Selecting the Right Duct Parts for Your Industrial Needs

Summary

Nordfab® duct parts come in stainless steel and galvanized steel, each suited to different industrial environments. Stainless steel resists corrosion and abrasion and works well where materials need to be reused or adapted; galvanized steel offers long-lasting, low-maintenance protection, and is the standard choice for most indoor and outdoor dust collection applications. Ductwork itself falls into two types — flexible hose for short runs and hard, fixed duct for most commercial/industrial systems — and Nordfab's Quick-Fit® clamp-together design minimizes static pressure loss while speeding up installation.

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Duct parts and supplies come in a diverse range of metals, gauges, lengths, and sizes, designed to create comprehensive ductwork systems.

Nordfab® duct parts have become the industry standard across multiple sectors, serving facilities where industrial dust and other airborne contaminants must be removed.

Material Selection: The Key to Effective Ductwork

The choice of ducting materials is critical and depends entirely on specific application requirements. Two primary materials dominate the market: stainless steel and galvanized steel, each offering unique benefits tailored to different industrial demands.

Stainless Steel Ducting: Versatility and Durability

Stainless steel ducting parts are typically made out of iron and also contain chromium and nickel. Nickel can significantly slow down and reduce corrosion in highly acidic environments, which helps shield stainless steel duct from corrosive agents.

Stainless steel ductwork is also resistant to high-abrasion applications and can be reused, moved, and adapted to existing ducting systems. Nordfab® stainless steel ducting parts are available with Quick-Fit® clamp-together connections in diameters from 8" to 24". Flanged ducting is generally available in diameters up to 40".

These products are fully constructed in the specified gauge - either 18ga or 16ga, not with lighter gauge collars. Heavy gauge stainless steel products will be supplied standard with passivation. Passivation helps to restore corrosion resistance after the welding process.

Galvanized Ducting: Long-Lasting Protection

Galvanized ducting is manufactured using a process where zinc or another metal coating made up of a special metallic structure is applied to a dense base black metal giving it anti-corrosion properties that protect it from corrosion and other environmental elements. Ducting parts and supplies that are constructed of galvanized steel are not only protected from environmental elements, but also from water and moisture that can corrode underneath.

Galvanized coating is expected to last up to 50 years in most rural environments and 25+ years in urban and coastal areas. Galvanized ductwork can be safely used outdoors and inside facilities where wood and cement dust, vehicle exhaust, coffee roaster exhaust, welding fume, and other airborne contaminants are present or to help manage industrial dust.

Because Nordfab® galvanized ducting parts consist of resilient materials, nearly all outdoor applications prefer them over other plastic pipes like PVC or ABS. Galvanized duct parts operate requiring little maintenance and provide longevity making them the standard and one of the most cost-efficient options for most applications.

Nordfab® galvanized ducting parts are available with rolled lip, flange, raw (butt weld), tri-clamp, flat lip clamps, and in diameters from 3" - 84". These products are fully constructed in 10 - 22 gauges.

Understanding Dust Collection Systems and Ductwork Design

The most efficient way to collect and control commercial and industrial dust is with a central dust collection system. Central dust collectors rely on ducting systems to pull contaminants from the source, through ductwork, and into the dust collection system where it's cleaned and exhausted back into the facility or outside away from the building.

Dust collection ducting falls into two main categories — flexible hose duct and hard, fixed duct. Flexible hose ducting is used for short runs such as machine connections because of its rough interior and droopy characteristics that result in static pressure loss.

Flexible hose ductwork must be grounded at each end to prevent static electric build-up and sparks. Hard, fixed ducting is generally made of plastic or metal like stainless steel or galvanized steel depending on the application.

Metal hard, fixed dust is used in most commercial and industrial applications because it reduces static electricity build-up and the smooth rigid interior reduces pressure loss.

Static pressure is one of the biggest issues for dust collection because it requires higher energy usage and can result in poor system performance, but Nordfab® Quick-Fit® ducting is designed to align perfectly ensuring that even long runs have minimal pressure loss.

Nordfab® Ducting features unique rolled edge ends and easy-to-use clamps to provide users with a solid, sealed, and easy-to-assemble ductwork system.

Nordfab® created the modular Quick-Fit® duct system to minimize air resistance, withstand high air pressure, and reduce static pressure loss, making it an excellent choice for material handling applications.

Users have found that Nordfab® ducting parts are ideal for most dust, fume, and mist applications — which is why it's been applied to a wide variety of commercial and industrial settings.

Tips for Ordering Nordfab^® Ducting Parts

Order at least one clamp per Nordfab^® Quick-Fit^® component:
One duct pipe = one clamp
Two elbows = two clamps

Elbow types:

Nordfab Quick Fit Ducting installed at an industrial facility.

Specify all dimensional and end style information:
Transitions - specify dimensions of A, B, D, L, X, Y and end style
Duct branches - A x B x C, or A x B x D, or A x B x C x D
Tap-in duct fittings or In-cuts - A, B
QF Reducer - All diameters and end style

Why Proper Ductwork Selection and Installation Matters

Not all ductwork is created equally and it's important to understand the specifications and requirements of the applications and processes that take place in a facility when determining which duct material is best.

Ducting parts and supplies must be installed properly based on the facility size, application, and machining processes to ensure effectiveness. It is highly recommended to request additional assistance and to work with a professional to guarantee efficiency and effectiveness.

Nordfab® Ducting is utilized almost anywhere a dust collector, industrial air filter, weld or fume collector, baghouse, or cyclone is installed. Clean air provides a safer environment for workers and can help maintain machinery efficiency and reduce maintenance and repair costs while boosting morale and productivity rates.

Proper ductwork installation also reduces risks of fires and explosions that can be caused by the buildup of combustible dust. Nordfab® Quick-Fit® Ducting can be customized to accommodate almost any size workspace or facility.

Installing your own ductwork saves on design and installation costs, and if you change the configuration of your workplace Nordfab® ductwork systems will easily move and adapt!

Ordering Nordfab® duct parts and supplies is easy with our simple step-by-step questionnaire, and all ducting parts ship within 2-5 Days!

FAQs: Ducting Parts

What's the difference between stainless steel and galvanized ducting?

Stainless steel resists corrosion and abrasion, can be reused and adapted to existing systems, and works well in acidic environments due to its nickel content. Galvanized steel offers long-lasting, low-maintenance corrosion protection (up to 50 years) and is the standard, cost-efficient choice for most indoor and outdoor applications.

What diameter sizes are available for Nordfab® duct parts?

Stainless steel Quick-Fit® parts are available in diameters from 8" to 24" (flanged up to 40"). Galvanized parts are available in diameters from 3" to 84".

How long does galvanized ducting last?

Galvanized coating typically lasts up to 50 years in rural environments and 25+ years or more in urban and coastal areas.

What's the difference between flexible hose duct and hard, fixed duct?

Flexible hose duct is used for short runs like machine connections but causes more static pressure loss due to its rough interior. Hard, fixed duct — made of metal like stainless or galvanized steel — is used in most commercial and industrial applications because it reduces static electricity buildup and pressure loss thanks to its smooth, rigid interior.

Why does flexible hose ductwork need to be grounded?

Flexible hose ductwork must be grounded at each end to prevent static electric build-up and sparks, which is a fire and safety risk.

How many clamps do I need when ordering Nordfab® Quick-Fit® parts?

Order at least one clamp per component — for example, one duct pipe requires one clamp, and two elbows require two clamps.

What information do I need to provide when ordering transitions, branches, or reducers?

Transitions require dimensions A, B, D, L, X, Y and end style. Duct branches require A x B x C, A x B x D, or A x B x C x D. Tap-in fittings/in-cuts require A and B. QF Reducers require all diameters and end style.

How fast does Nordfab® ship duct parts?

All ducting parts ship within 2–5 days after ordering.

What is passivation, and why do stainless steel duct parts need it?

Passivation is a treatment applied as standard to heavy gauge stainless steel products to help restore corrosion resistance after the welding process.

Where is Nordfab® ducting typically used?

It's used almost anywhere a dust collector, industrial air filter, weld or fume collector, baghouse, or cyclone is installed — helping create a safer work environment, reduce maintenance costs, and lower the risk of fires or explosions from combustible dust buildup.