The shear cylinder clevis is a forked mechanical mounting component used in hydraulic cut-off systems on roll forming machines. It connects the hydraulic cylinder — typically at the rod end or base end — to the shear frame or blade carriage via a pivot pin.
The clevis is responsible for:
Secure cylinder mounting
Controlled pivot movement
Proper force alignment
Load transfer during cutting
Reducing side-loading on piston rod
In both hydraulic stop-cut and flying shear systems, the clevis ensures the cylinder can deliver force efficiently while accommodating slight angular movement.
Although simple in appearance, the clevis plays a critical role in maintaining hydraulic cylinder alignment and overall system reliability.
A clevis is a U-shaped or forked bracket with two parallel ears and a cross-hole for a clevis pin.
In a roll forming cut-off system, it is used to:
Attach the cylinder to the machine frame
Attach the piston rod to the shear slide
Provide a pivoting connection
It allows limited angular movement to prevent binding.
Allows controlled angular movement.
Transfers hydraulic force to mechanical structure.
Prevents side loading of piston rod.
Absorbs cutting impact forces.
Maintains consistent cylinder positioning.
Clevis mounts are typically found:
At the rod end of the cylinder
At the base end of the cylinder
Connecting to shear frame
Connecting to blade carriage
Depending on machine design, one or both ends may use clevis mounting.
A typical clevis assembly includes:
Clevis body (fork bracket)
Clevis pin
Retaining clip or cotter pin
Bushings or bearings
Washer spacers
Each component contributes to secure pivot operation.
Clevis components are usually manufactured from:
High-strength forged steel
Heat-treated alloy steel
Hardened steel for heavy-duty systems
Material must withstand:
High compressive cutting loads
Shear force at pivot pin
Repeated cyclic stress
The clevis pin:
Passes through both fork ears
Passes through mating bracket or rod end
Secured with retaining hardware
Pin diameter is selected based on maximum shear load.
In stop-cut systems:
Force is primarily vertical
Clevis transfers peak compressive load
Alignment is critical to prevent rod bending
Rigid structural support improves accuracy.
In flying shear systems:
Dynamic motion increases fatigue
Pivot must tolerate rapid cycles
Slight angular compensation prevents binding
Clevis mounting reduces stress concentration.
The clevis experiences:
Shear load at pin
Tensile load during retraction
Compressive load during cutting
Shock load during fracture
Proper sizing prevents structural failure.
Correct clevis alignment ensures:
Linear piston rod travel
Reduced seal wear
Smooth blade motion
Even load distribution
Misalignment causes side loading and premature wear.
Clevis assemblies may include:
Bronze bushings
Hardened steel bushings
Spherical bearings
These reduce wear and allow controlled rotation.
The clevis allows limited angular rotation to:
Compensate for minor frame deflection
Prevent binding during stroke
Reduce stress on piston rod
It is not designed for large angular displacement.
Because shear systems cycle frequently:
Clevis must resist fatigue cracking
Pin must resist wear
Contact surfaces must remain stable
High-grade materials extend service life.
Clevis components may include:
Zinc plating
Black oxide finish
Corrosion-resistant coating
Protection is important in humid or outdoor environments.
Common wear areas include:
Pin bore
Clevis pin surface
Bushing contact area
Retaining hardware
Excessive play reduces alignment precision.
Routine inspection should check:
Pin tightness
Bushing wear
Clearance between ears
Crack formation
Loose clevis assemblies compromise shear performance.
Clevis design must account for:
Maximum cutting force
Safety factor
Pin shear strength
Bearing surface area
Undersized clevis mounts risk structural failure.
During blade fracture:
Force reverses momentarily
Shock transmits through clevis
Structural rigidity protects cylinder
Proper mounting prevents stress concentration.
Improper clevis selection may cause:
Pin shear
Ear cracking
Excessive pivot play
Rod misalignment
Reduced cutting precision
Engineering design must match load demands.
The shear cylinder clevis is a forked pivot mounting component that connects the hydraulic cylinder to the shear frame or blade carriage in a roll forming cut-off system.
It:
Transfers cutting force
Allows controlled angular movement
Protects piston rod alignment
Absorbs shock loads
Supports high-cycle operation
Though mechanically simple, it is essential to maintaining structural integrity and hydraulic cut-off reliability.
It connects the hydraulic cylinder to the shear assembly with a pivoting mount.
It prevents side loading and misalignment of the piston rod.
Usually high-strength alloy or forged steel.
Yes, pins and bushings can wear in high-cycle systems.
Yes, misalignment reduces cutting accuracy and increases wear.
Copyright 2026 © Machine Matcher.