Did you ever wonder how duct is made? In a state-of-the-art shop like ours, the process might surprise you. In order to produce metal at the volume that we require it, our shop is considerably automated and computer-controlled. Therefore, the actual cutting process is done by machine, not by hand. Fitting sections are cut out of blank sheets sheared from huge coils of metal, and cut to individual fitting pieces on our two Plasma Tables.
A plasma cutter is essentially a negatively charged electrode that fires its spark through a high-velocity stream of inert gas (in our case it is dried and filtered shop air from our compressor systems) and into the positively charged blank sheet of metal. The temperature of the gas elevates to the point where it becomes a fourth state of matter (solid, liquid gas, are the other three) that scientists have defined as ‘plasma’. This high-speed gas melts, or cuts, right through the metal. An exhaust system carries the gases away. Plasma cuts are extremely precise and computer controlled, reducing waste by maximizing the metal used in each sheet. Each piece receives a sticker, which identifies it and provides assembly instructions. Thick metals or harder ones such as stainless steel require argon as the gas for cutting. Our shop has the capacity to produce up to three million pounds of galvanized ductwork per year, and the process to manufacture that ductwork can be very impressive.
BCH Mechanical has been a trusted name in Florida construction since 1976, delivering innovative design, high quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service. BCH capabilities include HVAC, plumbing, medical gas, piping, sheet metal, LEED, Design/Build, 3D-CAD/BIM coordination, and HVAC service. Visit BCH on the web: www.bchmechanical.com.