The Future of Portable Rollforming: The ConceptQ Prototype Rollforming Machine
The ConceptQ will be unveiled at METALCON 2024, held from October 30 to November 1, 2024, at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta, Ga, at NTM booth #1925. NTM machine specialists will demo the features, and, most importantly, attendees can fill out a survey card providing their feedback on each of the options. Participants who complete the form and include their name and email address will be entered into a drawing to win a Yeti cooler.
Accomplished entrepreneur and politician Malcolm Forbes famously stated that “the best vision is insight.” At New Tech Machinery (NTM), our insight comes from listening to our machine owners, and based on operator feedback, we created 12 new innovative additions to an SSQ machine we call the ConceptQ. The ConceptQ rollforming machine is not for sale, and the features are not available for purchase. The ConceptQ is a prototype that represents the possible future of portable metal panel rollforming.
If you’re not attending METALCON, you don’t have to miss out. This article will describe all of the innovative features on the ConceptQ, plus a survey for you to provide your feedback. Completing the survey will also give you an opportunity to win a Yeti cooler. Just make sure to enter your name and email address.
Why Your Feedback is Invaluable
At NTM, we value customer feedback. The ConceptQ innovations all resulted from what we heard out in the field when working with our machine owners and users. Now, we’re releasing them for review to get your input on these features as we navigate the future of portable rollforming.
ConceptQ Feature Innovations
1. Spring-Loaded Shear Guard
What it does: This safety feature completely covers the shear blade while the machine is in operation.
Why we like it: It’s all about keeping you safe. By covering the blade, this guard reduces the risk of accidental injuries. Plus, it’s easy to access for maintenance like lubrication, service, and adjustments without having to remove the entire guard. No need to remove the shear guard to adjust exit shear dies. As an added feature, if material hits the spring-loaded shear guard, the guard springs up and the machine immediately goes into maintenance mode to stop the drive rollers. This prevents the metal material from crashing inside the machine.
Why it matters: This feature protects you from the most dangerous part of the machine while still making the shear accessible and easy to maintain.
2. Larger Shear Access Points on Cover
What it does: Redesigned covers with bigger access points.
Why we like it: An access point on the shear end allows the operator to see material feeding through the shear without removing the covers. It also enables easier access for lubrication of the back side of the shear.
Why it matters: Easier visualization of the material and shear inside of the machine means faster loading and less downtime.
3. Main Drive Gear Cover
What it does: This cover protects the main drive gears and includes a window for viewing and an external grease manifold.
Why we like it: You can keep the gears running smoothly without having to remove the cover, saving time and preventing accidental contact with moving parts. Prevents debris from getting into the gears and allows you to apply grease without needing to remove the cover.
Why it matters: Protecting moving parts is key for both safety and keeping your machine in good shape longer.
4. Windows in Covers
What it does: Transparent, sealed windows on the machine covers let you see inside without removing them.
Why we like it: No need to stop everything and take off covers to see if things are working properly. The windows let you check on the machine at a glance, cutting down on downtime and reducing the operator’s risk of injury.
Why it matters: Less time fiddling with covers means more time working — and fewer chances of getting hurt.
5. Self-Lubricating Notching and Shear
What it does: An automated lubrication system controlled by the existing machine controller using a central pump with integrated check valves.
Why we like it: No more stopping to lubricate every 30 cuts or risking getting too close to dangerous parts. The self-lubrication system keeps the notching and shear parts properly oiled. The machine takes care of itself, so you can focus on the job.
Why it matters: Automatic systems like this help keep you away from high-risk areas, making it a big safety win. Plus, it’s a time-saver and one less thing to think about when you’re running panels.
6. LED Lights Inside the Machine
What it does: Water-resistant LED lights are mounted inside the machine for better visibility. Separately controlled from the main power.
Why we like it: These lights help you spot problems early before they become bigger issues. Combined with the windows in the covers, you can keep an eye on everything inside without opening the machine.
Why it matters: Better visibility means catching problems faster, leading to safer, smoother operations.
7. Tool-Less Tooling (Quick-Release Tooling)
What it does: A tooling system that gets rid of bolts for faster tool changes. Its quick-release design is compatible with new and old tooling profiles, ensuring cross-compatibility with profiles that use bolts.
Why we like it: Tool changes are quicker and easier, which means less time spent on changeovers. The simplified tooling reduces downtime and operator fatigue from long changeovers, and reduces the risk of mistakes.
Why it matters: Reduces time spent on changeovers, greatly decreasing downtime.
8. Easier Removal of Guide Rods
What it does: Hand knobs and locating pins replace bolts for easier guide rod removal, with built-in storage when guide rods are removed for the BBQ750 board and batten profile.
Why we like it: This feature makes it quicker to change guide rods, and the machine even has built-in storage for them, so no more hunting around for lost parts. Also, less physically demanding means less chances of injury.
Why it matters: Quick and easy changes mean less downtime and fewer mistakes, which helps everything run smoothly.
9. Flip-Down Entry Guide Cover
What it does: A flip-down entry cover for notching machines, making it easier to access width adjustment settings.
Why we like it: This cover not only provides easy access but also integrates with the machine’s safety sensors to ensure its safe operation. Also, you don’t have to remove the screws to take the cover off!
Why it matters: Convenient and secure, this feature reduces the risk of accidents during maintenance or adjustments.
10. Remote Start Switch Next to Power Pack
What it does: A start switch near the power pack so you can start the machine without using the main controller.
Why we like it: No more running around the machine to adjust the throttle and choke on the power pack. This feature makes starting the engine easier and reduces the risk of tripping or getting too close to dangerous parts.
Why it matters: It’s much more convenient to stay in one spot to adjust the engine, saving you time. Plus, less movement around machinery means fewer chances of an accident.
11. Blue Overhead Reel Rack
What it does: An overhead rack for storing materials, painted blue for visibility.
Why we like it: Keeping materials organized reduces clutter in the workspace, and the blue color makes it easy to spot.
Why it matters: The overhead reel rack’s blue color makes it more visible on the job site.
12. Z Cutter
What it does: A manual shear for z-closure flashings that can be mounted to a truck, an NTM machine, or used free-standing.
Why we like it: It gives you the ability to shear materials with more precision and ease than hand tools, making your job faster and more efficient.
Why it matters: The Z cutter can save labor hours by making closures much faster than hand-cutting, thereby saving workforce hours. While still in development, this could eventually be sold as a useful accessory to further enhance your workflow.
Watch the video below to see demonstrations of all 12 concepts in action:
Why Complete the Survey?
The insight you provide will shape our vision for the future. We want you to be a part of that.
The ConceptQ prototype is packed with features that not only boost performance but also prioritize operator safety. From automated lubrication to better lighting, quick-release tooling, and more, every feature is designed to make your workday smoother, safer, and more productive.
Your feedback is always valuable to us, and we at NTM greatly appreciate your participation.
NEW TECH MACHINERY® YETI® Cooler Giveaway Terms & Conditions
For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, “Promoter” refers to New Tech Machinery, and “Prize” refers to one (1) YETI® Roadie® 24 Hard Cooler
By entering the Giveaway you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. MST on November 15, 2024. One (1) winner in the United States will be selected at random by the Promoter on November 18, 2024, and the winner will be notified on or shortly after this date.
This Giveaway is open only to residents of the United States and Canada. One (1) winner will be chosen at random from all entrants who complete the online questionnaire on the Promoter’s website at www.newtechmachinery.com between October 10, 2024 through November 15, 2024
No purchase necessary. The winner will not be required to pay to enter the Giveaway.
Entrants must be 18 years or older on the date of their entry.
Employees of the Promoter are not eligible to enter.
Only one entry per person for the Giveaway will be accepted.
Each entrant shall enter the Giveaway by completing the online questionnaire on the Promoter’s website at the link above.
The Prize will be awarded to a randomly selected winner who has entered. The Promoter will not be held liable if the named prize becomes unavailable or cannot be fulfilled.
The Promoter will not be held liable for any failure of receipt of entries. The Promoter takes no responsibility for any entries which are lost, delayed, illegible, corrupted, damaged, incomplete or otherwise invalid.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Promoter’s liability under or in connection with the Giveaway or these Terms and Conditions shall be limited to the cost price of the Prize.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Promoter shall not be liable under or in connection with these Terms and Conditions, the Giveaway, or any Prize, for any indirect, special or consequential cost, expense, loss or damage suffered by a participant even if such cost, expense, loss or damage was reasonably foreseeable or might reasonably have been contemplated by the participant and the Promoter and whether arising from breach of contract, tort, negligence, breach of statutory duty or otherwise.
Prizes are non-negotiable, non-transferable and non-refundable. No cash alternative is available. If a Prize becomes unavailable for any reason, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute that prize for a prize of equal or higher value.
The name and email address number of the winner must be provided to the Promoter if requested and will be shared to enable the fulfillment of the Prize.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond the Promoter’s reasonable control, the Promoter reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Giveaway or these Terms and Conditions, either in whole or in part, with or without notice.
The Promoter’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.
The winner will be notified.