The W Beading Machine forms duct reinforcement beads in three forms: Z design, trapezoid design or U bead. It runs at 15 m/min and takes sheet from 0.5 to 1.2 mm. Two models cover working widths up to 2000 mm and 2500 mm, so wide duct panels can be beaded in one pass. The W in the name comes from the shape of the bead profile, and the catalogue describes the machine as very easy to use. It suits duct shops that want all three bead forms from a single W beading machine (catalogue: W Beading Machine, WBM).
General Features
- Three bead forms: Z design, trapezoid design or U bead
- Working speed 15 m/min
- Maximum working width 2000 mm (WBM 2000) or 2500 mm (WBM 2500)
- Sheet thickness 0.5–1.2 mm (ST37 mild steel)
- 1.5 kW motor on both models
- Power supply 380 V / 3 Ph / 50 Hz
- Very easy to use
Technical Specifications
| Model | Sheet thickness (mm) | Working width, max (mm) | Motor power (kW) | Dimensions W × L × H (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBM 2500 | 0.5–1.2 | 2500 | 1.5 | 1065 × 2900 × 1290 | 1050 |
| WBM 2000 | 0.5–1.2 | 2000 | 1.5 | 1065 × 2400 × 1290 | 850 |
Further specifications: working speed 15 m/min · bead forms Z design, trapezoid design, U bead.
Sheet thickness capacities are given for ST37 (S235JR) mild steel, yield strength 235 N/mm² (24 kg/mm²). EBR METAL reserves the right to change models and technical specifications without prior notice.
W Beading Machine vs Z Beading Machine
Both run at 15 m/min. The W Beading Machine gives you three bead forms (Z, trapezoid and U) and working widths of 2000 or 2500 mm. The Z Beading Machine (LPM) is lighter at 210–410 kg, comes in working lengths of 1300, 2100 and 2600 mm, and lets you set the bead spacing. It is also listed for aluminum up to 2 mm and stainless steel up to 1 mm.
Where It Fits in Your Duct Line
The auto duct lines, such as the Auto Duct Line Pro, bead the sheet inline with their own stiffening units. Sheet cut on a separate machine, for example the Cut-to-Length Line, is beaded on a standalone machine like the WBM before lock forming on the Pittsburgh Lock Former. The full sequence is on the HVAC Duct Production Line page.
When SMACNA calls for beading, why beads do not replace reinforcement and how bead profiles compare is explained in our guide Duct Beading: Why Rectangular Ducts Are Beaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bead forms can the W beading machine make?
Z design, trapezoid design or U bead.
What is the difference between the WBM 2000 and the WBM 2500?
The working width. The WBM 2000 takes sheet up to 2000 mm wide and the WBM 2500 up to 2500 mm. The WBM 2500 is also longer (2900 mm vs 2400 mm) and heavier (1050 kg vs 850 kg). Both take 0.5–1.2 mm sheet and have a 1.5 kW motor.
How fast does it work?
15 m/min.
Should I choose the W or the Z beading machine?
Choose the WBM if you need trapezoid or U beads, or widths up to 2500 mm. The Z Beading Machine has adjustable bead spacing, three working lengths up to 2600 mm and a much lighter frame.