Shearing of metals involves cutting and forming relatively thin sheets of metal through operations like punching, blanking, perforating, and slitting. Sheet metal is commonly used to make parts for automobiles, appliances, furniture and other consumer and industrial products. The quality of sheared edges depends on factors like tool and die design and clearance, which can be controlled to reduce defects and improve surface finish. Different types of tools, dies, and processes are used for piercing, blanking and other shearing operations.