Selecting the right duct machine is essential for efficient HVAC duct fabrication. With many machine types—each designed for different duct shapes, materials, and production volumes—manufacturers often struggle to choose the ideal setup.
This guide simplifies the entire selection process by explaining the major duct machine types, key features, best applications, and how to match the right equipment to your HVAC projects.
Overview of Main Duct Machine Types
1. Spiral Duct Forming Machine
Best for producing long, round ventilation ducts with strong seams.
Applications:
HVAC main air distribution lines
Commercial buildings
Large industrial projects
Key Features:
Coil feeding
Servo-driven forming
Fast output for large volumes
2. Round Duct Machine (Non-Spiral)
Used for fabricating round ducts in shorter sections or with different seam styles.
Applications:
Fire protection
Exhaust systems
Compact installations
Pros:
Flexible shape options
Ideal for small shops
3. Square & Rectangular Duct Line (Full Auto)
A complete system for high-speed rectangular duct production.
Includes:
Coil feeder
Beading machine
TDF/TDC forming
Pittsburgh lockformer
Folder / Shear
Best For:
Commercial HVAC duct workshops
High-volume output
4. TDF/TDC Flange Forming Machine
Creates standard duct flanges for rectangular duct systems.
Ideal When:
You want quick flange assembly
You need to match industry standards
5. Pittsburgh Lockformer Machine
Produces Pittsburgh seams for fast and reliable duct connections.
Why It Matters:
Essential for rectangular duct fabrication
Extremely durable and widely used
6. Plasma Cutting Machine (Duct DXF Ready)
Used for cutting duct patterns quickly and accurately.
Benefits:
High precision
Supports oval, square, and custom shapes
Faster than manual cutting
7. Gorelocker (Elbow Making Machine)
Specialized machine for making round duct elbows.
Common Applications:
Spiral duct elbow production
HVAC transitions
Comparison Table — Duct Machine Types
| Machine Type | Best For | Speed | Difficulty | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spiral Duct Machine | Long round ducts | ★★★★★ | Medium | Large HVAC systems |
| Round Duct Machine | Short round ducts | ★★★★ | Low | Small projects |
| Auto Duct Line | Rectangular ducts | ★★★★★ | Medium | Duct workshops |
| TDF/TDC Machine | Flange forming | ★★★★ | Low | HVAC installation |
| Pittsburgh Machine | Duct seams | ★★★★ | Low | All duct shops |
| Plasma Cutter | Sheet cutting | ★★★★★ | Medium | Accurate duct layout |
| Gorelocker | Round elbows | ★★★ | Medium | Spiral duct elbows |
How to Choose the Right Duct Machine (Quick Checklist)
1. Match Machine Type to Duct Shape
Spiral ducts → Spiral duct forming machine
Rectangular ducts → Auto duct line
Round elbows → Gorelocker
2. Identify Your Production Volume
High volume: Choose full-automatic duct line + spiral machine
Medium volume: TDF/TDC + lockformer + plasma
Small workshop: Lockformer + manual cutters
3. Check Material Compatibility
Ensure machine can process:
Galvanized steel
Stainless steel
Aluminum
Thickness range (commonly 0.5–1.2 mm)
4. Look at Automation Level
Higher automation = lower labor cost + faster output.
5. Compare Maintenance Requirements
Spiral machines and duct lines need regular lubrication and alignment checks; lockformers require seam rollers inspection.
6. Consider Future Expansion
Choose modular components so you can upgrade later.
FAQ
The main types include spiral duct machines, rectangular duct lines, TDF/TDC flange machines, Pittsburgh lockformers, plasma cutters, and gorelockers.
A Pittsburgh lockformer + TDF machine + small cutting tools is the most cost-effective starter combination.
A full automatic rectangular duct line combined with a spiral duct machine.
Spiral ducts are usually faster because the forming process is fully continuous.
Most machines process 0.5–1.2 mm galvanized sheet, depending on the model.