If you’re a standing seam metal roofing contractor or regional panel supplier/manufacturer — how you get the panels needed to complete projects is a critical component of your business.
Maybe you’re looking to rollform your panels on the job site, or you want to branch into chop and drop panel manufacturing, or you simply just need a new rollforming machine.
Either way, it’s best to know the different roof panel machine offerings, the features and benefits, and who is often a good fit for each machine.
Sheffield Metals is a trusted distributor of New Tech Machinery portable rollforming machines. We’ve worked with hundreds of contractors and manufacturers over the past 25+ years to help them purchase the right roof panel rollforming machine for their specific business needs.
In this article, we’ll compare the top three NTM roof panel rollformers, including:
- SSQ II™ MultiPro Roof Panel Machine
- SSH™ MultiPro Roof Panel Machine
- SSR™ MultiPro Jr. Roof Panel Machine
SSQ II™ MultiPro Roof Panel Machine
What Is the SSQ II™?
The New Tech Machinery SSQ II is a portable roof panel rollforming machine that contractors and manufacturers use to rollform panels for commercial and residential metal roofing applications. The SSQ II is NTM’s most popular machine that offers up to 15 profile options, making it the most versatile portable rollforming machine in the market. Additionally, the SSQ II is now available with the option to add notching and angle cutting functions.
Features & Specifications of the SSQ II™
Standard Features
- Runs at speeds of up to approximately 75 feet per minute
- Hydraulic drive and sheer
- UNIQ® Control System
- Option 1: Manual UNIQ® controller (standard) – Length control limit switch
- Option 2: Automatic UNIQ® controller (optional) – Batch and length control, touchscreen, allows users to upload cutlists, and easy access to machine troubleshooting
- Can run UL-rated panels (must be certified by UL for recognition)
- Three years parts (including electrical) warranty
- Purchase of the machine includes the choice of:
- One gas OR electric power-pack (Quick-Change Power Pack)
- One quick-change profile roller system
- One pair of bead, pencil, striation, or v-rib rollers
- Several accessories and add-on options (see product page for more information)
- Base price and configuration starts at approximately $76,000+ USD
Available Profiles / Roller Sets
The Sheffield Metals profiles that the SSQ II runs include:
- SMI 1.0” Mechanical Seam (SS100)
- SMI 1.5” Mechanical Seam (SS150)
- SMI 2.0” Mechanical Seam (SSQ200)
- SMI 2.0” Mechanical Seam ARMCO (SSQ210A)
- SMI 1.5” SnapLock 450 (SS450)
- SMI 1.5” SnapLock 450 SL (SS450SL)
- SMI 1.5” SnapLock 550 (SSQ550)
- SMI 1.75” SnapLock (SSQ675)
- SMI 1.0” Fastener Flange SnapLock (FF100)
- SMI 1.5” Fastener Flange SnapLock (FF150)
- SMI 1.0” FWP Flush Wall & Soffit (FWQ100)
- SMI 1.5” FWP Flush Wall & Soffit (FWQ150)
There are a few non-Sheffield Metals profile roller sets as well, including:
- 2.5″ Mechanical Seam Trapezoid (TRQ250)
- 2.0″ Snap-Seam Trapezoid (SSQ275)
- T-Panel (not a separate roller system, but the machine can adjust to make the T-Panel)
Coil, Materials, & Finished Panel Details
Coil Dimensions
- The SSQ II accepts coil widths between 15” to 30”.
- The maximum coil diameter is 32” with the overhead reel rack OR 45” with the free-standing decoiler.
- For SSQ II machines without the notching or angle cutting functions, the dual overhead reel rack can support up to TWO 3,000 lb coils (total of 6,000 lbs).
- For SSQ II machines with the notching or angle slitting functions, the dual overhead reel rack can support up to TWO 2,700 lb coils (total of 5,400 lbs).
Compatible Metal Materials
- Painted steel, Galvalume, galvanized: 28-ga. to 22-ga.
- Painted aluminum: .019” to .040”
- Copper: 16 oz. to 20 oz. (3/4 hard)
- Notching isn’t recommended with copper material.
- Terne-coated stainless: 26-ga.
- Notching isn’t recommended with terne-coated material.
Finished Panel Widths
- Depending on the profile you’re running, finished panel widths can range from 12” to 24”.
Who Is the Best Fit For an SSQ II™ Machine?
Now that we’ve discussed the SSQ II MultiPro Roof Panel Machine, you might be asking what type of person or customer would be the best fit for this machine.
The users who could get the most out of an SSQ II machine may include:
- Contractors who have established a niche in standing seam metal roofing – If your business is made up of skilled metal roofing installers specializing in the installation of standing seam metal roofing, the SSQ II might be a machine to consider.
- Contractors who exclusively install metal roofing systems – Similarly, if your business only installs metal roofing systems, the SSQ II could help to improve your productivity and allow you to do more metal roofing jobs efficiently and profitably.
- Contractors who install commercial and residential metal roofs – The SSQ II is frequently purchased by contractors who do commercial installations (which often require engineered panel panels) for most of their projects. However, one of the benefits of the SSQ II is that you can also run residential panel profiles if needed. This helps you diversify your product and service offerings to help your business stay competitive.
- Chop and drop panel suppliers and manufacturers – Some SSQ II owners do chop and drop panel supplying either on the side of installing or as a full-time operation. The SSQ II is the top-of-the-line portable rollforming machine that is easy to take directly to the job site, run the needed panels, and then move on to the next job.
- Regional manufacturing businesses – Many customers buy the SSQ II machine without the trailer and use it as a fixed-in-place machine. They will then run the panels and deliver them to a contractor/installer’s job site. This operation is much cheaper than buying a standard fixed-in-place machine, takes up a smaller footprint so you don’t waste floor space, and still gives you the option of easily changing profiles.
- Note: Additional controllers can be added to fixed-in-place machines that work in conjunction with a manufacturer’s ERP solution.
SSH™ MultiPro Roof Panel Machine
What Is the SSH™?
The New Tech Machinery SSH is a portable rollforming machine that contractors and manufacturers use to rollform standing seam panels for residential and light commercial applications. The SSH is one step down from the SSQ II and is the mid-level rollformer offering from NTM. The SSH has seven available panel profiles to choose from and works well with various metal types.
Features & Specifications of the SSH™
Standard Features
- Runs at speeds of up to approximately 60 feet per minute
- Hydraulic drive and sheer
- PLC batch and length computerized controller
- Can run UL-rated panels (must be certified by UL for recognition)
- Three years parts (including electrical) warranty
- Purchase of the machine includes the choice of:
- One gas OR 220v electric power pack (Quick-Change Power Pack)
- One quick-change profile roller system
- One pair of bead, pencil, striation, or v-rib rollers
- Several accessories and add-on options (see product page for more information)
- Base price and configuration starts at approximately $59,200+ USD
Available Profiles / Roller Sets
The Sheffield Metals profiles that the SSH runs include:
- SMI 1.0” Mechanical Seam (SS100)
- SMI 1.5” Mechanical Seam (SS150)
- SMI 1.5” SnapLock 450 (SS450)
- SMI 1.5” SnapLock 450 SL (SS450SL)
- SMI 1.0” Fastener Flange SnapLock (FF100)
- SMI 1.5” Fastener Flange SnapLock (FF150)
There’s also one non-Sheffield Metals profile roller set available:
- T-Panel (not a separate roller system, but the machine can adjust to make the T-Panel)
Coil, Materials, & Finished Panel Details
Coil Dimensions
- The SSH accepts coil widths between 14” to 24”.
- The maximum coil diameter is 32” with the overhead reel rack OR 45” with the free-standing decoiler.
Compatible Metal Materials
- Painted steel, Galvalume, galvanized: 26-ga. to 24-ga.
- Painted aluminum: .027” to .040”
- Copper: 16 oz. to 20 oz. (3/4 hard)
- Terne-coated stainless: 26-ga.
Finished Panel Widths
- Depending on the profile you’re running, finished panel widths can range from 10” to 20”.
Who Is the Best Fit For an SSH™ Machine?
So, is the SSH MultiPro Roof Panel Machine right for you? Let’s go through some good fits for this rollformer:
- Contractors who do primarily residential installations and occasional commercial projects – The SSH is an excellent portable rollforming machine if most of your installation projects are residential. However, if you do a few commercial projects here and there, the SSH can accommodate some of the engineered panel profiles that commercial buildings often require.
- Contracting or manufacturing businesses developing a metal roofing business – The standard SSH machine configuration is upwards of $20,000 less than the SSQ II standard configuration. So, if you’re just starting your metal roofing business or simply don’t feel comfortable spending a significant amount of money on machinery, the SSH could be a good fit for you.
- Keep in mind: You also don’t want to purchase a rollforming machine that will be obsolete for your business in a few years. It’s critical to understand where your business is now and where you expect or predict it could be in three to five years down the line.
- Contractors who mostly install metal roofing systems, but also install other roof types – Many contractors who choose to purchase the SSH machine install metal roofing on most of their projects. At the same time, many also install other roofing materials in addition to metal (such as asphalt shingles). Several of these businesses didn’t require the level of manufacturing that the SSQ II offers; instead, the SSH was a more realistic fit for their business needs.
- Chop and drop panel suppliers and manufacturers – Like the SSQ II, numerous SSH owners do chop and drop panel supplying either on the side of installing or as a full-time operation. The SSH allows suppliers to take the machine to a residential or light commercial job site and run the panels right there.
SSR™ MultiPro Jr. Roof Panel Machine
What Is the SSR™?
The New Tech Machinery SSR is a portable rollforming machine that contractors and manufacturers can use to rollform standing seam panels for residential and light commercial applications. The SSR is one step down from the SSH and is the base-level rollformer offering. The SSR is an electric-only machine that offers seven profiles that can be rollformed in variable widths, gauges, and material types.
Features & Specifications of the SSR™
Standard Features
- Runs at speeds of up to approximately 30 feet per minute
- 110V electric motor (220V available as an option)
- Length control limit switch
- Manual forward pulling easy-cut shear
- Can run UL-rated panels (must be certified by UL for recognition)
- Three years parts (including electrical) warranty
- Purchase of the machine includes the choice of:
- One quick-change profile roller system
- One pair of bead, pencil, striation, or v-rib rollers
- Several accessories and add-on options (see product page for more information)
- Base price and configuration starts at approximately $37,000+ USD
Available Profiles / Roller Sets
The Sheffield Metals profiles that the SSR runs include:
- SMI 1.0” Mechanical Seam (SS100)
- SMI 1.5” Mechanical Seam (SS150)
- SMI 1.5” SnapLock 450 (SS450)
- SMI 1.5” SnapLock 450 SL (SS450SL)
- SMI 1.0” Fastener Flange SnapLock (FF100)
- SMI 1.5” Fastener Flange SnapLock (FF150)
There’s also one non-Sheffield Metals profile roller set available:
- T-Panel (not a separate roller system, but the machine can adjust to make the T-Panel)
Coil, Materials, & Finished Panel Details
Coil Dimensions
- The SSR accepts coil widths between 15” to 20”.
- The maximum coil diameter is 32” with the overhead reel rack OR 45” with the free-standing decoiler.
Compatible Metal Materials
- Painted steel, Galvalume, galvanized: 26-ga. to 24-ga.
- Painted aluminum: .027” to .040”
- Copper: 16 oz. to 20 oz. (3/4 hard)
- Terne-coated stainless: 26-ga.
Finished Panel Widths
- Depending on the profile you’re running, finished panel widths can range from 10” to 16”.
Who Is the Best Fit For an SSR™ Machine?
There are several good candidates for the SSR MultiPro Roof Panel Machine, including:
- Contractors who do a select number of metal roofing installations – The SSR is a great fit for contractors who dabble in metal roofing but not those who do exclusively metal roofing installations. If you have residential or light commercial projects a few times per year, the SSR might be the best machine for you.
- Contracting or manufacturing businesses that are just starting a metal roofing business – The standard SSR machine configuration is upwards of $40,000 less than the SSQ II standard configuration and about $20,000 less than the SSH standard configuration. So, if you’re just starting your metal roofing business or simply don’t feel comfortable spending a significant amount of money on machinery, the SSR could be a good fit for you.
- As we mentioned before, it’s essential to know what you can spend on capital equipment/machinery and where you see your business going in three to five years. You don’t want to purchase a rollforming machine that your business will outgrow shortly.
- Small volume chop and drop panel suppliers and manufacturers – Like the SSH, you could use the SSR to supply chop and drop panels for residential or smaller commercial projects. Remember that the SSR only runs about 30 feet per minute, so it will take longer to run panels on site (the SSH runs 60 feet per minute and the SSQ II runs 75 feet per minute, approximately). Additionally, this machine is only electric, so make sure you have a power source available if you go from job site to job site. Also, the shear functionality is manual and will generally be more labor-intensive and take longer than the SSH or SSQ.
Things to Consider Before You Buy a Rollforming Machine
Consideration #1: Your Specific Business Needs
Every business is unique. Before you go into buying a rollforming machine, you’ll want to assess your current company and how adding a roof panel machine can fit your business needs.
For example, you should consider:
- Residential vs. commercial projects
- Do you install more residential projects? Light commercial? Primarily commercial?
- Metal roofing project frequency
- Does your business install exclusively metal roofing? Mostly metal roofing? A few metal roofing projects per year?
- Do you install other roofing materials?
- Panel profiles
- What panel profile(s) do you want to offer your customers?
- Do you need to offer engineered profile options (such as those for weathertight warranties, etc.)?
- What profiles are popular or common in your region or location?
- Project efficiency
- Are you currently buying your panels from a manufacturer?
- Are you looking to take more control of your panel production?
- Will buying a rollformer help your business be more efficient and complete more projects?
- Miscellaneous
- Does gas or electric power make more sense for your business?
Consideration #2: What Your Business Will Look Like in 3-5 Years
After you understand your business needs in the present, you’ll also want to consider where you see your business in the future, as this can affect the machine you purchase. To help you start thinking about the future state of your business, here are some questions and scenarios to consider:
- Where do you see your business in one year? Three years? Five years?
- How soon do you want to grow your business?
- Is there an opportunity to grow significantly? Can you scale your business?
- How does a rollforming machine play a role in your business’s growth?
- Do you see your business taking on larger or commercial projects in the near future?
- Do you have someone already designated to run the machine? If not, can you afford to hire someone in this role in addition to buying a machine?
Consideration #3: Your Budget
Along with your business’s present and future state is what your business can realistically afford. Your budget is easily one of the most significant considerations of purchasing something as substantial as a rollforming machine.
Some companies might be able to purchase the machine outright. Or, if you believe that your business might be spread too thin if you were to buy a machine, you could consider other payment options, including:
- Financing the rollformer
- Renting/leasing the equipment
- Buying a used machine
Additionally, businesses in the United States can write off the full amount of a rollforming machine with the Section 179 Tax Deduction:
“…Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) a piece of qualifying equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income.”
Note: In 2022, the Section 179 deduction limit is $1,080,000.
Final Thoughts on the SSQ II™ vs. SSH™ vs. SSR™ Machines
The “right” roof panel rollforming machine is unique to your business. Once you find the best machine, it can have a positive impact on your business, including increased productivity, speed, flexibility, independence, and more.
Whether you’re choosing a New Tech Machinery SSQ II, an SSH, an SSR, or another rollformer, always do the following before you buy:
- Evaluate your business now and what it will look like in the future.
- Firm up your budget and make sure it’s realistic.
- Do your research on the different machines available.
- Compare and contrast the different machine features and benefits.
- Reach out to the machine supplier for assistance and make sure to ask questions.
Sheffield Metals proudly supplies New Tech Machinery’s full line of portable roof panel rollforming machines. We regularly assist contractors and manufacturers pick the machine configuration that will make them most successful and efficient based on their needs.
Interested in adding an SSQ II, SSH, or SSR machine to your business? Reach out to us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable specialists!
