The Pittsburgh Lockformer machine, also referred to as a Lockformer machine or Rollformer machine, is a versatile machine.
Mainly used for the lock processing of sheet connections and closed connections of circular ducts, the Pittsburgh Lockformer machine is well understood by experienced customers when it comes to purchasing the right machine.
However, for new customers entering the duct manufacturing industry, the decision of which lock forming machine to buy can be challenging.
Therefore, we are here today to provide a comprehensive guide on how to purchase a Lockformer machine.
- Voltage: The commonly used Lockformer machines are available in 220V and 380V, which are for household and industrial use, respectively. The 380V machine is more powerful than the 220V machine. If the thickness of the processed galvanized plate is less than 1.0mm and you don’t have access to industrial electricity, the 220V machine is suitable. If the plate thickness is less than 1.2mm, the 380V machine is recommended.
- Weight: Conventional Lockformer machines typically weigh between 200KG and 280KG, with the exception of heavy-duty models. All models come with casters for easy handling. There are three commonly used Lockformer machines, including light and conventional models. The light models weigh 190KG, 210KG, and 240KG, respectively, and are suitable for export because of their appearance requirements. They are slightly more expensive than the conventional models due to their more complicated workmanship (with creased corners, compared to the flat case of the conventional models). The conventional models weigh 220KG, 240KG, and 270KG, respectively. The difference between the light and conventional models lies in their appearance, weight, and volume, not in the shape of the lock.
- Thickness of the locking sheet: The equipment is mainly designed for processing galvanized sheets. If you need to process galvanized sheets within 1.2mm, either the light or conventional type can be used. If the thickness of the plate is more than 1.2-1.5mm for galvanized sheets or within 1.0mm for stainless steel, a heavy-duty Lockformer machine should be chosen. The heavy-duty machine has 7 rows of wheels, which are larger in size and offer better wear resistance compared to the 6-row wheels of the conventional and light machines.
- Shape of the lock: The common method of purchasing a Lockformer machine is based on the shape of the lock required. If you need to make C-type clips, the six-function Lockformer (FEY-12A or FEY-12A2) is necessary. If you don’t need clips but require square elbows, the four-function machine (FEB-16A4 / FEB-16A1 or FEB-16A5) should be used. If only the simplest joint angle and other functions are required, the three-function machine (FEB-16A / FEB-2A or FEB-16A2) is sufficient.
Additionally, there are two other types of Lockformer machines: the single flat mouth machine and the button lockformer machine. The single flat mouth machine is used for splicing plates by folding the remaining materials by 180 degrees to save materials.
It is also suitable for the joint seam in the middle of a round duct, which is similar to the stitching seam function of the joint angle machine. The difference is that the edge of the single flat mouth machine is slightly wider than that of the stitching seam machine.
The button lockformer machine is used for small air ducts and can only process galvanized sheets within 1.0mm due to its complicated forming process.
