What Equipment is Used to Make Round Ventilation Ducts?

What Equipment is Used to Make Round Ventilation Ducts?

The production of round ventilation ducts typically requires a series of specialized equipment, depending on the material (e.g., galvanized steel, stainless steel, composite materials), production scale (manual or automated), and process requirements. Below are the common machines and tools:

1. Primary Production Equipment

(1) Uncoiling & Leveling Machine
• Unfurls and flattens coiled steel sheets to ensure smooth surfaces for further processing.

(2) Shearing Machine / Cutting Machine
• Cuts sheets to required dimensions. Laser or plasma cutters are used for high-precision cutting (especially for stainless steel).

(3) Seaming Machine (Edge Bender)
• Bends sheet edges to form seams (e.g., Pittsburgh lock, single-fold seams) for duct joining.

(4) Roll Forming Machine (Cylindrical Rolling Machine)
• Forms flat sheets into round ducts via multiple rollers, with adjustable diameters (common models include 3-roll or 4-roll machines).

(5) Lock Forming Machine (Seaming Press)
• Joins and seals the rolled sheet edges into a complete pipe, with some models automating compression and seaming.

(6) Flange Forming Machine
• Produces connecting flanges (angle flanges or TDC flanges) at duct ends.

(7) Automated Production Line (Large-scale Factories)
• Integrates uncoiling, punching, rolling, seaming, and flange installation for mass production (e.g., spiral duct production lines).

2. Auxiliary Tools & Equipment

• Bending Machine: For shaping fittings (elbows, tees).
• Spot Welder / TIG Welder: Welds stainless steel ducts for airtight sealing.
• Riveting Gun: Secures flanges or reinforcement ribs.
• Sealant Applicator: Automatically applies sealing adhesive.

3. Material-Specific Equipment

• Galvanized Steel: Requires roll forming and seaming machines.
• Stainless Steel: Needs laser cutting and welding equipment (to prevent oxidation).
• Spiral Ducts: Uses dedicated spiral duct machines for continuous helical forming.
• Composite Materials (e.g., phenolic ducts): May require CNC cutting and bonding machines.

Note: The choice of equipment depends on duct specifications, production efficiency, and budget. Automated lines suit high-volume manufacturing, while manual tools are cost-effective for small batches.