--- title: The Mestek Machinery Blog | Shop Flow description: Shop Flow | Backed by over 100 years of expertise and experience in metal forming and fabrication, The Mestek Machinery Blog is where HVAC duct and fittings manufacturers and fabricators and other industry professionals can learn more about the technologies and processes that drive your operations. --- [![Formtek Group](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Mestek_Machinery_January_2022/images/MestekM.png?width=219&height=553&name=MestekM.png "Formtek Group")](https://mestekmachinery.com/) - [About Mestek Machinery](https://mestekmachinery.com/about-mestek-machinery/) - [Brands](https://mestekmachinery.com/brands/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/industries-served/) - [Service and Support](https://mestekmachinery.com/service-and-support/) - [Pre-Owned Machinery](https://mestekmachinery.com/service-and-support/pre-owned-machinery/) - [Dealer Network](https://mestekmachinery.com/dealer-network/) - [Products](https://mestekmachinery.com/machinery-and-equipment/) - [Machinery and Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/machinery-and-equipment/) - [Resources](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/) - [Videos](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/#videos) - [E-Books & White Papers](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/#ebooks) - [Catalogs & Brochures](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/#brochures) - [The Mestek Machinery Blog](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/#brochures) - [News](https://mestekmachinery.com/subscribe-for-updates/) - [The Latest News & Updates](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/news-and-updates) - [The Mestek Machinery Blog](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/) - [Subscribe for Updates](https://mestekmachinery.com/subscribe-for-updates/) - [Contact Us](https://mestekmachinery.com/contact-us/) - - [Engel Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/engel) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/industries-served/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/video/) - [About Engel](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/about-engel/) - [Contact Engel](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/contact-us/) - - [Lockformer Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/lockformer) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/industries-served/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Videos](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/videos/) - [About Lockformer](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/about-lockformer/) - [Contact Lockformer](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/contact-us/) - - [Iowa Precision Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/iowa-precision/) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/industries-served/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/video/) - [About Iowa Precision](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/about-iowa-precision/) - [Contact Iowa Precision](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/contact-us/) - - [Engel Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/engel) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/industries-served/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/video/) - [About Engel](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/about-engel/) - [Contact Engel](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/contact-us/) - - [Roto-Die Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/roto-die) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/industries-served/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/videos/) - [About Roto-Die](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/about-roto-die/) - [Contact Roto-Die](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/contact-us/) [![get a quote](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/getaquote.png)](https://mestekmachinery.com/about-mestek-machinery/#) #### [Get a Quote](https://mestekmachinery.com/about-mestek-machinery/#) ![Contact us icon](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/Contact-us-icon-black.png) #### Contact Us # The Mestek Machinery Blog Backed by over 100 years of expertise and experience in metal forming and fabrication for the HVAC duct and fittings fabrication industry, The Mestek Machinery Blog is where fabricators, contractors, and industry professionals can learn more about the technologies and processes that drive your operations. [![](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/Mestek%20Machinery%20Blog%20Images/2025%20SMACNA%20Product%20Show%202.png)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/collaboration-and-innovation-digital-workflow-management-of-spiral-duct-fabrication-at-the-2025-smacna-product-show) ## [Collaboration and Innovation: Digital Workflow Management of Spiral Duct Fabrication at the 2025 SMACNA Product Show](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/collaboration-and-innovation-digital-workflow-management-of-spiral-duct-fabrication-at-the-2025-smacna-product-show) Jan 1, 2026 As an industry leader in sheet metal duct and fittings fabrication, Mestek Machinery is proud to be... [Read More](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/collaboration-and-innovation-digital-workflow-management-of-spiral-duct-fabrication-at-the-2025-smacna-product-show) [![](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/Mestek%20Machinery%20Blog%20Images/2023%20Machinery%20Posts/Iowa%20Precision%20Pro-Ductomatic/Front%20End/Iowa-Precision-Pro-Ductomatic-Front-End-Coil-Line-1-min.jpg)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/spring-cleaning-your-operation-and-machinery-setting-your-shop-up-for-success) ## [Spring Cleaning Your Operation and Machinery: Setting Your Shop Up for Success](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/spring-cleaning-your-operation-and-machinery-setting-your-shop-up-for-success) Apr 4, 2025 As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect time to tackle the yearly... [Read More](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/spring-cleaning-your-operation-and-machinery-setting-your-shop-up-for-success) [![](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/Mestek%20Machinery%20Blog%20Images/2023%20Machinery%20Posts/Iowa%20Precision%20Pro-Ductomatic/Front%20End/Iowa-Precision-Pro-Ductomatic-Front-End-Coil-Line-1-min.jpg)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/space-saving-machinery-solutions-to-improve-sheet-metal-shop-flow) ## [Space Saving Machinery Solutions to Improve Sheet Metal Shop Flow](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/space-saving-machinery-solutions-to-improve-sheet-metal-shop-flow) Apr 4, 2025 HVAC duct fabricators and sheet metal contractors of all sizes must understand the importance of... [Read More](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/space-saving-machinery-solutions-to-improve-sheet-metal-shop-flow) [![](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/Mestek%20Machinery%20Blog%20Images/Lockformer-VulcanPlus-Sheet-Metal-Plasma-Cutting-System-v18-min.jpeg)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/employee-participation-in-improving-your-shop-layout) ## [Employee Participation in Improving Your Shop Layout](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/employee-participation-in-improving-your-shop-layout) Nov 11, 2021 When you first consider a change in your shop layout, especially a major change, you might think... [Read More](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/employee-participation-in-improving-your-shop-layout) [![](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/Mestek%20Machinery%20Blog%20Images/Rectangular/Coil%20Line%20Rectangular%207.png)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/volume-of-work-determines-machinery-requirements-for-shop-flow) ## [Volume of Work Determines Machinery Requirements for Shop Flow](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/volume-of-work-determines-machinery-requirements-for-shop-flow) Oct 10, 2021 Years ago, the majority of sheet metal contractors were involved in just residential work. In... [Read More](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/volume-of-work-determines-machinery-requirements-for-shop-flow) [![](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hubfs/Mestek%20Machinery%20Blog%20Images/cornermatic1.jpg)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/considerations-for-new-complete-or-partial-shop-layout) ## [Considerations For New Complete or Partial Shop Layout](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/considerations-for-new-complete-or-partial-shop-layout) Oct 10, 2021 Your shop's layout contributes to your overall efficiency as a fabricator. Either a complete or... [Read More](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/considerations-for-new-complete-or-partial-shop-layout) [« Older Entries](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/shop-flow/page/2) Next Entries » ### Topics - [ahr expo (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/ahr-expo) - [Air Compressors (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/air-compressors) - [Automation (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/automation) - [bim (7)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/bim) - [cad (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/cad) - [cam (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/cam) - [Coil Feed (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/coil-feed) - [coil line (4)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/coil-line) - [corner insertion (5)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/corner-insertion) - [cornermatic combo (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/cornermatic-combo) - [cornermatic plus (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/cornermatic-plus) - [cornermatic versa (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/cornermatic-versa) - [Cutting Systems (15)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/cutting-systems) - [duct fabrication (22)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/duct-fabrication) - [duct fittings (4)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/duct-fittings) - [duct seam (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/duct-seam) - [duct seams (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/duct-seams) - [ductwork (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/ductwork) - [ductwork seams (3)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/ductwork-seams) - [ductwork terms (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/ductwork-terms) - [engel (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/engel) - [Fabrication Shop Best Practices (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/fabrication-shop-best-practices) - [fabrication shop layout (5)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/fabrication-shop-layout) - [fabshop (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/fabshop) - [fiber laser (8)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/fiber-laser) - [fittings (4)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/fittings) - [fittings fabrication (3)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/fittings-fabrication) - [good shop layout (4)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/good-shop-layout) - [gored elbows (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/gored-elbows) - [HVAC (25)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/hvac) - [hvac contractor (7)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/hvac-contractor) - [HVAC Equipment (16)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/hvac-equipment) - [HVAC Fabrication (33)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/hvac-fabrication) - [HVAC Industry (8)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/hvac-industry) - [hvac roll former (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/hvac-roll-former) - [hvac training (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/hvac-training) - [industries (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/industries) - [industry trends (3)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/industry-trends) - [Innovation (3)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/innovation) - [Insulation (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/insulation) - [Insulation Cutting (3)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/insulation-cutting) - [laser cutting (13)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/laser-cutting) - [Lean Manufacturing (4)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/lean-manufacturing) - [Lockformer (5)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/lockformer) - [Lockformer Spiral Status Technology (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/lockformer-spiral-status-technology) - [Lubrication (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/lubrication) - [Machine Efficiency (3)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/machine-efficiency) - [Machine Maintenance (8)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/machine-maintenance) - [Machine Safety (4)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/machine-safety) - [manifolding (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/manifolding) - [Manufacturing (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/manufacturing) - [MEP (3)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/mep) - [Mestek Machinery Equipment (11)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/mestek-machinery-equipment) - [Metal Fabrication (4)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/metal-fabrication) - [new business (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/new-business) - [new shop (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/new-shop) - [operation (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/operation) - [pittsburgh lock (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/pittsburgh-lock) - [pittsburgh seam (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/pittsburgh-seam) - [Plasma Cutting (4)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/plasma-cutting) - [Prefabrication (9)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/prefabrication) - [Press Brake (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/press-brake) - [Presses (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/presses) - [pro-fabriduct (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/pro-fabriduct) - [Rectangular Duct (7)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/rectangular-duct) - [retrofit (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/retrofit) - [retrofitting (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/retrofitting) - [rollformer (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/rollformer) - [safety (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/safety) - [seam closing (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/seam-closing) - [seam welding (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/seam-welding) - [Section 179 (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/section-179) - [Sheet Metal (29)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/sheet-metal) - [sheet metal fabrication (23)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/sheet-metal-fabrication) - [sheet metal safety (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/sheet-metal-safety) - [sheet metal shop (3)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/sheet-metal-shop) - [sheetmetal (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/sheetmetal) - [Sheetmetal Shop Best Practices (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/sheetmetal-shop-best-practices) - [shop best practices (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/shop-best-practices) - [shop design (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/shop-design) - [shop floor layout (5)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/shop-floor-layout) - [Shop Flow (7)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/shop-flow) - [shop layout (8)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/shop-layout) - [SMACNA (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/smacna) - [snap lock (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/snap-lock) - [software (7)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/software) - [Spiral Duct (8)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/spiral-duct) - [Spiral Fittings (6)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/spiral-fittings) - [spiral machinery (4)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/spiral-machinery) - [sustainability (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/sustainability) - [Tax Information (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/tax-information) - [TDF (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/tdf) - [Trade Shows (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/trade-shows) - [Tube and Pipe (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/tube-and-pipe) - [VulcanPlus (2)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/vulcanplus) - [Water Jet (3)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/water-jet) - [Webinar (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/webinar) - [whisperloc (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/whisperloc) - [Workshop Education (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/workshop-education) - [workshop experience (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/workshop-experience) - [wrap brake (1)](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/tag/wrap-brake) see all topics ### Top Posts #### Sign Up for Mestek Machinery Blog Updates Sign up to receive updates from the Mestek Machinery Blog right in your in-box. #### Mestek Machinery | Leading Solutions for HVAC Duct and Fittings Fabrication At Mestek Machinery, our teams are committed to serving every facet of the HVAC duct and fittings fabrication industry. It's one of the reasons why our brands — Lockformer, Iowa Precision, Engel, ISM Machinery, Roto-Die — continue to lead the industry in the design and manufacturing of the most complete, productive, and innovative metal forming solutions and precision technologies for the fabrication of HVAC sheet metal ductwork and fittings. Click the logos below to learn more about each of our brands and sign up to receive the latest news and updates right in your inbox. [Get the Latest News & Updates from Mestek Machinery](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/news-and-updates/) [![Mestek Machinery](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Mestek_Machinery_January_2022/images/logo.png?width=296&name=logo.png "Mestek Machinery")](https://mestekmachinery.com/) - [Mestek Machinery](https://mestekmachinery.com/) - [About Mestek Machinery](https://mestekmachinery.com/about-mestek-machinery/) - [Brands](https://mestekmachinery.com/brands/) - [Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/industries-served/) - [Service & Support](https://mestekmachinery.com/service-and-support/) - [Dealer Network](https://mestekmachinery.com/dealer-network/) - [Pre-Owned Machinery](https://mestekmachinery.com/service-and-support/pre-owned-machinery/) - [Products](https://mestekmachinery.com/machinery-and-equipment/) - [Download Catalog PDF](https://mestekmachinery.com/project/catalog-mestek-machinery-hvac-product-catalog-2021/) - [Resources](https://mestekmachinery.com/resources/) - [News](https://mestekmachinery.com/subscribe-for-updates/) - [The Mestek Machinery Blog](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/) - [Contact Us](https://mestekmachinery.com/contact-us/) ![Lockformer](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Mestek_Machinery_January_2022/images/Lockformer_WH.png?width=97&name=Lockformer_WH.png "Lockformer") - Lockformer - [Lockformer Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/lockformer/) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/industries-served/) - [Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/video/) - [About Lockformer](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/about-lockformer/) - [Contact Lockformer](https://mestekmachinery.com/lockformer/contact-us/) ![Enagel](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Mestek_Machinery_January_2022/images/White-Engel.png?width=97&name=White-Engel.png "Enagel") - Engel - [Engel Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/engel/) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/industries-served/) - [Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions//) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/video/) - [About Engel](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/about-engel/) - [Contact Engel](https://mestekmachinery.com/engel/contact-us) ![Iowa Precision](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Mestek_Machinery_January_2022/images/Iowa-Precision_WH-3.png?width=97&name=Iowa-Precision_WH-3.png "Iowa Precision") - Iowa Precision - [Iowa Precision Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/iowa-precision/) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/industries-served/) - [Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions/) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/video/) - [About Iowa Precision](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/about-iowa-precision/) - [Contact Iowa Precision](https://mestekmachinery.com/iowa-precision/contact-us/) ![Roto Die](https://blog.mestekmachinery.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Mestek_Machinery_January_2022/images/Roto-Die_WH.png?width=97&name=Roto-Die_WH.png "Roto Die") - Roto-Die - [Roto-Die Home](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/) - [Machinery & Equipment](https://mestekmachinery.com/brand/roto-die/) - [Industries](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/industries-served/) - [Solutions](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/metal-forming-and-fabrication-solutions) - [Video](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/video/) - [About Roto-Die](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/about-roto-die/) - [Contact Roto-Die](https://mestekmachinery.com/roto-die/contact-us/) [Terms & Conditions](https://mestekmachinery.com/terms-conditions/)    [Warranty](https://mestekmachinery.com/service-and-support/warranty/)