The SSR 900 Seamer Tool is a specialized, portable roll-forming machine designed for seaming metal building panels, specifically for Varco Pruden Buildings' SSR panels. It is a lightweight tool, weighing 38 lbs, and is capable of a forming speed of 25 surface feet per minute. The tool operates with a single forward speed, controlled by an on/off switch.
Function Description:
The primary function of the SSR 900 Seamer Tool is to create a secure, weather-tight seam on metal roof panels. This is achieved through a multi-stage roll-forming process involving three sets of forming rolls and one guide roll.
- Front Guide Roll (Fig. 1): Ensures the seamer tool is correctly clamped on the seam, with the guide roll positioned as shown in the diagram.
- First Set (Rolls #1 & 4) (Fig. 2): Initiates the seaming process by tucking the female lip of the panel under the male lip, beginning to pull the seam together.
- Second Set (Rolls #2 & 5) (Fig. 3): Further forces the two parts of the seam together and starts the finishing process. Roll #2 is a fiber roller, contributing to this stage.
- Third Set (Rolls #3 & 6) (Fig. 4): Completes the seaming process by compressing the seam, ensuring a tight and finished profile.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Weight: 38 lbs.
- Forming Speed: 25 surface feet per minute.
- Power Requirement: 20 Amp breaker minimum, 100-125 volt AC power supply (3/4 H.P.-10 Amp motor, 115 volt minimum, 60 cycle single phase).
- Control: On/off switch, forward single speed.
- Extension Cord Size (Recommended):
- 0-50 FT: 12 AWG
- 50-100 FT: 10 AWG
- 100-200 FT: 8 AWG
- 200+ FT: 6 AWG
- Seam Profile: The proper seam profile after seaming should have a maximum height of 0.38 inches.
- Roll Alignment Gaps:
- Rolls #1 & 4: Approx. 0.75" gap at top.
- Rolls #2 & 5: Fiber roll touches at bottom.
- Rolls #3 & 6: Approx. 0.11" gap at top.
Usage Features:
- Directional Operation: The SSR-Seamer Tool is designed to operate in one direction only.
- Starting the Seaming Operation:
- Ensure proper engagement of male and female hems, hand crimping with a VP hand crimping tool or channel lock type pliers as needed.
- Position the seamer on the beginning edge of the SSR Panel, ensuring the first two stands of rollers straddle the seam and rest on the panel.
- Clamp handles 4, 5, and 6 down to the locked position.
- Turn the power switch on and run the seamer about 4 inches, then check the seam for proper operation.
- Continue seaming the remainder of the panel, aiming for approximately 25 feet per minute.
- Hand Crimping: Essential for proper engagement, especially at the start of seaming, endlaps, and the finish end of the seamed panel. The VP-SSR Hand Crimping Tool (Model No. VP-43600 / VPHC-17) is recommended for this purpose, providing a tighter, more uniform seam. It is used to crimp the female leading edge into position.
- Step 1: Positioning Stage 1: Place the hand crimping tool on the SSR rib over the female leading edge, ensuring the female edge fits into the notch. Fold the handle as shown.
- Step 2: Positioning Stage 2: Continue to fold the handle to crimp the seam.
- Other uses: Seam ends at roof curbs, roof stacks, valley/multi-gutters, near parapet walls, wall to roof areas, roof height change areas, and seams too close for seamer tool clearance.
- End Lap Management: When approaching an end lap, the seamer tool should be stopped before crossing it. The leading edge of the female lip should be hand crimped. The operator may need to manually push the seamer forward to assist it over the increased thickness of metal at the lap.
- Midpoint Start (Not Recommended): While possible, starting the seamer tool in the middle of a seam run is not recommended. If necessary, specific steps involving engaging rollers and clamping handles are provided.
- Seam Gauge: An SSR "finish seam gauge" is included with the tool kit to check for proper compression and seam configuration. It should slide on and off easily on a properly finished seam. Tighter fits at endlap splices and SSR Panel Clip locations are normal due to added material thickness.
Maintenance Features:
- Lubrication:
- The seamer tool should be lubricated daily when in use, or every four hours during sustained, continuous use. Only one shot of grease is required at each point (1, 2, & 3 in Fig. 1 on page 9).
- Use "Lithium Grease" at the grease fittings.
- The drive chain, enclosed under the rear chain cover, should be lubricated with one shot of grease to each drive sprocket after every 8 hours of use.
- Cleaning:
- Clean forming rolls daily with WD-40 to remove dirt, excessive grease, and sealant build-up. Mastic should be cleaned from rollers daily.
- Before seaming, wipe the seam clean with a soapy cloth to reduce marring at clip locations.
- Inspection:
- Regularly check for loose parts, screws, wheels, forming rolls, and electrical connections. Repair and replace as required.
- Check if set screws at the bottom of the rolls are tight to prevent rolls from dropping and damaging the panel seam.
- Inspect the drive chain for tightness after every 8 hours of use. Adjust motor mount brackets and mounting screws to ensure the motor is level and the chain is "snug."
- Troubleshooting & Adjustments:
- Clamping Handle Tension: If the clamping handle is loose, check nuts above washers on turnbuckle bolts. Tighten to "snug," then turn 1/4 to 1/2 turn to reset tension.
- Worn/Broken Parts: Contact Customer Service at the VP Buildings Service Center for repair methods if worn, broken, or bent parts are noticed around the adjustable turnbuckle.
- Dropped Forming Roll: If a forming roll appears to have dropped but the set screw is tight, do not remove the top plate cover. Contact Customer Service for maintenance procedures.
- Electrical Problems: Notify VP Buildings Service Center. Electrical work must be performed by a qualified electrician.
- Seamer Adjustment (Seam Width):
- Station #3 Only Adjustment (Minor): Loosen the set screw on the turnbuckle (if equipped), remove the bolt holding the turnbuckle to the clamping handle, rotate the turnbuckle 1/2 turn counter-clockwise to tighten the seam (approx. 0.015"), then reassemble and test with the seam gauge. Repeat if necessary.
- All Station Adjustment (Wide/Improperly Formed Seam): Use a feeler gauge.
- Set a 0.075" gap for rollers #1 and #4 (first two rollers). Clamp the handle down; the gauge should be snug. Adjust if not.
- Repeat with a 0.075" gap for station two (fiber roller).
- Adjust to a 0.110" gap for the third station.
- Run a test seam and check with the seam gauge. If still wide, adjust only station #3.
- Panel Module Maintenance: If the seamer tool jumps off the seam, the panel module may be too wide, lowering the seam height and preventing proper engagement of forming rolls. The panel module must be maintained to ensure the 4 3/4" dimension is held for correct seamer tool operation and fit-up of accessories and closures.
Safety Precautions:
- The builder/erector is responsible for the safety and appropriateness of all techniques and methods used by its crew.
- The builder/erector is responsible for supplying safety devices (scaffolds, runways, nets, etc.).
- Always unplug the electrical power source before performing any service on the seamer tool.
- Check and maintain all electrical cords and connections.
- Power sources and electrical cords should have a 3-wire grounding system.
- Discontinue seaming operations in damp, wet, or other undesirable weather conditions.
- Provide safe operating procedures along roof edges, tuf-lites, and other roof openings.
- Do not run other power tools from the seamer tool cord during seaming operation.