Timed tests to take fittings off a plan and cut them on an NCRail, NCPlaz or NCJumbo using Profilemaster 2000 ductwork software.

Fittings Fitting 1: An offset rectangular transition. Fitting 2: A 75 degree rectangular radius elbow. Fitting 3: Cushion head. Fitting 4: 300mm diameter round elbow (lobster back)

Fitting 1: An offset rectangular transition.

500mm x 600mm in, 400mm x 500mm out, 800 mm long, TDF end treatments, Pittsburgh seam allowance, 100mm straight on each end, 150mm offset and 100mm bottom pitch.

Computer entry time 55 seconds. Computer processing and printing time 1 minute and 5 seconds. Code conversion and copying to disc 37 seconds. Total "office time" 2 minutes and 37 seconds. Machine cutting time Cutting time 4 minutes and 10 seconds. Total time from plans to roll former 6 minutes and 47 seconds. Back to top

Fitting 2: A 75 degree rectangular radius elbow.

Throat radius 300mm, 450mm wide by 600mm deep, drive slide end treatment and 200mm straight on the inlet and raw edge and 100mm straight on the outlet with a 25mm Pittsburgh seam allowance.

Computer entry time 38 seconds. Computer processing and printing time 38 seconds. Code conversion and copying to disc 28 seconds. Total "office time" 1 minute and 44 seconds. Machine cutting time Cutting time 3 minutes and 40 seconds. Total time from plans to roll former 5 minutes and 24 seconds. Back to top

Fitting 3: Cushion head.

300mm x 300mm x300mm with 25mm step-in for insulation and one 200mm hole in the centre of one side.

Computer entry time 35 seconds. Computer processing and printing time 52 seconds. Code conversion and copying to disc 27 seconds. Total "office time" 1 minute and 19 seconds. Machine cutting time Cutting time 2 minutes and 10 seconds. Total time from plans to roll former 3 minutes and 29 seconds. Back to top

Fitting 4: 300mm diameter round elbow (lobster back)

100mm throat radius, raw end treatments and seam allowances, 65 degrees angle and 5 gores.

Computer entry time 22 seconds. Computer processing and printing time 50 seconds. Code conversion and copying to disc 27 seconds. Total "office time" 1 minute and 39 seconds. Machine cutting time Cutting time 2 minutes and 46 seconds. Total time from plans to roll former 4 minutes and 25 seconds. Back to top

These tests do not include the time taken to place a sheet of metal on the table or to walk from the office to the machine. The metal thickness is typically 1mm.