Duct fabrication

Duct fabrication

Duct fabrication is the process of designing, cutting, shaping, and assembling sheet metal components to create ductwork systems used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) applications. These ducts are essential for distributing conditioned air throughout residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, ensuring proper airflow, temperature control, and indoor air quality.

The fabrication process typically begins with detailed planning and layout based on HVAC drawings and airflow requirements. Sheet metal materials such as galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel are selected depending on the application, environmental conditions, and durability needs. Using specialized tools and machinery like shearing machines, press brakes, rollers, and plasma cutters, the metal sheets are cut and formed into various duct shapes such as rectangular, square, or round sections.

After shaping, duct pieces are joined using methods like Pittsburgh seams, lock forming, welding, or riveting to ensure strength and airtight construction. Proper sealing with gaskets or sealants is applied to prevent air leakage, which improves system efficiency and reduces energy loss. Reinforcements and stiffeners may also be added to maintain structural integrity, especially for large ducts or high-pressure systems.