The HVAC system at your home or workplace encompasses a complex assembly of parts. Among other components, these powerful machines include an intricate system of ductwork. These ducts seamlessly distribute the air to all the corners of your home. Most AC manufacturers and HVAC experts use sheet metal to make this ductwork. They fabricate the system, particularly for ACs that complement their functioning. To know more about sheet metal fabrication, click here: https://www.hurlimanheating.com/commercial/sheet-metal-fabrication/
Now, you might wonder what sheet metal fabrication is, and how it affects your AC. Sheet metal includes several materials that find extensive use in industries like HVAC, construction, and aerospace. In HVAC systems, sheet metal performs better than fiberglass and polyurethane in the ductwork.
Table of Contents
What is sheet metal?
Sheet metal refers to an umbrella term to define a metallic material that comes in the form of thin sheets. HVAC manufacturers fabricate it to produce different appliances. Generally, sheet metals have metals like brass, copper, steel, aluminum, bronze, and magnesium. Each of these metals has specific perks, such as durability, heat resistance, and strength. In the case of HVAC systems, the ductwork primarily contains aluminum or galvanized steel. It is important to use smc connectors which will definitely gives the strength to the connection made.
What makes fabricated sheet metal good for ACs?
When it comes to manufacturing the ducts, the manufacturers look out for customizable metals. Sheet metal seamlessly complements their efforts. Particularly, ducts contain places that are difficult to work on or access. Through sheet metal fabrication, it is possible to access these places. These include:
- Cramped areas
- Spaces behind pipes
- Spaces around corners
Therefore, the advantage of using sheet metal is that it is easy to fit them during fabrication. Also, the manufacturers can cut them precisely as per their requirements.
Where is the sheet metal used in ACs?
- HVAC contractors and manufacturers use sheet metal fabrication in the rectangular ductwork in the systems. These include grease ductwork, insulated ductwork, and dual wall ductwork.
- The fabrication also comes in handy in spiral ductwork. This includes the angle rings, couplings, custom cap placement, and other options, both insulated and non-insulated.
- Coming to the fittings, the fabrication is used in elbows, rectangular areas, 90 and 45-degree fittings, round or square fixtures, and some other components.
- Lastly, HVAC systems need sheet metal fabrication in roof curbs or roof curb adaptors. These might be structurally reinforced, non-insulated or insulated, or have pitched or standing roofs.
Why is metal fabrication necessary in HVAC systems?
The comfort that HVAC systems deliver to your interiors largely depends on the air ducts made from sheet metal. Here are some reasons why the manufacturers choose to fabricate sheet metal into your AC.
1. Highly customizable
Using sheet metal in your HVAC system makes it easy to customize the design. Whether installing new components, remodeling, or configuring new structures, fabrication makes it easy to design the component. Therefore, it turns out to be easy when the manufacturers shape, cut, and assemble the parts.
Based on the needs of particular projects, they can tailor the dimensions. This eliminates waste, besides reducing the margin of error. It also saves a lot of money while enhancing the efficiency of the systems.
Thanks to sheet metal fabrication, HVAC contractors can flawlessly match any present ductwork when they remodel the systems. Several metallic mediums can go with sheet metal fabrication. Therefore, the contractor enjoys the liberty to choose any metal that would blend into the system. This makes the airflow even more efficient.
2. Ensure quality control
Established HVAC contractors believe that using sheet metal enhances the quality of the HVAC system. This explains why HVAC experts recommend suitable sheet metal needs to their clients. Also, whenever you have any issue with the ductwork in your HVAC system, you need to call in the experts.
Experienced HVAC professionals are capable of fabricating new ducts and parts. This way, they can leverage the system’s efficiency.
3. More economical option
With sheet metal fabrication, the manufacturers and contractors have more customization options. This ensures a tight fit, capable of resisting possible leaks. It enhances the efficiency of the system as well as the airflow. In the process, you would enjoy lower energy bills. Leaking issues or incompetence of the system can often reflect in spiked energy bills.
Another reason for using sheet metal fabrication in ductwork is that the material would be more resistant to rust and water. In the long term, the material would be more durable. For the HVAC contractor, it would be easier to fabricate parts and pieces when they upgrade your AC. Experience matters a lot when it comes to such upgrades.
Steps involved in sheet metal fabrication
Given that sheet metal fabrication involves a complex process, only experienced HVAC experts are capable of handling such tasks. With advanced techniques and industry knowledge, they can come up with suitable solutions for your systems.
Here are the steps involved in fabricating sheet metal in HVAC systems.
- Creating the blueprint: In the first place, a trusted HVAC expert would evaluate the client’s needs and develop a blueprint for the ductwork. The process involves calculating the stress levels and load limitations of the system.
- Cutting: The experts then cut sheet metal for a specific purpose. The process may involve the use of shears, waterjets, plasma cutting, or laser beam cutting technologies.
- Forming and bending: Now that the metal is available in the desired size, the experts bend it to form the desired shape. The experts deploy advanced machines to create a roll, V-bend, or U-bend.
- Joining: At this stage, the experts must fuse the parts by welding. With precision engineering, they weld these metal pieces, bringing the components together.
- Finishing: Lastly, the HVAC contractor polishes the surface and paints it. They might also add sealants or powder to prevent warping.
Endnote
You need a flawlessly designed HVAC system to optimize the comfort of your interiors. Using sheet metal, you can also reduce your energy bills. No wonder sheet metal fabrication goes a long way in assuring the right fit of your AC. This justifies why you need to hire seasoned HVAC professionals for ductwork and remodeling.