Stranger Things Have Been Known to Happen!
If you walked up to a couple of guys having a conversation and you overheard them saying things like, "a Pittsburgh seam and a Pittsburgh locking seam," or maybe you heard, "double hem edge, single hem edge," what would you think? That these guys were talking about sewing class or something right? It would be a fair guess based on just what you heard, fact is, these gents are speaking about the different type seams you can find in the HVAC INDUSTRY! These seams are all popular in today’s modern HVAC roll former uses systems throughout our homes and small and large buildings. For the foreseeable future we will be using metal ductwork throughout our structures to move air in the direction we want for various reasons. All this ductwork — what are you going to do?? Consider purchasing a used or new roll forming machine for sale from Bud's Machine Tools in Salt Lake City, Utah that’s what.
Why Buy From Bud's? Keep Reading and You Will See.
Bryan "Bud" Jorgenson learned the metalworking machinery sales trade by the side of his father, Roger Jorgenson. Fleets of quality pre-owned roll formers of every variety passed through Roger's doors back in the day, so Bryan knows a thing or two about roll forming equipment, and likely has available the perfect used roll former for your next HVAC job. In addition, Bud's Machine Tools has outstanding and well-recognized service techs.
The Metal Roll Process Seems Simple, But There Is More to it Than That!
The modern roll former accomplishes its task of the roll forming process by using as few as 3 roll sets to the more typical 5 roll sets to arrive at the desired shape. In certain cases, the same roll set can be used to run more than one set up by varying the distance of the rollers. So obviously you would need to have a machine that has that capability — some don’t. The ability to vary the distance of the roll sets from each other not only gives the shop the flexibility to run different parts with the same roll set, there is no set up time job to job since you’re using the same set of rolls. Complex shapes or cross sections can require as many as 12 stations (roll sets) and some really complex shapes have been run with as many as 22 stations.
Could You Use the Extra Profits of Extended Seam Rolling Capacity?
The larger heavier duty roll formers can roll as fast as 85 foot per minute running a simple set up of 5 stations. As the number of stations increase to produce a more complex shape the speed per foot will be less. Typical speeds in a conventional shop running a roll forming machine is more in the range of 50-55 foot per minute as an average. Another thing to consider: does the used roll former have lubrication capabilities? During the roll forming process — heavy machines or lighter duty machines — it’s all the same. Every machine that produces a shape via the rolling process will experience great stress between the rolls. This great stress over a relatively short period of time will wear the rolls to the point they can no longer be used. If the roll forming machine you have, or are interested in, does not have a lubrication system, this is one place Bud's Machine Tools can support your specific needs. Our outstanding parts department can supply you with a new set of rolls for your machine and then have your used set of rolls reconditioned, so you will then always have a backup set. We can also source a mist lubricating system and procure it for you or have one of our technical service engineers install it on your machine on your shop floor. Either way we've got you covered.
Used Triplex — A More Professional Seam at Every Bit the Speed
Machinists can purchase a used triplex for metal bending, forming and fabricating sheet metal to save money. An affordable fully functional used triplex machine can complete all of the same tasks as a brand new triplex. The history of the origins of the Triplex “Cleatformer” style of H.V.A.C. duct rolling machine’s conception are a little muddled. That’s the bad news — the good news is the “cleatformers” endured the test of time. It was somewhere in the 1920s that the Triplex cleat former style roll form machine began to be produced in larger quantities. For the introduction of the triplex style machine a brand new concept had to be introduced at a time when another style of seam had dominated the first 30 years of mechanical production of the HVAC duct. That other seam type was just the Pittsburgh rollforming seam which was the seam that was created by the very first production roll forming machines that came to the industry. Both seam types are the most popular used to this day and have unique and varied applications that each one uniquely resolves.
Why Consider a Used Triplex Roll Forming Machine Anyway?
The best reason we can think of is for considering a used Triplex is that they run the same speed of production as a brand new machine! These machines only have a couple of speeds. Moderate speed is in the neighborhood of 55 feet per minute (this is the national average speed of the typical shop as analyzed by the FMA.) The high speed is 80-100 feet per minute for those that can both set-up and maintain settings for running that speed. Bud's Machine Tools has a constant stock of all types of used roll forming machines including Triplex cleatformer type machines (we have a few in stock now, but our inventory is always changing).
What Is So Good About a Triplex Anyway? (Besides Speed & Versatility?)
The typical Triplex with Slitter has 9 x stations with "S" cleats forming 22 to 28-gauge sheet metal and drive cleats forming 20 to 26-gauge sheet metal. The slitting attachment creates 20-gauge output. The triplex forming speed is 80 fpm. The machine's bearing support is positioned at both the inboard and outboard forming positions. The single-phase, 60-cycle, 3-horsepower triplex has a Baldor motor with case-hardened ground roll shafts. Most Triplex machines have a durable paint-finish, which protects them from rust, corrosion and harsh chemicals. Machinists can also upgrade to the Triplex S, which runs 9 x stations with "S" cleats forming 22 to 28 gauge and drive cleats forming 20 to 28-gauge metal. The cleat width is 1-1/8th inches and the depth of pocket is 1-1/16th inches. The Lockformer Triplex S has a forming speed of 100 FPM. This durable three-phase, 60-cycle, workhouse runs on 230/460 volts and delivers 1,800 RPMs.
Used Pittsburgh Seam Metal Forming Machines — We Got 'Em, Best of the Best!
A good used Pittsburgh machine can help get your HVAC duct fabrication work done, and done right!There are different types of Pittsburgh machines. There are varying options such as the Maplewood, Ductformer and Lockformer. Several different variations of the Lockformer exist, with most people preferring the Lockformer 20 GA.Pittsburgh machines are used for metal bending and creating connecting pieces for the metal used in HVAC ducts. The duct system is comprised of several locks and grooves. Pittsburgh machines are also used for creating holding ridges encircling the outside of edges of the metal pieces. With this style, another piece of metal fits into the ridge and is sealed tightly using a hammer. Many manufacturing companies that create ducts choose used Pittsburgh machines because they are reliable. These machines are built to last and cost less than new machines that provide the same level of functionality. Companies that make their own ducts with used machinery can save even more money by avoiding the expense of buying pre-fabricated ducts from another company. Some companies may also want to purchase a slip-and-drive machine to yield a more finished and professional look on their ducts. This machine creates S-shaped and D-shaped pieces that fit together and bond when hammered. The result is a more secure bond. The high standard of quality used to make these efficient machines also means they have higher safety ratings. The reduced price, long life and durability of used Pittsburgh machines makes them a great overall investment with multiple benefits. To learn more about these machines, view Bud's Machine Tools' inventory, and feel free to request more information about specific Pittsburgh products for sale.
Pittsburgh Owes a Debt to Cleveland
The invention of the first "Pittsburgh seam roll forming machine" has been accredited to a gentleman by the name of Carl Yoder of Cleveland, Ohio. Old Carl put together his first working roll former in 1910 and was awarded a patent on this machine in 1915. Shortly after that, Carl went into business selling and improving his machine which was the standard bearer from the late nineteen teens all the way to World War II. Carl Yoder’s company produced vast quantities of war material, including being the company that made the most 105mm artillery rounds in the entire country up to 1944, when Mr. Yoder passed from cancer.
Pittsburgh Can Be Found in Utah?
Bud's Machine Tools of Salt Lake City, Utah, has the knowledge to help you achieve acceptable piece part production with your Pittsburgh machine, and then support your efforts long after the sale. Our most knowledgeable parts department staff can assist you in acquiring new rolls and repair parts need they be necessary in the future. Our staff can also assist you in getting your rolls reconditioned (re-ground) so that they may be used again. If a technical service engineer is ever required to perform repairs, our service department is available at your beck and call.
