Empire Metal Products
HVAC Products - Curbs & Adapters - Custom Fabrication
Stainless Lock Seam Duct
Product spec sheet
Stainless lock seam ductwork and fittings
Stainless mechanical ductwork

Stainless HVAC Ductwork

Mechanically seamed rectangular 304 or 316L stainless ductwork for light-gauge HVAC air distribution, return, exhaust, and equipment connections.
  • Best for light-gauge rectangular duct systems that need stainless material but do not require fully welded seams.
  • Offered in 26 ga through 20 ga 304 or 316L stainless; heavier gauges or continuous welded seams should move to welded stainless duct.
  • Confirm grade, finish, connection type, liner/insulation, seal class, visible faces, and face-to-face dimensions before release.
Material304 or 316L Stainless
Gauge range26 ga - 20 ga
ConstructionPittsburgh lock seam

Construction Standard

ApplicationRectangular stainless ductwork and fittings for HVAC supply, return, exhaust, rooftop equipment connections, and standard air distribution systems requiring stainless material.
Material304 stainless steel is typical; 316L stainless steel is available when corrosion resistance or project specifications require it.
Gauge rangeStainless lock seam duct is offered from 26 gauge through 20 gauge. Heavier stainless duct is typically quoted as welded stainless duct.
Seam constructionPittsburgh / mechanical lock seam construction. This is a formed stainless duct product, not a fully welded duct system.
Straight sectionsProduced in nominal duct sections and field-fit lengths as released. Connection style affects face-to-face dimensions and should be selected before fabrication.
Connection optionsRaw ends with couplers, slip-and-drive, TDC / Ductmate, and angle rings are available as shown or quoted.
Insulation optionsFiberglass liner, rigid duct board insulation, and Armaflex options are available for acoustic or thermal protection when quoted.
Quality checkDuct sections and fittings receive visual inspection before release. Leak testing, pressure testing, or certified inspection are by others unless quoted.

Build Quality

Made to specBuilt to released grade, gauge, finish, and connection details.
Built tough304 or 316L stainless formed for mechanical ductwork.
Quality checkedDuct sections and fittings receive visual inspection.
Finish awareVisible faces, grain direction, and handling planned before release.

Fabrication Capabilities

Duct sectionsRectangular stainless straight duct, field-fit pieces, risers, drops, and custom lengths.
FittingsRectangular stainless elbows, radius bends, offsets, tapers, reducers, transitions, branches, and tees.
ConnectionsRaw ends with couplers, slip-and-drive, TDC / Ductmate, angle rings, equipment transitions, collars, curb adapters, and roof penetration fittings are available.
Field-fit workShort sections, piece-marked runs, and coordinated connection faces.
Shop detailsTabs, brackets, companion flanges, angle frames, reinforcement, and special flange details when requested.
Release supportBuilt from released dimensions with connection type, liner requirements, seal class, access openings, finish direction, and piece marks coordinated before fabrication.

Liner & Insulation

Fiberglass linerAcoustic or thermal fiberglass liner is available in 1/2" through 2" thicknesses when specified.
Rigid duct boardRigid duct board insulation can be quoted where the project needs additional thermal or acoustic protection outside the normal liner scope.
ArmaflexArmaflex options are available when the project requires flexible closed-cell insulation details.
AttachmentLiner is installed with water-based adhesive and spot welded liner pins unless another attachment method is quoted.

Connection Options

Couplers
Raw endsRaw ends with couplers for screw assembly.
S & Drive
Slip-and-driveStandard rectangular duct connection for mechanical assembly.
TDC / Ductmate
Bolted sealBolted frame connections with gasket or butyl sealant when specified.
Angle rings
Custom patternAngle rings, frames, and bolt patterns to match the application.

Optional Accessories

LinerFiberglass liner, rigid duct board insulation, Armaflex, liner pins, adhesive, and exposed-edge details.
AccessAccess doors, cleanout openings, inspection panels, and drain fittings.
SealingGasket, butyl sealant, mastic, or seal class details where specified and quoted.
Custom detailsReinforcement, tabs, brackets, piece marks, angle rings, and special hardware.

Required for Quote / Release

  • 304 or 316L grade, gauge, duct size, quantity, connection type, and required nominal or field-fit lengths.
  • Approved drawing, sketch, or verified field dimensions with airflow/orientation noted.
  • Connection details: raw ends with couplers, slip-and-drive, TDC / Ductmate, angle rings, bolt patterns, or companion flange needs.
  • Liner or insulation type, thickness, exposed edges, access needs, and any acoustic or thermal requirements.
  • Piece marks, access openings, reinforcement, pressure class, seal class, visible-face handling, and any testing requirements.

Not Included Unless Quoted

  • Installation, hoisting, rigging, roofing, roof penetration work, or field sealing unless quoted.
  • Engineering, permits, inspections, balancing, cleaning, passivation, finish repair, or listed-system certification.
  • Leak testing, pressure testing, fire wrap, fire-rated enclosure, gaskets, sealant, hardware, companion flanges, or rework from changed release dimensions unless quoted.

Scope & Responsibility

Code note: Stainless lock seam duct systems may be governed by mechanical code, local code, project specifications, pressure class, liner requirements, material compatibility requirements, and AHJ requirements. Empire fabricates duct and fittings to released dimensions and quoted scope; final system design, material selection, installation method, field sealing, insulation requirements, clearances, balancing, and acceptance remain the responsibility of others unless expressly included.

Ready to Quote?

Let's get your duct package moving. Send drawings, sketches, photos, or field measurements. Empire is ready to go to work for you.