If you’ve ever tried to pick the right fan for your facility or system, you know it can get confusing fast. Understanding axial fans and how they work can help simplify the decision-making process.
In this post, we’ll walk through how axial fans work, where they’re most effective, how they compare to centrifugal fans, and when it makes sense to go custom. Let’s dive in.
What Is an Axial Fan?
An axial fan is a type of fan that moves air in a straight line, parallel to the fan’s rotating shaft. Picture a propeller or a box fan. Air comes in through the back and flows out the front.
Axial fans are known for moving a lot of air with relatively low pressure. They’re simple, efficient, and compact, making them a go-to option in a wide range of industries.
How Axial Fans Work
Axial fans use rotating blades to pull air in and push it out in the same direction as the axis. As the blades spin, they create a pressure difference that keeps the air moving.
A few things that affect how well an axial fan works include:
- The pitch and shape of the blades
- The speed and type of motor
- How the fan is mounted or housed
Where Are Axial Fans Used?
Axial fans show up just about everywhere. Here are some of the most common applications:
- HVAC Systems: Move large volumes of air through ducts, across coils, or out into open spaces. Ideal for general ventilation.
- Industrial Facilities: Factories and warehouses use axial fans for spot cooling, exhaust, and air circulation.
- Agriculture: Regulate temperature and humidity in greenhouses, barns, and poultry houses.
- Electronics Cooling: Perfect for cooling computers, control panels, and other devices in tight spaces.
Axial Fans vs. Centrifugal Fans: What’s the Difference?
When you're choosing a fan, one of the first decisions is usually axial vs. centrifugal. Here’s how they compare:
Design
Axial fans move air in a straight line, parallel to the shaft. Centrifugal fans pull air in and throw it out at a 90-degree angle.
Performance
Axial fans are better for high airflow at low pressure. Centrifugal fans handle higher static pressure, working well in systems with filters or long ducts.
Best Use Cases
Go with an axial fan for moving a lot of air across open spaces or short ducts. Choose a centrifugal fan if your system includes filters or bends.
What About Custom Axial Fans?
Sometimes an off-the-shelf fan just won’t cut it. That’s where custom axial fans come in.
Why Customize?
Custom fans meet unique requirements like special materials, higher temperatures, or tight space constraints.
Real-World Examples
- A fiberglass axial fan for a coastal chemical plant dealing with salt air and corrosion.
- A compact, high-efficiency fan designed to fit into a custom OEM enclosure.
- A high-temperature fan used in a drying process or industrial oven.
When Should You Choose an Axial Fan?
If your application needs a lot of airflow with minimal resistance, an axial fan is probably the right tool for the job. However, fan selection isn’t always straightforward—your environment, system design, and performance needs all factor in.
If you’re unsure, it’s worth talking to an expert—especially if you’re considering a custom design.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you understand the basics—like how axial fans work and where they’re most effective—you’re well on your way to making a smart decision.
Need help figuring it out? At Hartzell Air Movement, we help engineers, plant managers, and OEMs match the right fan to the right application—and we back our fans with the industry’s only 5-year warranty.
Reach out to us at 1-800-336-3267 or email us at info@hartzell.com for guidance.