LFM Lock Former Machines
The LFM lock former machine rolls the Pittsburgh lock and other duct seams on the edge of sheet up to 1.2 mm. The sheet runs through a line of roll stations, each forming a little more of the profile.
Four models: the LFM 10 with 7 stations, and three LFM 12 versions with 9 stations. Each LFM 12 version forms a specific combination of cleats and flanges alongside the Pittsburgh lock.
• 4 models • Up to 1.2 mm • 4–6 m/min • 7 or 9 roll stations • Pittsburgh lock on all models
The LFM lock former machine rolls the Pittsburgh lock and other duct seams on the edge of sheet up to 1.2 mm. The sheet runs through a line of roll stations, each forming a little more of the profile.
Four models: the LFM 10 with 7 stations, and three LFM 12 versions with 9 stations. Each LFM 12 version forms a specific combination of cleats and flanges alongside the Pittsburgh lock.
- 4 models
- Up to 1.2 mm
- 4–6 m/min
- 7 or 9 roll stations
- Pittsburgh lock on all models
LFM Design
- Frame: welded steel construction.
- Rolls: special alloy steel, on 7 (LFM 10) or 9 (LFM 12) forming stations.
- Drive: gear motor driving all stations.
- Setting: the gaps between the forming rolls are adjusted to suit the sheet thickness.
- Profiles: the Pittsburgh lock on every model, plus cleats and flanges depending on the version (see the table).
LFM Product Gallery
LFM General Features
- Welded steel frame
- Special alloy steel rolls
- Several profiles on one machine
LFM Standard Equipment
The machine ships ready to form the profiles of its version.
- Rolls for all profiles listed for the version (see the table)
- Gear motor drive
LFM Technical Specifications
| Model | Profiles | Stations | Capacity (mm) | Speed (m/min) | Motor (kW) | Dimensions L×W×H (mm) | Approx. weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LFM 10 | Pittsburgh lock, drive cleat, round right cleat | 7 | 1.0 | 4 | 1.1 | 1000×460×1000 | 270 |
| LFM 12-4.0 | Pittsburgh lock, drive cleat, power flange, round right cleat | 9 | 1.2 | 6 | 2.2 | 1300×800×1100 | 465 |
| LFM 12-4.1 | Pittsburgh lock, drive cleat, seam cleat, round right cleat | 9 | 1.2 | 6 | 2.2 | 1300×800×1100 | 465 |
| LFM 12-4.3 | Pittsburgh lock, flat seam cleat, flat cleat, round right cleat | 9 | 1.2 | 6 | 2.2 | 1300×800×1100 | 465 |
Capacities for mild steel S235JR (formerly St 37); they also apply to galvanized sheet. Specifications may change without notice.
Choosing the LFM Lock Former Machine
- LFM 10: Pittsburgh lock and two cleats on sheet up to 1 mm; compact, for smaller shops.
- LFM 12: the version ordered most. With nine stations, it gives better-formed profiles.
- LFM 12-4.0: choose it if you need the power flange.
- LFM 12-4.1: choose it if you need the seam cleat for joining sheets.
- LFM 12-4.3: choose it if you work with flat seam cleats and flat cleats.
After the lock is formed, see the LSM lock seamer for closing round duct seams and the LPM duct beading machine for stiffening panels.
EBR HVAC: for our HVAC duct production series, see the Pittsburgh lock former on EBR HVAC.
LFM Lock Former Machine in Operation
Watch the EBR METAL LFM lock former machine in operation.
LFM — Lock Former Machine
Request a Quote for the LFM
Send the sheet material, grade and thickness, together with the profiles you need (Pittsburgh lock, cleats, flanges). We will confirm the LFM version.
Frequently Asked Questions About LFM
What does a lock former machine do?
It rolls a seam profile, most often the Pittsburgh lock, on the edge of duct sheet. The other part of the joint is then fitted into the lock and closed.
What is the difference between the LFM 10 and the LFM 12?
The LFM 10 has 7 stations and works sheet up to 1 mm. The LFM 12 has 9 stations, works sheet up to 1.2 mm, runs at 6 m/min and forms four profiles.
Which profiles can one machine form?
Every LFM forms the Pittsburgh lock and the round right cleat. The other profiles depend on the version; see the table.
Do I need to adjust the LFM for a different sheet thickness?
Yes. The gaps between the forming rolls are set to the new thickness. It is a simple adjustment.
Can the LFM form stainless steel?
Yes, with the standard rolls, but the maximum thickness is lower than for mild steel. Send the grade and thickness and we will confirm the capacity.
Can a lock former make other profiles to order?
Yes. If you need a profile that is not in the table, we make the rolls to order.