This document summarizes the shearing operation in sheet metal and its applications. It discusses how shearing separates sheet metal into pieces by applying cutting forces. Common shearing techniques include straight cutting, punching, slitting, blanking, notching, and trimming. Blanking uses a punch and die to cut out a specific shape from sheet metal. Shearing improves manufacturing by allowing for lightweight materials like aluminum to be used in vehicles to reduce emissions. While shearing provides benefits like straight cuts with minimal burrs or material loss, it can result in edge deformation. The document recommends not using shearing for low-volume production or hard metals, and provides other limitations.