In This Guide
Elbows: The Most Complex Spiral Duct Fitting
Spiral duct elbows (also called gorelocker elbows or segmented elbows) are the most complex fitting in spiral duct fabrication. They're made by cutting wedge-shaped "gores" from spiral duct and assembling them into curved sections. A good gorelocker machine ensures precise, consistent elbow segments that assemble into smooth, leak-free curves.
Preda offers two gorelocker power options: hydraulic and electric.
Quick Answer
Most shops choose the Hydraulic Elbow Making Machine — it offers more cutting force, handles thicker material (up to 1.5mm), and produces cleaner cuts. The Electric Elbow Making Machine is lighter, more affordable, and quieter — ideal for small shops or low-volume production with standard 0.5–1.0mm material. Both produce 45°, 60°, and 90° elbows in diameters from 80–1600mm.
Hydraulic vs Electric Gorelocker
| Feature | Hydraulic Elbow Machine | Electric Elbow Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Hydraulic (pump + cylinder) | Electric (motor + gearbox) |
| Cutting Force | Higher (hydraulic pressure) | Medium (mechanical) |
| Max Thickness | 1.5mm | 1.0mm |
| Diameter Range | 80–1600mm | 80–1200mm |
| Cut Quality | Cleaner, less burr | Good (standard material) |
| Noise Level | Medium (pump noise) | Quieter |
| Machine Weight | Heavier (hydraulic system) | Lighter |
| Best For | High-volume, thick material | Small shops, standard material |
Hydraulic Elbow Making Machine: Power and Precision
The Hydraulic Elbow Making Machine (also called hydraulic gorelocker) uses hydraulic power to cut precise wedge-shaped gores from spiral duct. The hydraulic cylinder delivers consistent, high cutting force — ensuring clean cuts even in thicker material.
- Higher cutting force: Hydraulic pressure delivers consistent force — clean cuts in up to 1.5mm material
- Wide diameter range: 80–1600mm — covers all commercial spiral duct sizes
- Precise angle control: Adjustable gore angle for 45°, 60°, 90° elbows and custom angles
- Clean cuts: Hydraulic shearing action produces minimal burr — less finishing work
- Consistent quality: Every gore identical — elbows assemble smoothly with minimal gap
Elbow Production Process
- Cut spiral duct to required gore length
- Place duct in gorelocker, set angle
- Hydraulic cutter slices wedge-shaped gore
- Rotate duct, repeat for required number of gores
- Assemble gores into elbow, seal seams
View Hydraulic Elbow Machine →
Electric Elbow Making Machine: Lightweight and Affordable
The Electric Elbow Making Machine uses an electric motor and gearbox to drive the cutting mechanism. It's lighter, more affordable, and quieter than hydraulic models — perfect for small shops or low-volume elbow production with standard 0.5–1.0mm material.
- Affordable: Lower upfront cost than hydraulic models
- Quieter: No hydraulic pump noise — better for shop environment
- Lighter: Easier to move and reposition in the shop
- Simple maintenance: Motor and gearbox are sealed — minimal upkeep
- Good for standard material: Handles 0.5–1.0mm galvanized — the most common duct material
How to Choose
- Material thickness? ≤1.0mm → Electric works fine. ≤1.5mm or thick material → Hydraulic only
- Daily elbow volume? >20 elbows/day → Hydraulic (faster, more consistent). <20/day → Electric is sufficient
- Diameter range? ≤1200mm → both work. Up to 1600mm → Hydraulic only
- Shop environment? Noise-sensitive → Electric is quieter. Already noisy shop → Hydraulic is fine
- Budget? Electric is lower cost, but Hydraulic offers more capability and longer service life
Elbow Quality Tip
The quality of your elbows depends not just on the gorelocker, but also on the quality of your spiral duct. Make sure your spiral tubeformer is producing round, consistent duct — out-of-round duct will produce elbows that don't assemble properly. Preda engineers can help you optimize your entire spiral duct production line.
Preda Care: Elbow Machines, Lifetime Support
All gorelocker machines use hardened cutting blades for long life. Replacement blades ship free when needed. Hydraulic models include free replacement seals and hydraulic fluid recommendations. Electric models include free motor brushes and gearbox oil. On-site installation and operator training available. Video troubleshooting available anytime — our engineers can walk you through blade adjustment and maintenance.
Need Help Choosing an Elbow Machine?
Tell us your diameter range, material thickness, and daily elbow volume — we'll recommend the right gorelocker for your production needs.
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