Iowa Precision® Coil Feed NEO™ for Plasma & Fiber Laser Cutting Systems

The Iowa Precision® Coil Feed NEO™ was designed to maximize the productivity of your Lockformer Vulcan Fiber Laser or Plasma Cutting System. The Coil Feed NEO is an integrated system comprised of the Grid Feed Drop-In Uncoilers — up to twelve (12) coil stations — the Automated Multi-Select and Coil Select System which automatically de-coils and re-coils the gauge of coil required for each job, and the Straightening and Beading System which then feeds the Plasma or Laser table. The system was not only designed to maximize cutting productivity but to also meet the demands of the growing prefabrication trend in the HVAC duct construction industry. With its automatic, multi-gauge operation, the Iowa Precision Coil Feed NEO allows manufacturers to schedule and run production by the job with multiple gauges and coil widths (as opposed to having to batch by gauge) with no manual intervention for the ultimate in production precision, flexibility, and productivity.

Coil Feed NEO for Plasma & Fiber Laser Cutting Systems

Designed to Maximize Cutting Productivity and Prefabrication

The Iowa Precision® Coil Feed NEO™ was designed to maximize the productivity of your Laser or Plasma Cutting System. The Coil Feed NEO is an integrated system comprised of the Grid Feed Drop-in Uncoilers — up to twelve (12) coil stations — the Automated Multi-Select and Coil Select System which automatically de-coils and re-coils the gauge of coil required for each job, and the Straightening and Beading System which then feeds the Plasma or Laser table. The system was not only designed to maximize cutting productivity but to also meet the growing demands of the prefabrication trend in the HVAC duct construction industry. With its automatic, multi-gauge operation, the Iowa Precision Coil Feed NEO allows manufacturers to schedule and run production by the job with multiple gauges and coil widths (as opposed to having to batch by gauge) with no manual intervention for the ultimate in production precision, flexibility, and productivity.

Large industrial workshop with conveyor belts and heavy machinery along a long, organized production line inside a factory.

Grid Feed Drop-in Uncoilers

The Grid Feed Drop-in Uncoilers reduces the need for traditional, space-consuming floor racks and accommodates up to twelve (12) stations of 48” and 60” width coil with a standard capacity of 16-26ga Mild Steel with an option of 14ga capacity.

Automated Coil-Select & Multi-Select System

When the Coil Feed NEO is used in conjunction with the Lockformer Vulcan Fiber Elite Laser Cutting System, then the entire work cell is controlled by the B&R Control Software at the HMI of the Coil Feed NEO. The Multi-Select and Coil-Select System is positioned at the entrance of the Straightening and Beading section of the Coil Feed NEO (closest to the Plasma/Laser feed table). This system automatically de-coils and re-coils the correct gauge of coil required for each job based on download from the CAM Station Optimization Software. This eliminates the need for external pendants or to manually activate the correct coil station.

Grid Feed Drop-in Uncoilers

The Grid Feed Drop-in Uncoilers reduces the need for traditional, space-consuming floor racks and accommodates up to twelve (12) stations of 48” and 60” width coil with a standard capacity of 16-26ga Mild Steel with an option of 14ga capacity.

Automated Coil-Select & Multi-Select System

When the Coil Feed NEO is used in conjunction with the Lockformer Vulcan Fiber Elite Laser Cutting System, then the entire work cell is controlled by the B&R Control Software at the HMI of the Coil Feed NEO. The Multi-Select and Coil-Select System is positioned at the entrance of the Straightening and Beading section of the Coil Feed NEO (closest to the Plasma/Laser feed table). This system automatically de-coils and re-coils the correct gauge of coil required for each job based on download from the CAM Station Optimization Software. This eliminates the need for external pendants or to manually activate the correct coil station.

Industrial production line with large yellow spool rollers mounted on a teal frame inside a factory.

Grid Feed Drop-in Uncoilers

The Grid Feed Drop-in Uncoilers reduces the need for traditional, space-consuming floor racks and accommodates up to twelve (12) stations of 48” and 60” width coil with a standard capacity of 16-26ga Mild Steel with an option of 14ga capacity.

Automated Coil-Select & Multi-Select System

When the Coil Feed NEO is used in conjunction with the Lockformer Vulcan Fiber Elite Laser Cutting System, then the entire work cell is controlled by the B&R Control Software at the HMI of the Coil Feed NEO. The Multi-Select and Coil-Select System is positioned at the entrance of the Straightening and Beading section of the Coil Feed NEO (closest to the Plasma/Laser feed table). This system automatically de-coils and re-coils the correct gauge of coil required for each job based on download from the CAM Station Optimization Software. This eliminates the need for external pendants or to manually activate the correct coil station.

Automated Coil-Select & Multi-Select System (ctd.)

Initially the system automatically removes the existing material from Plasma/Laser feed table and retracts the coil in place to its park position. Then, via automated powered pinch rolls, the unit feeds the newly selected material up the powered infeed ramp and into the Straightening and Beading section of the Coil Feed NEO. When a new coil is fed into this section, the exact coil width will be detected by stepper motor driven edge guides measuring the torque of the material chosen. The coil straightener and beading depth positions are saved for each coil specification, and will be adjusted accordingly throughout the process without operator manual intervention. And the coil width will be continuously monitored using a laser/ optical edge detection system that will adjust edge guides and tooling if required.

Once all lead edges of materials are jogged through the Coil Feed NEO system, automated pinch rolls will produce the materials onto the Lockformer Vulcan Fiber Laser table for production.

Industrial manufacturing machine with a teal frame and bright yellow safety cover in a factory, with cables and metal framework surrounding it.

Next Generation Controls

The Coil Feed NEO is powered by the latest generation B&R Automation control system, moving 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:

Universal Software Acceptance: Directly download job data from leading CAM modeling platforms, including Autodesk, Trimble, PractiCAM, Shop Data Systems, and others.

Modern Remote Diagnostics: Features built-in Site Manager technology for secure, real-time remote troubleshooting and system monitoring.

Onboard Machine Insight: Access detailed performance data, fault alerts, and maintenance indicators directly at the machine interface — no external connection required — for faster troubleshooting and reduced downtime.

Simulation Capabilities: Test and refine production runs digitally before feeding material to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal waste.

Advanced User Interface: A dedicated pedestal-mount control featuring touchscreen, mouse, and keyboard for intuitive operation.

Brand header: black background with an orange wordmark and a black abstract icon on the left, low-contrast layout.     

Man in black shirt operates teal industrial rollers on a busy factory floor with yellow safety lines and scattered equipment in the background.
Brand header: black background with an orange wordmark and a black abstract icon on the left, low-contrast layout.

Performance Features

Leading Coil Edge Detection: Sets the reference position for straightening and width of material.

Multi-Roll Straightener: Removes coil set.

Active Beading Technology:  For all gauges and widths of material.

Bead Memory Technology: Between gauge ranges for depth of bead.

Continuous Coil Width Variation Monitoring: Stepper motor activated in feed guides and laser technology, auto-adjustment of tooling and side guides as required.

Fully Automated: All typical handwheel manual adjustments are now replaced by servo motors and automation.

Remote Tablet Control System: Available as an option.

Available Beading Option: An optional Bead Up or Bead Down pattern can be chosen for the system. All bead patterns meet SMACNA Duct Construction Standards.

Man in black shirt operates teal industrial rollers on a busy factory floor with yellow safety lines and scattered equipment in the background.

Technical Specifications

  • Material Width Capacity: 48” and 60” (72” optional)
  • Material Gauge Capacity: 16ga-26ga Mild Steel (14ga optional)
  • Number of Coils Accomodated: 12 Stations Max
  • Drive: 1/2 HP Electric motor and gearbox
  • Air Required: 1 CFM @100 psi (8,9 bar)
  • Optional Beading Specifications: optional Bead Up or Bead Down pattern can be chosen. All bead patterns meet SMACNA Duct Construction Standards.
    • Bead Pattern Spacing: 12” centers 6” from edge
    • Bead Pattern Height: 0.060” – 0.120” adjustable
    • Minimum Gauge: 28ga
    • Maximum Gauge: 16ga (14ga optional)

Next Generation Controls

The Coil Feed NEO is powered by the latest generation B&R Automation control system, moving 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:

Universal Software Acceptance: Directly download job data from leading CAM modeling platforms, including Autodesk, Trimble, PractiCAM, Shop Data Systems, and others.

Modern Remote Diagnostics: Features built-in Site Manager technology for secure, real-time remote troubleshooting and system monitoring.

Onboard Machine Insight: Access detailed performance data, fault alerts, and maintenance indicators directly at the machine interface — no external connection required — for faster troubleshooting and reduced downtime.

Simulation Capabilities: Test and refine production runs digitally before feeding material to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal waste.

Advanced User Interface: A dedicated pedestal-mount control featuring touchscreen, mouse, and keyboard for intuitive operation.

Performance Features

Leading Coil Edge Detection: Sets the reference position for straightening and width of material.

Multi-Roll Straightener: Removes coil set.

Active Beading Technology:  For all gauges and widths of material.

Bead Memory Technology: Between gauge ranges for depth of bead.

Continuous Coil Width Variation Monitoring: Stepper motor activated in feed guides and laser technology, auto-adjustment of tooling and side guides as required.

Fully Automated: All typical handwheel manual adjustments are now replaced by servo motors and automation.

Remote Tablet Control System: Available as an option.

Available Beading Option: An optional Bead Up or Bead Down pattern can be chosen for the system. All bead patterns meet SMACNA Duct Construction Standards.

Technical Specifications

  • Material Width Capacity: 48” and 60” (72” optional)
  • Material Gauge Capacity: 16ga-26ga Mild Steel (14ga optional)
  • Number of Coils Accomodated: 12 Stations Max
  • Drive: 1/2 HP Electric motor and gearbox
  • Air Required: 1 CFM @100 psi (8,9 bar)
  • Optional Beading Specifications: optional Bead Up or Bead Down pattern can be chosen. All bead patterns meet SMACNA Duct Construction Standards.
    • Bead Pattern Spacing: 12” centers 6” from edge
    • Bead Pattern Height: 0.060” – 0.120” adjustable
    • Minimum Gauge: 28ga
    • Maximum Gauge: 16ga (14ga optional)
Man in black shirt operates teal industrial rollers on a busy factory floor with yellow safety lines and scattered equipment in the background.
Industrial roller machine with two large chrome rollers on a teal frame and bright yellow end disks

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Coming soon.

Trimble FabShop CAD • CAM • MEP Software:
The Smarter Software for Sheet Metal Fabrication

Built for Productivity. Trusted by Fabricators.

Trimble® FabShop is a powerful fabrication management platform for sheet metal contractors that simplifies every step of fabrication. Whether you’re producing ductwork or specialty sheet metal components, FabShop simplifies and streamlines the entire process— from part creation to nesting, cutting, and installation.

Originally known as Vulcan Software, FabShop was designed to enhance the performance of Lockformers Vulcan plasma, fiber laser, and waterjet tables, Today, FabShop is fully compatible with a wide range of Mestek Machinery Lockformer and Iowa Precision equipment as well as B&R VSControl III Linux Control Systems and Vulcan Fiber Lasers Mach III & B&R Control Software Platforms. No extra software. No wasted time. Just faster, more accurate fabrication.

FabShop helps reduce material waste, improve production speed, and provide complete visibility into every stage of your shop’s workflow. This all-in-one, cloud-connected solution gives you complete control of your workflows—streamlining operations, boosting output, and eliminating guesswork. Whether you’re running commercial jobs, residential jobs or complex industrial projects, FabShop helps you deliver accurate, install-ready parts efficiently and profitably.

Open Architecture

Mestek Machinery and Iowa Precision are currently in open architecture with the following CAD to CAM Providers:

E

Trimble SysQue CAD Drawing Software

E

Trimble FabShop CAM Software

E

Autodesk CAD Fabrication

E

Autodesk CAM Fabrication

E

FabLink PractiCAD

E

FabLink PractiCAM

E

SDS Shop Data Systems

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