets that has a complex shape, or when installing junctions, as a rule, there is a need for cutting roofing material. Processing quality: the initial geometry of the corrugated sheet and the safety of the protective coating depend on the tool used.

Anyone who is going to cut corrugated sheets is interested in how not to lose consumer qualities processed products. To do this, first of all you need to choose the right way to cut corrugated sheets. An error can result in, at the very least, uneven cut edges. And if this can somehow be dealt with, then burnt zinc and polymer coating as a result of overheating of the metal during the cutting process is another matter.

A tool for cutting corrugated sheets must meet certain requirements: not contain abrasive substances, for example, an angle grinder, or not use high temperatures in the process of cutting corrugated sheets, such as an autogen.

Manufacturers of metal profiles do not extend their warranty to cases where the cutting of the profiled sheet was made with the wrong tool, for example, if a grinder with a diamond or abrasive disc was used.

Features of cutting profiled steel decking

In essence, a metal profile is nothing more than a galvanized metal sheet, most often with special coating, having a special profile. The difficulty of choosing what to cut the profile with is due precisely to the presence of a protective layer, which should remain intact when cutting the profiled sheet with your own hands.

The polymer layer is not heat resistant and is therefore susceptible to thermal influences. Therefore, when choosing a cutting option, preference should be given to cold methods.

In addition, it will be necessary to treat the cut areas with compounds that will ensure their moisture resistance and corrosion resistance. Usually, a special factory dye is supplied with the material, which is used to paint over the edges remaining after cutting.

Note
Even when treating sections with ordinary paint, you can achieve the appropriate degree of protection of the sheet from corrosion and various natural factors.

How to cut a metal profile

Let's highlight possible options what and how to cut a metal profile: use
- power tools;
- hand tools;
- machine equipment.
Hacksaw

The safest cutting option, which will preserve the integrity of the decorative protective layer, is to use a regular hacksaw for metal due to the absence of thermal effects in this case. In addition, working with a hacksaw does not take much time, since corrugated sheets do not offer much cutting resistance, and cutting does not require significant effort.

The main disadvantage of this method is the impossibility of using it when cutting complex shapes. A hacksaw is not suitable for processing sheets whose wave height exceeds 25 mm. Moreover, deep cuts cannot be made with this tool. Working with it requires a special table or support surface.

Note
For cutting curved, complex shapes more a jigsaw will do(electric or manual).

Is it possible to use an angle grinder?

Manufacturers strictly do not recommend processing profiled sheets grinder, better known in everyday life as a Bulgarian. However, in practice, cutting with this tool is quite possible. By following certain rules, you can fully appreciate obvious advantages this method.

It is important to understand that problems with this tool arise when using abrasive (diamond) discs and when high speed cutting That's why negative consequences processing of the material can be avoided if you work when cutting corrugated sheets with special disks with teeth made of hard alloy, which are located along the edge of the circle, and select the correct number of revolutions. These discs are quite thin, their thickness ranges from 1 mm to 1.6.

Using a grinding machine can significantly increase the speed of installation, especially since sheets can be cut 10 pieces at a time. True, cutting a pack requires some skills. This cutting method allows you to obtain the desired geometric configuration, including an arc with a certain radius.

Let us note some features of working with an angle grinder:
- When cutting, the sheet is placed on supports, placing them at a certain distance from the surface of the ground or table where the cut is being made. Otherwise, the disk will “catch” on it and either a cloud of dust will rise or the desktop will be damaged;
- If you use a small grinder to cut corrugated sheets with deep grooves, you will not be able to cut the sheet to the end - it will have to be turned over to the other side. Therefore, when choosing a grinder, you should take into account what the maximum diameter of the disk should be in order to complete cutting a sheet mounted on pads in one pass.
Shears for corrugated sheets

If you are looking for how to cut corrugated sheets, if you need to cut thin strips, then you need special scissors. The edges of the tool are perfectly sharpened, which allows you to cut the sheet across the wave.

Cutting the material lengthwise is made difficult by the structural features of the metal profile, its greatest flexibility in the longitudinal direction.

Scissors for cutting corrugated sheets make it quite easy to cut the material without damaging the protective coating. When using them, an uneven cut may remain, which, when installing the roof, will overlap the adjacent corrugated sheet.

Hand scissors

They are used when necessary figure cutting profiled sheet or the amount of work to be done is small. This tool, which is also inexpensive, allows you to form roofing elements of complex configurations. Hand scissors different models differ in such parameters as
- length cutting edges;
- blade configuration - it can be straight or beveled;
- design, say, the presence of a locking mechanism, etc.
When cutting, the material is placed on a platform, which is assembled from bars. Their number should ensure that the distance from the floor surface (ground) to the platform should be sufficient so as not to interfere with the movement of the scissors.

First, make a basting cut and check how deformed the edges of the sheet are.

Only after this do they begin the final processing of the corrugated board.

Nibblers

For greater cutting precision, nibblers are used. They work on the principle of an office hole punch, punching pinholes with a small diameter. While working with this tool, the metal profile is held suspended. The working head of the tool is inserted into the hole; it is pre-formed using a drill. The metal is punched through with a punch. To set it in motion, simply pressing the handle is enough. After each hole is formed, the working part of the scissors continues to move forward in the direction of the cut.

“How to cut metal profiles?” - enough frequently asked question for people who are working with aluminum profiles for the first time. This is exactly what we will try to answer. More precisely, let's look at the main tool for cutting aluminum profiles, which most home craftsmen have available...

Before you start working with an aluminum profile, you should know how to cut a metal profile. Or, at least, determine for yourself the tool with which such an important operation will be performed.

But let's start with the markup. Accuracy and adherence to dimensions play a significant role in construction or repair work. A small marking defect can significantly complicate the entire process, which, naturally, only has a negative effect.

The cutting line is marked using a tape measure, ruler or other hard and even object, as well as a felt-tip pen. There is no point in explaining how to do this, so several illustrations are simply presented that reflect the main essence of this process.

After the profile cutting line has been outlined, you can proceed directly to cutting the material itself. And, answering the question “What to cut aluminum profile?”, we can suggest the following tool:

jigsaw;
Bulgarian;
hacksaw for metal;
metal scissors.

Let's talk about the process of performing work by each of them, as well as their advantages and disadvantages in more detail.

Cutting an aluminum profile with a jigsaw

First of all, you should make sure that a metal file is installed. If instead of it there is a wood saw, then, of course, it will be possible to cut the aluminum profile, but the result will be far from high quality.

You should start cutting from one of the edges of the profile, sawing first the back part, and then the side edges one by one.

As you can see in the photo below, the quality of the cut is very high. There are no burrs, bevels, or other clearly visible defects. In general, the result is almost perfect.

Cutting an aluminum profile with a grinder

The next tool for cutting aluminum profiles is an angle grinder. Or simply “Bulgarian”. A very good helper when you need to cut something. As for the metal profile, in this case the grinder is great solution for quick and high-quality execution similar work. Cutting a profile with this tool is faster than with a jigsaw.

The advantages are the same as those of a jigsaw, if you have the skill to work with an angle grinder. Otherwise, it’s easy to leave the marking line and get a crooked cut. Also, do not forget about the mandatory observance of safety measures when working with the tool.

Cutting an aluminum profile with a hacksaw for metal

Above we looked at an electric tool for cutting aluminum profiles, which allows you to quickly and efficiently obtain the required result. But it also happens that, either the use technical means impossible for some reason, or they are not available at all. Then it’s worth looking for tools for self made. And the first option is a hacksaw.

You should also start cutting from the edge, and then sequentially the back of the profile and the side edges.

Main difficulty this method– this is the deformation of the profile under mechanical influence. Those. holding the profile itself and working with a hacksaw, on aluminum material there is a strong mechanical impact, as a result of which it bends. And this leads to a complicated movement of the hacksaw blade and possible care from the marking line. This situation can be avoided by inserting the usual wooden block inside the profile. It will act as a kind of stiffening rib, preventing the profile itself from deforming.

The final result is the same as when using a jigsaw! But at the same time, more time and effort is wasted when making a cut.

Cutting an aluminum profile with metal scissors

Everything is simple here! Use scissors to cut the profile along the marking line.

If you use a high-quality tool, you can get a pretty good result. Usually the most difficult part is the passage of the metal profile ribs. It is in these places that departure from the marking line occurs. Therefore, before you start cutting the base material, it would be better to practice first to get a feel for working with the tool.

Combined cutting of aluminum profile with hand tools

Another option for cutting an aluminum profile is sharing hacksaws and metal scissors. We start cutting from the edge with a hacksaw and, approaching the edges of the metal profile (when the cutting process becomes difficult), we complete the cutting by trimming with scissors. In this case, it’s a little easier than just using a hacksaw and better quality than just using metal scissors.

That's all I wanted to tell you on the topic “How to cut metal profiles.”

The need to cut corrugated sheeting may arise when constructing a roof of complex shape or arranging junctions. The quality of metal processing will depend on the selected tool. It is important to maintain the original geometry of the sheet and not damage the protective layer.

When choosing a tool for cutting corrugated sheets, you need to take into account the planned volume of work and the availability of electricity at the site. Hand tools will optimal choice for a small amount of work.

depositphotos

1. Hand scissors for metal

They are used for shaped cutting of corrugated sheets or performing a small amount of work. The advantage of this tool is its low cost and the ability to form complex roofing elements. It is best to use metal scissors to cut across the wave of corrugated sheeting.

Right or left;
Length of cutting edges;
Type of cut – straight or beveled;
Availability of a locking mechanism.

For processing, the material must be installed on a platform of several bars. The distance to the floor (ground) should be greater than the stroke of the scissors. First, a basting cut is made, its direction is checked and the absence of severe deformation of the sheet along the edges is checked. Then the final processing of the corrugated sheet is carried out.

The average cost of metal scissors varies from 1800 to 4500 rubles. The price depends on the design, blade configuration and manufacturer brand.

2. Nibblers

A more precise cut can be made using nibblers. Their operating principle is based on a point breakdown of holes of small diameter. The closest analogue is an office hole punch.

To work with nibblers, the corrugated sheet must be suspended. Using a drill, a hole is formed into which the working head of the scissors is inserted. Pressing the handle sets the punch in motion, which pierces the metal. After the hole is formed, the working part moves in the direction of the cut.

Characteristics of nibblers:

Punch dimensions;
Maximum and minimum permissible thickness of cutting material;
Handle configuration.

The average cost of nibblers for cutting corrugated sheets ranges from 3,500 to 6,000 rubles.

3. Circular saw

Small hand-held circular saws are suitable for straight cuts and large volumes of work. There are models of varying power on the market, powered from the mains and from a battery.

For cutting roofing sheeting You will need a fine-toothed disc with pobedite tips. The rotation speed is set to the minimum to avoid overheating of the surface.

When choosing an electric circular saw, consider:

Electric motor power;
Dimensions of installed disks;
Elements for fixing the tool relative to the sheet;
Availability of speed controller (not available on all models).

The price of hand-held circular saws ranges from 4,000 to 40,000 rubles.

4. Electric nibblers

It is best to make many shaped and non-standard cuts on a sheet of corrugated sheets using electric nibblers. Their operating principle is similar to the manual nibblers described above. The difference lies in the way the cutting part of the punch moves. Translational movements are transmitted from the flywheel of the electric motor.

The work can be done either suspended or on a fixed sheet. A hole is pre-formed for installing the cutting unit. Then the tool is installed and turned on.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

Rated power;
Cutting head stroke frequency;
Power type – battery or mains.

The main advantage of using electric nibblers is high performance and neat cut.

The average price is from 6,000 to 58,000 rubles.

5. Drill attachment

To optimize costs, instead of electric nibblers, you can purchase a special attachment - “Cricket”. With its help, you can form a cut with a complex shape.

Installation is carried out directly on the electric drill chuck. The procedure for performing the work is similar to the die-cutting tool described above. The “Steel Beaver” attachment has similar functions.

The average cost of these devices is 1,400 rubles.

Why corrugated sheeting cannot be cut with a grinder

According to the manufacturers' recommendations, it is impossible to process corrugated sheets with an angle grinder (grinder). But this only applies to cases where abrasive or diamond discs, the cut is performed at high speed.

The profiled sheet consists of a metal base and a multi-layer protective coating that burns out when exposed to high temperature. Because of this, the following defects may appear:

Destruction of the protective layer— subsequently the metal base will begin to rust;
Loss appearance — sparks can burn through the polymer or paint coating;
Warranty cancellation from the manufacturer.

In practice, cutting corrugated sheets can be done using a grinder. But this requires a special toothed disk and a correctly selected number of revolutions. The rotation of the saw blade should remove material from the cutting area mechanically, not thermally.

Corrugated sheets and steel (tin) sheets are very similar in structure, but the methods for cutting them are different. Unlike tin sheets, this material is profiled (to increase rigidity) and has an anti-corrosion polymer coating. When cutting it yourself, be sure to follow the rules, trying to minimize damage to the protective coating. In this article we will tell you how and with what to cut the material, and also provide an explanatory video.

Features of the material

When choosing a sawing tool, you should always consider important factor: The protective coating cannot withstand high temperatures. Therefore, in this case, always give preference to the cold method of metal cutting and select the right tool.

Cutting corrugated sheets using autogen, plasma and other similar tools is absolutely not suitable for cutting this material. The list of unsuitable tools also includes abrasive tools (for example, a grinder) because they cause charring of the anti-corrosion coating, heating of the metal and burning of zinc. We suggest you figure out what is the best way to cut fence material in order to ensure its safety as much as possible.

Tool selection

Regular hacksaw for metal. It is considered the safest tool. The process is manual, but it does not take as much time as it seems at first glance, since the corrugated sheet is cut with a hacksaw quite easily. With this method, high temperatures do not occur, and the sheet coating is perfectly preserved.

The disadvantages include: the inability to cut complex shapes and the need for a special work table.

Jigsaw (electric or manual). Great for separating various curved, complex shapes. If you use a jigsaw, this process is accelerated and simplified.

Metal cutting shears (manual or electric). This tool, unfortunately, is not so widespread, but I would like to note that it is convenient to use - metal sheets They cut quite quickly and easily.
There is one drawback - the edge may not turn out perfectly smooth, but this is not a problem, because when laying it you can cover it with the next sheet.

Bulgarian. On an angle grinder, the abrasive disc must be replaced with a special disc. Thanks to the material from which this special disc is made and its shape, sawing is more accurate and delicate. Such discs are made from an alloy of high-strength metals, so the teeth of the discs do not break during the cutting of rigid metal sheets.

In any case, the tool must be made of carbide metal.

cutting

When using any of the above tools, when cutting, pay attention to minimizing the area of disruption of the integrity of the coating. After all, no matter how carefully you cut, the integrity of the protective coating on the end part will still be compromised, and this will affect the service life of the corrugated sheet.

You are unlikely to be able to completely restore the protective coating on your own, but you can treat the cut areas with an anti-corrosion agent and then paint over them for greater reliability. Use the factory paint that is usually included with the material. If the paint was not included in the kit, then it doesn’t matter - purchase a can of paint that matches the texture and color at a hardware store. By treating the corrugated sheeting in this way, you will protect the seams from the adverse effects of weather conditions.