In This Guide
TDF Corners: The Weak Point of Every Duct System
Every rectangular duct section has four corners — and those corners are where air leaks happen most. Poorly formed corners mean energy waste, noise, and failed inspections. That's why choosing the right TDF corner making solution is more important than many fabricators realize.
Preda offers three corner making approaches, each suited to different production volumes and budgets.
Quick Answer
High-volume shops choose the TDF Corner Making Machine (automatic, fastest). Medium-volume shops choose Portable Hydraulic Corner Matics TDF-12 (versatile, movable). Small shops or budget buyers start with Corner Molds PD-01/PD-02/PD-03 (lowest cost, works with existing press).
Three Corner Making Approaches
| Feature | Corner Making Machine | Hydraulic Corner Matics | Pneumatic Corner Matics | Corner Molds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automation | Fully automatic | Semi-auto | Semi-auto | Manual (needs press) |
| Speed (corners/hour) | 300–500 | 150–250 | 120–200 | 60–100 |
| Portability | Fixed station | Portable (wheeled) | Portable | Very portable |
| Power Source | Electric + hydraulic | Hydraulic (220V) | Pneumatic (compressed air) | Existing shop press |
| Best For | High-volume factories | Medium shops, job sites | Shops with air supply | Small shops, budget |
TDF Corner Making Machine: Fully Automatic
The TDF Corner Making Machine is a dedicated automatic corner forming station. Feed the duct corner, and the machine punches and forms the corner in one operation — no manual alignment needed.
- Fastest production: 300–500 corners per hour
- Consistent quality: Every corner identical — no human error
- One operator: Load and go, minimal skill required
Portable Hydraulic Corner Matics TDF-12
The Portable Hydraulic TDF Corner Matics TDF-12 is our most popular corner tool. It's a wheeled, self-contained hydraulic unit that can be moved anywhere in the shop — or even to the job site for on-site duct modification.
- Portable: Wheeled cart moves easily between workstations
- Self-contained: Built-in hydraulic pump, just plug in 220V
- Versatile: Works on TDF and TDC corners with quick-change dies
- 150–250 corners/hour: Perfect for medium-volume shops
View Hydraulic Corner Matics →
Pneumatic Corner Matics PC-12
The Pneumatic TDF Corner Matics PC-12 uses compressed air instead of hydraulic power. Ideal for shops that already have a robust compressed air system and want a simpler, lower-maintenance corner tool.
View Pneumatic Corner Matics →
Corner Molds PD-01/PD-02/PD-03: Budget Option
Corner Molds are precision-ground die sets that work in your existing shop press or arbor press. They're the lowest-cost way to get professional-quality TDF/TDC corners — simply place the duct corner in the mold and press.
- Lowest cost: Fraction of the price of powered machines
- No power needed: Works with your existing press
- Three profiles: PD-01 (TDF), PD-02 (TDC), PD-03 (G Clamp for TDC)
- Portable: Easy to store and move
How to Choose
- Daily corner volume? >200/day → Corner Making Machine. 100–200/day → Hydraulic/Pneumatic Matics. <100/day → Corner Molds
- Do you need portability? Job site work or flexible shop layout → Portable Matics
- Do you have compressed air? Yes → Pneumatic Matics (simpler maintenance). No → Hydraulic Matics
- Budget? Starting out → Corner Molds. Growing → Hydraulic Matics. High-volume → Corner Making Machine
Preda Care: Corner Tools, Lifetime Support
All corner making tools use hardened tool steel dies for long life. Replacement dies ship free. If you ever need setup help, our engineers are on video call to walk you through adjustment.
Not Sure Which Corner Solution Fits?
Tell us your daily corner volume and shop setup — we'll recommend the right solution with ROI calculation.
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