About Lockformer

For over 75 years, Lockformer has been the most recognized name in the sheet metal machinery industry. We have led the world in the production of HVAC roll forming equipment (such as our Lockformer Pittsburgh Machines) and Vulcan plasma cutting systems, plus the Transverse Duct Connector (TDC) roll former has revolutionized the ductwork industry around the world. Lockformer sets the standard for product quality, performance, customer service and integrity – the standard against which every other equipment manufacturer in the HVAC industry is judged.

Lockformer History

1938

The Lockformer Company was founded.

1939

The Pittsburgh lock rollformer first sold and the 2-pass bar-cleat machine was being designed.

1940

The 24 and the 20 ga. Pittsburgh lock machines were introduced.

1942

The EZ Edger hand operated flanger is created.

1946

The 8000 Series double-plate Cleatformer was developed to form drive cleats in one pass.

1948

The Standing “S” Cleat rollformer was first sold to the market.

1952

Lockformer relocated to its new manufacturing facility on Cicero Avenue in Chicago. Hemming roll tooling was developed.

1955

The 16 ga. Pittsburgh lock machine is first introduced.

1958

The first Button Punch Snaplock machine is sold and Acme lock roll tooling was newly designed.

History Continued

1960

The Speednotch multi-head notcher was first sold.

1963

The Speednotch multi-head notcher was first sold.

1968

The Triplex Cleatformer created to produce 4 profiles in one machine with slitting attachment to cut “S” and drive cleats was added to the line-up of 8600 and 8900 Series Cleatformers.

1970

Lockformer opened its new manufacturing facility in Lisle, IL.

1974

The DS Connector machinefeaturing New England cleat roll tooling was introduced along with the 24S Bandsaw.

1982

The Transverse Duct Connector (TDC) and the first Vulcan 1200 Plasma Cutting System were unveiled at the Atlantic City ASHRAE Show.

1984

The TDC Notcher and the Roll-A-Duct spiral duct rollforming system was developed.

1985

The new Vulcan 2400 replaced the Vulcan 1200.

1989

The Vulcan 1800 was added to the Vulcan line-up.

History Continued

1993

The Vulcan PCM (now the 3100HD) was first sold to the precision HVAC metal fabrication market.

1999

The Vulcan 1000 was first introduced for high speed HVAC fitting cutting.

2000

The Vulcan 1600 Waterjet was first introduced for high speed insulation cutting.

2001

Lockformer acquired by Mestek, Inc.

2005

The TDC-V is introduced to the market.

2008

Fully adjustable TDC Duplex and Stand Alone from 19mm to 38mm. The Vulcan 1000E developed and offered European Community; CE Certified, zoned exhaust, B&R.

2011

Vulcan users top 3,500. The VulcanPlus with new control and “Flex-Ability” updates the Vulcan 1000D technology. Total Integration from BIM to Field using Trimble® TDL CAD (now replaced by DD 3D CAD®).

2017

Harper-type Vanemakers and Railmakers added to Lockformer product line for production of air turning vanes

Resources from Mestek Machinery

Backed by over 100 years of expertise and experience in metal forming and fabrication, Mestek Machinery has developed a number of valuable resources to help HVAC duct and fittings fabricators and other industry professionals learn more about the technologies and processes that drive your operations.

Video

E-Books and White Papers

Catalogs and Brochures

News and Updates

The Mestek Machinery Blog

We're Here to Help

Have questions about Lockformer 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.