Ductwork is responsible for transporting huge amounts of heated and cooled air throughout the home. This system is vital in ensuring comfort while saving energy costs. Leaky ducts waste money and make your HVAC system less efficient. Getting professional sheet metal fabrication to fix these issues will make a significant impact on your energy bill and improve your home’s comfort.
The ductwork fabrication process transforms flat sheet metal into functional ducting for commercial and industrial HVAC systems. Sheet metal fabrication shops use various techniques to cut, shape and join metal sheets into functional ducts that meet precise specifications. These fabrication processes include shear cutting, plasma cutting, and CNC laser cutting. Shear cutting is best for thinner materials and is fast and accurate. Plasma and CNC laser cutting can handle thicker materials and offer greater precision.
After cutting the sheet metal into a desired size, it’s time for shaping and joining. Bending and forming metals is important for creating a custom fit for the duct. Brake presses and roll-forming machines can manipulate the sheets into different shapes. Bending and forming techniques also help to ensure the airtight seal necessary for a high-performance system. The final step is to assemble the duct sections by welding or riveting. Welding offers a stronger and more durable bond, suitable for high-pressure systems. Riveting offers a quick and simple solution for low-pressure systems or where air leakage isn’t an issue.
There are many types of ductwork available, depending on the specific requirements of each project. Galvanized steel sheet metal is commonly used in residential ductwork, providing strength, durability and resistance to corrosion. It’s easy to work with, affordable and helps create a tight seal that reduces air leaks and boosts comfort. It’s also a good choice for industrial ductwork because it can withstand more pressure and resist the effects of corrosive chemicals.