Flexible Duct Connector Production Line

Product Description

Flexible Duct Connector Production Line

The Flexible Duct Connector Production Line manufactures metal-and-fabric connector strips for HVAC ductwork. It forms galvanized steel strips along both edges of a flexible fabric section, producing material for subsequent fabrication into duct connection joints.

The line integrates two powered decoilers, hydraulic hole punching, a double-sided roll forming machine, notching and cutting equipment, and a recoiler. These operations are combined to support regular production of flexible duct connectors.

The reference configuration processes 0.4–0.8 mm galvanized steel, with metal strip widths of 50–150 mm and fabric widths of 100–300 mm. The main machine has 12 forming stations on each side and a specified line speed of 5–7 m/min.

Connector dimensions, punching details and forming tooling can be reviewed according to the customer’s drawings, material samples and production requirements.

Production Process

Powered Decoiling → Hydraulic Hole Punching → Fabric Feeding and Roll Forming → Notching and Cutting → Recoiling

Two powered decoilers feed the metal strips into the production line. Hydraulic punching produces the required holes before the strips enter the forming section.

Flexible fabric is guided between the metal strips. The forming rollers progressively shape the metal edges around the fabric edges to create the connector strip.

The line then performs the specified notching and cutting operations, and the recoiler collects the finished strip for handling and subsequent joint fabrication.

Key Features

Technical Parameters

Overall line layout and final specifications are confirmed according to the selected connector design and equipment configuration.

Double Sided Roll Forming System

The main forming machine features two parallel sets of rollers, with 12 forming stations on each side.

The rollers progressively form the metal strips along the fabric edges, creating the metal-to-fabric connection required by the connector profile. Both sides are processed within the same forming machine.

The specified forming rollers are made from GCr15 steel, heat-treated to HRC 60–62. The shafts use 45# steel with a diameter of 40 mm.

Tooling is matched to the required metal edge profile, material thickness and fabric specification.

Flexible Fabric Options

The connector design can be reviewed for the following fabric types:

Fabric selection depends on the intended application, coating, thickness and required service conditions. Samples should be provided to confirm compatibility with the forming tooling.

Temperature limits and fire performance are determined by the selected fabric and finished connector specification.

Flexible Duct Connectors for HVAC Systems

A flexible duct connector consists of a central fabric section secured to metal strips on both sides. The metal edges provide attachment surfaces for the adjoining equipment and ductwork.

The flexible section helps reduce the transmission of equipment vibration into the duct system. Typical installation locations include connections between fans, blowers, air handling units and adjoining ducts.

The connector strip produced by this line can be cut and fabricated into the required joint shape. Final joint dimensions, attachment details and sealing methods are determined by the ductwork design.

Machine Configuration

Powered Decoilers

Two powered decoilers supply the metal strips used on either side of the flexible fabric.

Strip Guiding and Leveling

Guiding and leveling components prepare the incoming strips for punching and roll forming.

Hydraulic Punching Unit

Produces the specified holes in the metal strips. Hole dimensions and spacing are defined according to the connector drawing.

Fabric Feeding Arrangement

Feeds and guides the flexible fabric through the center of the forming section.

Main Roll Forming Machine

Two sets of 12 forming stations progressively shape the metal edges and secure them around the fabric edges.

Notching and Cutting Unit

Performs the notching and cutting operations required by the selected connector design.

Recoiler

Collects the finished connector strip into rolls for handling, storage and further fabrication.

Hydraulic and Electrical Control Systems

Provide hydraulic power and coordinate the production line’s operating functions.

Applications

The production line is suitable for manufacturers supplying flexible connector material for:

• HVAC ductwork connections
• Fan and blower connections
• Air handling unit connections
• Commercial ventilation systems
• Industrial ventilation systems
• Duct fabrication workshops and HVAC component suppliers

The finished connector’s suitability for a particular installation depends on its material specification and joint design.

Why Choose This Machine?

Integrated Connector Production

Decoiling, punching, roll forming, notching, cutting and recoiling are combined in one production line, reducing transfers between separate processing operations.

Both Metal Edges Formed Together

The double-sided forming arrangement processes the metal strips on both sides of the fabric within the same machine.

Defined Material Range

The reference configuration covers 0.4–0.8 mm metal thickness, 50–150 mm metal strip width and 100–300 mm fabric width.

Hardened Forming Rollers

GCr15 rollers with a specified hardness of HRC 60–62 provide the tooling surface for progressive metal edge forming.

Recoiled Product Output

Recoiling provides a practical format for storing, transporting and supplying connector material for subsequent joint fabrication.

Custom Connector Profiles

Metal edge profiles, punching patterns and material combinations can be reviewed according to the customer’s drawings and samples.

Information Required for Quotation

Please provide the following information so we can review your connector production requirements:

• Connector cross-section drawing or finished sample
• Metal grade and coating
• Metal strip thickness and width
• Fabric type, coating, thickness and width
• Required exposed fabric width after forming
• Metal-to-fabric seam details
• Hole pattern and notching requirements
• Required line speed and production volume
• Metal coil weight, inner diameter and outer diameter
• Finished roll length and collection requirements
• Factory voltage, phase and frequency

Send your connector drawing and material samples to request a production line proposal and quotation.

FAQ

What does this production line manufacture?

It manufactures flexible duct connector strips with a fabric section between two metal strips. The material is subsequently fabricated into connection joints for HVAC equipment and ductwork.

What metal thickness can the machine process?

The reference configuration processes 0.4–0.8 mm galvanized steel.

What material widths are supported?

The specified metal strip width is 50–150 mm, and the fabric width is 100–300 mm. The finished connector dimensions depend on the forming profile and the amount of material used in the edge seams.

How many forming stations does the machine have?

The main machine has 12 forming stations on each side, arranged as two parallel forming sections.

What is the production speed?

The specified line speed is 5–7 m/min. Actual output depends on the selected materials, connector profile and punching or cutting requirements.

Does the line include punching and recoiling?

Yes. The described line includes hydraulic hole punching, notching, cutting and a recoiler.

Can different fabrics be used?

Polyester vinyl, silicone, neoprene and canvas fabric types can be reviewed. The actual fabric specification and samples are needed to confirm compatibility with the forming process.

Does the line produce complete rectangular or round connector assemblies?

The line produces metal-and-fabric connector strip. Fabrication into a complete rectangular or round joint, including final attachment and sealing details, is a subsequent operation.