What adjustment is made on a power shear to accommodate heavier gauge metal?

Increasing the knife gap on a power shear is crucial when working with heavier gauge metal. Heavier gauges are thicker and require more space for the blades to cut effectively without binding or damaging the metal. Adjusting the knife gap allows the blades to accommodate the additional thickness, ensuring a clean cut while preventing undue stress on the cutting components. This adjustment is important for maintaining the integrity of both the workpiece and the tools being used, as a proper knife gap minimizes the risk of blade misalignment and wear.

While other options might seem plausible, they do not address the fundamental requirements for cutting thicker metal. Decreasing the speed may slow down the operation but does not ensure an effective cut in thicker materials. Changing the blade material could enhance durability but does not solve the immediate need for accommodating increased thickness. Reducing the blade angle may influence the cut's precision but is not a primary adjustment for managing heavier gauge metal. Thus, increasing the knife gap is the most effective solution for handling thicker sheets efficiently.