Duct Zipper (TDF) SBHF‑1.5×1500TDF

Specifications, applications and operation

Specification breakdown. The Duct Zipper (TDF) SBHF‑1.5×1500TDF handles material thicknesses of 0.5–1.5 mm, covering diameters from Φ100 mm, at a forming speed of 15 m/min, support height 700 mm, with a working length of 1500 mm (run-in/run-out), support arms 2×3, working height 800 mm, with a working length of 5350 mm, max power 3 kW, and weighs approximately 710 kg, requires 380V/50Hz/3PH.

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

TDF and lockformer machines are second-stage stations on a rectangular duct line: the duct sheet is cut to size on the coil line, scored and bent into the duct shape on a folder, and then the longitudinal seam is closed on a Pittsburgh or snaplock former. The TDF flange is roll-formed onto the duct ends as the very last step before corner blocks and shipping. On a fully integrated SBAL-V auto duct line, the TDF former is in-line with the cut-to-length shear and there is no separate handling step. On a manual or semi-auto workshop, the TDF former is a stand-alone station immediately after the seam closer.

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.

• Material thickness range — the rolls must cover your full gauge envelope
• Maximum sheet width — check against your coil line width
• Forming speed at production gauge, not the headline rate
• Tooling material — Cr12MoV hardened tool steel is the SBKJ standard
• Drive type — servo for accuracy, gear for heavy gauge
• Inline integration option if you plan to add an SBAL-V line later

Operator and maintenance notes. The Duct Zipper (TDF) SBHF‑1.5×1500TDF 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.