METALCON, the largest trade show dedicated to designing and building with metal, takes place October 30-November 1 in Atlanta at the Georgia Congress Convention Center. Here, featured exhibitors share some of the new products and highlights they are exhibiting on the expo floor this year.

Tools & Equipment

Specialty tool maker Malco Tools (booth 707) is exhibiting two new products recently added to its Metal Benders portfolio for metal roofing professionals: Mechanical Lock Hand Seamers and a Progressive Profiling Bender Set. The new Mechanical Lock Hand Seamers in 1-1.5” (FSHS), and 2” (FSHS2) sizes are Malco’s recommended seamer for closing mechanical lock panels by hand. Designed for seaming both the first (90°) stage and second (180°) stage locks of a mechanical seam, these are the perfect addition to any job site. The Progressive Profiling Bender Set (FSP1) eliminates the need to use two separate tools to form 1.5” male and female profiles, significantly reducing the time and hassle for the trade pro. Trade pros can create both profiles with precision and consistency, ensuring a perfect fit and a flawless finish.

In booth 1634, ASC Machine Tools will be a can’t-miss stop for metal shop professionals. Among the company’s offered equipment are ASC’s High Speed Purlin & Channel Lines, which  offer impressive speed capabilities, with the ability to achieve up to 300 feet per minute (FPM). This is thanks to the flying hydraulic post-cut shear, which allows for continuous processing without slowing down for each cut. The roll former can be designed for manual or fully automatic part changeovers for maximum efficiency. Also, ASC’s patented CZ Purlin Stacking System offers the fastest cycle times in the industry. Customers have the flexibility to customize their systems to meet their specific production needs and improve overall efficiency.

Metal Rollforming Systems, in booth 1007, is highlighting its Soffit Rollformer, which is a new machine that it has just begun to manufacture. The MRS Soffit Line, developed with customer input, features a versatile design using 20.125” coil stock to reduce costs. Key features include a concealed-fastener “S lock” lap, standard rib height, and a top rib flat for easy fastening. Innovations like nail slots and weep holes support horizontal installation. With production speeds over 150 feet per minute, MRS customers can produce more efficiently. The line also comes with top-tier service, support, and warranty.

SWI Machinery is exhibiting its CX5 – Auto Decoiling and Storage System in booth 547. The system exceeds industry standards in reliability and serviceability as well as increased shop efficiency. The CX5 can be coupled with SWI slitters and most roll-forming machines to produce automatic coil changes with a customizable range of stations and rolls up to 12,000 lbs.

Components & Materials

Roofers can get an up-close look at the new CoVent exhaust fan vent in booth 738: Levi’s Building Components. Now available in black, the CoVent is designed for metal roofs and ideal for bathroom and attic venting with 3” or 4” flex hoses. (Not suitable for dryer vents.) It comes packed and ready to install.

Industry leader S-5! is exhibiting the S-5-S clamp in booth 1414. The S-5-S (“S” stands for snap-lock) is a non-penetrating, standing seam metal roof clamp designed for the most popular vertical snap-together profiles—typically with vertical dimensions of 1.5” and 1.75”. The S is also the perfect solution for traditional, single-fold (angle-seam) horizontal profiles of 1” and 1.5” seam height dimensions and all similar seam types. Also available as a Mini for light-duty attachments. The S (or its Mini) are used to mount walkways, snow guards, solar panels and other mechanical equipment. These products have earned Florida Product Approvals for High Velocity & Hurricane Zone.

Petersen Aluminum is exhibiting the PAC-CLAD Board and Batten wall cladding system in booth 815. The cladding system provides a timeless design aesthetic for commercial and residential applications. It uses a concealed fastener system for clean lines and a rhythmic pattern of alternating wide vertical boards and narrower elevated battens. Board and Batten panels blend smoothly into various architectural styles. Whether creating a cozy and inviting façade or a bold and striking statement, Board and Batten exterior wall panels remain a versatile tool for architectural creativity. Available widths include 12” and 16” in either 24 gauge steel (30-ft. max length) or .032 gauge aluminum (22-ft. max length).

In booth 414, MFM Building Products will be exhibiting Ultra HT Wind & Water Seal®. This high-temperature rated, self-adhesive underlayment is composed of a cross-laminated, non-slip polymer film laminated to a high temperature rubberized asphalt adhesive rated to 250°F. It is engineered for use with metal roofing system where extreme heat is generated. Ultra HT is a Class A Fire Rated membrane for use with 24-ga. steel UL classified roofing panels. This 45-mil underlayment is 36” x 67’ and comes with a 10-year warranty.

AceClamp, in booth 729, will be exhibiting an alternative to set screws with its patented push-pin design and self-locking mechanism. The push-pin design is engineered to provide a strong and reliable connection, which ensures that the clamps hold firmly in place.  The self-locking mechanism ensures the clamp stays secure without back out from seismic vibration or wind flutter. Clamps come pre-assembled, reducing installation time and labor costs while safeguarding metal roof panels from damage. 

Sheffield Metals is in booth 1823. The company’s exhibit features its CoreLine material, which brings together the ultra-premium paint system benefits of PVDF like improved color retention, impressive fade characteristics, and brighter colors, while also providing a low-gloss, gritty, textured finish to improve grip retention and walkability. CoreLine features five new textured, low-gloss (TLG) finishes for the company’s standard 24-gauge color chart: TLG Black, TLG Dark bronze, TLG Medium Bronze, TLG Charcoal Gray, and TLG Moonstone™, which is a gray, shimmery, slate-looking finish.

AkzoNobel is introducing CERAM-A-STAR® Expressions Standard Palette in booth 1515. Attendees can see how CERAM-A-STAR® Expressions technology captivates with the visual appeal of a print in a textured finish for added depth and dimension. This tough and durable exterior finish builds on the superior performance of CERAM-A-STAR® 1050. Expressions stands out as the only print product on the market with an authentic wood-grained feel and is backed by a 40-year film integrity warranty. Now available in a standard palette, it features 20 prints inspired by natural and weathered wood and burnished metals, in a range of modern, neutral colors to warm, inviting tones.  The Expressions Standard Palette reduces complexity when selecting distinctive prints, enabling users to bring your unique projects to life.

These are just a few of the products you’ll find at Georgia Congress Convention Center October 30-November 1. You’ll find thousands more on the METALCON 2024 expo floor as it’s packed with more than 250 exhibitors. The one thing they all have in common: They are all relevant to the use of metal in design and construction and they’ll be ready to provide attendees with the products and services needed to make them more successful.  MR