The production of stamped scissors and shears

The most important processing steps for stamped scissors and shears are shown below.

Manufacturing process

The raw material is given the appropriate form for further processing. ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS uses strips of stainless steel for stamped scissors and shears. The most important manufacturing steps are:

  • Punching out blanks: one half of a pair of scissors is punched out of stainless steel strips.
  • The blank is pressed mechanically into draw and twist.
  • Drilled holes are made: holes are punched out in order to fit the plastic bracket and screw.

Hardening

For stamped scissors and shears the whole blade is hardened. The actual handles are made of plastic and are injected at a later stage. The most important manufacturing steps are:

  • Heating: the scissors blank is hardened in a continuous process in a blank-hardening furnace.
  • Deep freezing: the blank is ice-hardened.
  • Double tempering: to relieve the blank from tension after the ice-hardening.

Mechanical and surface treatment

Grinding scissors and shears is an elaborate manufacturing process that needs to be done with precision machines. ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS pays particular attention to the interaction of crescent, draw and twist. This is decisive in ensuring that the blades meet only at one single point along the length of the blades and that the cutting material is cleanly held and cut. The manufacturing steps are:

  • Punching out the blank from strips of steel.
  • Grinding the blank: working the edges and surface of the blank.
  • Grinding inside and crescent.
  • Grinding of the blades with inset and cutting edge.
  • Shank and eye rings: the plastic handles (polyamide with fibreglass) are attached.

Assembly

The shear blades are screwed together. The cutting performance and the easy closing action along the whole length of the blades are determined at this stage. ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS fitters and controllers are highly skilled specialists. The following steps are carried out during assembly:

  • Assembly: the upper and lower shear blades are assembled with a bearing bush and screw and then pointed, i.e. straightened.
  • Marking: the trademark is etched in.
  • Final inspection: testing the cutting property and action of the scissors or shears and honing on an oilstone.