Automatic Drive Cleat (C‑cleat) Duct Line

Specifications, applications and operation

Specification breakdown. The Automatic Drive Cleat (C‑cleat) Duct Line is offered in models SBAL-V-1250C (C&S), handles material thicknesses of 0.4–1.2 mm, with a maximum working width of 1250 mm, at a forming speed of 14 m/min, with overall dimensions of 3250×2950×1200 mm.

Typical applications. Auto duct production lines like this one are the backbone of any high-volume HVAC ductwork fabrication shop. Typical buyers include large mechanical contractors building airports, shopping malls, hospitals, hotels and high-rise commercial towers, where rectangular supply, return and exhaust ducts are needed by the kilometre. The machine is also commonly specified by specialist duct fabricators supplying multiple installation contractors, and by vertically integrated developers and facility owners running their own in-house duct production.

How it works. An auto duct line of this type takes coil stock at one end and outputs a finished, formed duct section at the other with minimal operator involvement. The integrated workflow includes decoiling, levelling, longitudinal beading and notching, shearing to length, Pittsburgh lock forming on the longitudinal seam, and TDF or angle flange forming on the transverse ends. The operator enters duct dimensions on the PLC touchscreen and the line completes a full forming cycle automatically — typical changeover between sizes is under one minute.

Quality, certification and after-sales. Like every machine in the SBKJ catalogue, this unit is built to ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards and CE marked for European conformity. The factory in Jiangyin, Jiangsu has been operating since 1995 and SBKJ holds 60+ invention and utility patents in HVAC ductwork machinery design. Each machine ships with a 12-month warranty on mechanical and electrical components, lifetime spare-parts availability, and 3–7 days of on-site installation supervision and operator training by an SBKJ engineer. Remote support is available via WhatsApp and email, with engineer response within 12 hours and technical troubleshooting within 72 hours.

Where this fits in your workshop

An auto duct production line is the centrepiece of a modern rectangular HVAC duct workshop. The SBAL family integrates decoiling, levelling, notching, beading, cut-to-length, scoring, folding, seam closing and TDF flanging into a single coil-to-duct line operated by 2–3 staff. Output is finished commercial-grade rectangular duct ready for corner blocks and packing. The line replaces what used to be 6–8 separate stations and 8–12 operators on a traditional duct shop.

Pre-purchase checklist

Use this list when you write the enquiry or when you compare two suppliers. Each line is something an SBKJ engineer will want clarified before quoting.

• Maximum daily output target in m² per shift, not theoretical peak
• Minimum and maximum duct cross-section — small ducts slow most lines
• Material thickness range — thin gauge is faster, heavy gauge needs servo torque
• Workshop length — the SBAL-V needs roughly 35 m of straight floor
• Operator and maintenance training — SBKJ ships 7 days included
• Power, compressed air and lifting requirements for installation day

Operator and maintenance notes. The Automatic Drive Cleat (C‑cleat) Duct Line is designed to be run by a single trained operator under normal conditions. Daily checks include lubrication of the forming rolls, inspection of the drive belts and chain tension, and a clean-down of the tool surfaces. Weekly checks add electrical cabinet inspection and a torque check on the main frame fasteners. SBKJ ships every machine with an English operator manual, a maintenance schedule and a recommended two-year spare parts kit. Operator training is included in the 7-day commissioning visit, and a refresher session can be booked at any time within the warranty period.