For today’s HVAC sheet metal contractor, operational profitability is driven by their ability to manage their processes. Duct prefabrication has become essential for modern HVAC duct manufacturing jobs — from data centers to battery plants, pharmaceuticals, and more — because it offers improved part quality and reduced labor costs. And as prefabrication timelines shrink and labor constraints grow, managing production with speed and precision is critical to success.
With Mestek Machinery, contractors have been able to integrate industry-leading automation into their operations to improve production and efficiency. And now, through our exclusive partnership with B&R
Industrial Automation, we’re proud to introduce the next generation control systems that not only give contractors the ability to automate and manage their production — but to realize a more efficient, integrated fabrication workflow for a smarter, more connected operation where data-driven contracting meets data-driven manufacturing.
This elite platform of control systems is the new digital nerve center across our most advanced machinery including the Lockformer Vulcan Fiber Laser, Plasma, and Waterjet cutting systems, Lockformer Spiral Tubeformers, and the Iowa Precision Fabriduct NEO and Pro-Fabriduct coil lines as well as the Automated Coil Feed NEO.
The latest generation control systems from B&R Industrial Automation move beyond traditional Windows-based interfaces to a robust, Linux-based platform. This system acts as the digital nerve center for your entire production line, offering:
Eliminate manual data entry by directly downloading job data from leading CAM modeling platforms, including Autodesk, Trimble, PractiCAM, Shop Data Systems, and others.
Features built-in Site Manager technology for secure, real-time remote troubleshooting and system monitoring.
Access detailed performance data, fault alerts, and maintenance indicators directly at the machine interface — no external connection required — for faster troubleshooting and reduced downtime.
Test and refine production runs digitally before feeding material to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal waste.
Available in iPad and HMI interface with a dedicated pedestal-mount control featuring touchscreen, mouse, and keyboard for intuitive operation.
This new platform of control systems from B&R Industrial Automation also delivers access to MestekNet — a true machine tool intelligence technology that monitors machine performance and output in real-time and facilitates a data-driven approach to manufacturing.
MestekNet leverages precise, real-time data analytics to provide tangible performance and productivity insights. This includes an intuitive dashboard of key performance indicators for the productivity and utilization of your machinery such as the number of parts being produced, the number jobs being executed, and how much material is consumed, and more. With these insights on-demand, contractors and fabricators have the power to make better operational decisions, add nuance to productivity tracking and resource management, and add historical context to future estimating for more intelligent bidding.
And that’s just the beginning — as MestekNet matures more features will become available such as KPI reports, long-term trending, asset health analysis, job time anticipation, and more valuable insights that create opportunities for efficiency and business intelligence for your operation.
This elite platform of control systems from B&R Industrial Automation is the new digital nerve center across our most advanced machinery including the Lockformer Vulcan Fiber Laser, Plasma, and Waterjet cutting systems, Lockformer Spiral Tubeformers, and the Iowa Precision Fabriduct NEO and Pro-Fabriduct coil lines as well as the Automated Coil Feed NEO.
Lockformer® Vulcan® Fiber Laser Elite Cutting System
Lockformer® Vulcan® Plasma Cutting System
Lockformer® Vulcan® Waterjet Cutting System
Lockformer® Spiral Tubeformers
Iowa Precision® Fabriduct NEO™ Automated Full Coil Line
Iowa Precision® Pro-Frabriduct® Full Coil Line
Iowa Precision® Automated Coil Feed NEO™ for Plasma & Fiber Laser Cutting Systems
Mestek Machinery is comprised of a family of metal forming manufacturing brands with deep roots in the HVAC duct fabrication industry: Lockformer, Iowa Precision, Engel, and Roto-Die. Together, our brands design and manufacture the most complete, productive, and innovative metal forming solutions for the fabrication of HVAC sheet metal ductwork and fittings. With over 100 years of combined experience addressing every facet of the HVAC duct industry, our knowledge and experience allows us to develop cutting edge, precision technologies, and automated manufacturing equipment that saves sheet metal contractors and fabricators time and labor while ensuring a finished duct product of unmatched quality.
Looking to improve the productivity and profitability of your HVAC duct and fittings fabrication operation? Looking for a solution to address a particular application? Schedule a no obligation, 1-on-1 consultation with a Mestek Machinery Technical Advisor today.
Have questions about our machinery and equipment? Looking for help on a unique application? Need help with a budget estimate to determine overall equipment costs to evaluate if your project can be justified? Please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’d love to help.