Product brief description
The AeroFlo AX-Series is a family of high-performance three-blade axial flow fan impellers manufactured from glass-fiber-reinforced composite (FRP). Featuring an aerodynamically optimized scimitar blade profile with a distinctive textured surface pattern that reduces boundary layer separation, these impellers deliver exceptional airflow efficiency across diameters from 600mm to 1000mm. The translucent off-white FRP material offers an unmatched combination of low rotational inertia, corrosion resistance, and fatigue endurance — making these impellers the preferred choice for OEM fan manufacturers, cooling tower rebuilds, and industrial ventilation retrofits worldwide.
Product detailed description
The Heart of Every Axial Fan
An axial fan is only as good as its impeller. The rotating assembly — blades, hub, and spindle — determines airflow volume, static pressure capability, noise signature, and energy efficiency. Every other component (housing, motor, mounts) exists to support the impeller's function. The AeroFlo AX-Series represents over two decades of iterative aerodynamic refinement, material science optimization, and precision molding expertise distilled into a single rotating component.
Material Science: Why FRP Composite
The choice of glass-fiber-reinforced composite as the primary impeller material is deliberate and data-driven. Three factors drive this decision over traditional alternatives:
Weight reduction. FRP composite impellers weigh approximately 60% less than equivalent aluminum castings and 75% less than steel fabrications. This reduced rotational mass translates directly into lower starting torque requirements, faster spin-up times, and reduced bearing load — all of which extend motor and bearing service life.
Corrosion immunity. Unlike aluminum (which pits and oxidizes in humid or chemically aggressive airstreams) and steel (which rusts unless expensively coated), FRP composite is inherently corrosion-resistant. This makes AX-Series impellers suitable for cooling tower applications with continuous water mist exposure, chemical plant exhaust, marine HVAC systems, and wastewater treatment ventilation — environments where metal impellers degrade within months.
Fatigue endurance. Composite materials do not suffer from the progressive fatigue crack propagation that limits metal impeller lifespan. The glass fiber reinforcement distributes cyclic stresses across millions of individual filaments, each capable of enduring far more flex cycles than a crystalline metal grain structure. The result: an impeller that maintains its aerodynamic profile and structural integrity through decades of continuous operation.
Aerodynamic Design: The Scimitar Profile
The AX-Series blade geometry follows what aerodynamicists call a scimitar profile — a swept, tapered curve that is wide at the hub and narrows progressively toward the tip. This is not an aesthetic choice; it is the mathematically optimal shape for subsonic axial flow.
The wide hub section provides the structural cross-section needed to transmit motor torque into the airstream without flexing. The progressive taper reduces blade mass toward the tip, where centrifugal forces are highest — minimizing creep and ensuring dimensional stability at operating RPM. The swept leading edge reduces the impulsive pressure spike that occurs when each blade passes the stationary support struts, directly lowering tonal noise at the blade-pass frequency.
The distinctive textured dot pattern visible on the inner blade surfaces is a functional aerodynamic feature, not a molding artifact. These micro-turbulators trip the boundary layer from laminar to turbulent at a controlled position, delaying flow separation at higher angles of attack. In practical terms, this means the impeller maintains attached flow — and therefore efficient pressure generation — across a wider operating range than smooth-surfaced competitors.
Size Range and Interchangeability
The AX-Series spans six standard diameters: 600mm, 700mm, 800mm, 900mm, 1000mm, and 1200mm. Each diameter is available in multiple hub bore configurations to match common motor shaft sizes. The modular hub design accepts standard taper-lock bushings, enabling rapid field replacement without specialized tools or shaft machining.
For OEM customers integrating AX-Series impellers into their fan designs, we provide complete 3D CAD models (STEP and IGES formats), moment of inertia data, and performance curves (CFM vs. static pressure at standard RPM points). This allows your engineering team to validate performance before ordering samples.
Manufacturing Precision
Each AX-Series impeller is produced using closed-mold compression molding with precisely controlled glass fiber orientation. Unlike open-mold hand lay-up processes that produce inconsistent fiber distribution and resin-rich zones, our closed-mold process ensures uniform wall thickness, balanced fiber loading, and void-free consolidation throughout the blade structure.
Product Specifications
eter |
Specification |
Product Series |
AeroFlo AX-Series |
Blade Count |
3 |
Blade Profile |
Scimitar (swept tapered curve) |
Available Diameters |
600 / 700 / 800 / 900 / 1000 / 1200 mm |
Material |
Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Composite (FRP) |
Material Color |
Translucent Off-White (Natural FRP) |
Surface Feature |
Micro-turbulator dot pattern on blade inner face |
Hub Type |
Modular with taper-lock bushing interface |
Rotation Direction |
Clockwise (CW) or Counter-Clockwise (CCW) — specify at order |
Max Operating RPM |
1,450 RPM (varies by diameter; consult performance curves) |
Balance Grade |
ISO 1940-1 Grade G6.3 (G2.5 available on request) |
Operating Temperature |
-40°C to +120°C (-40°F to +248°F) |
Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent — impervious to moisture, mild acids, alkalis, and salt spray |
Fire Rating |
UL 94 V-0 (flame-retardant FRP variant available) |
Hub Bore Options |
25 / 28 / 30 / 32 / 35 / 38 / 40 / 42 mm (custom bores available) |
Net Weight (Ø800mm) |
~8.5 kg (18.7 lbs) — varies by diameter |
Molding Process |
Closed-mold compression molding |
Quality Certifications |
ISO 9001, CE |
CAD Data Available |
STEP, IGES, DWG formats |
Warranty |
3 Years |
FAQ
Q1: Can AX-Series impellers replace metal impellers in existing fan units?
Yes — this is one of the most common applications. The key is matching the hub bore diameter and ensuring the motor shaft length accommodates the FRP hub thickness. We provide detailed dimensional drawings for every diameter so you can verify fitment before ordering. Many customers report reduced motor starting current and lower bearing operating temperatures after switching from cast aluminum to FRP impellers due to the 60% weight reduction.
Q2: What is the difference between natural FRP and the flame-retardant variant?
The standard natural FRP (translucent off-white) is suitable for general industrial ventilation up to 120°C. The flame-retardant variant (UL 94 V-0 rated) incorporates halogen-free fire-retardant additives and is specified for applications where fire codes require self-extinguishing materials — such as tunnel ventilation, underground parking exhaust, and certain chemical processing environments. The flame-retardant variant is slightly darker in color (pale gray) and carries a modest price premium.
Q3: How do I determine the correct diameter for my application?
Diameter selection depends on three factors: required airflow (CFM or m³/h), available housing diameter, and motor power/speed. As a starting point, provide us with your target CFM, static pressure, and available motor specifications (power, RPM, shaft diameter). Our application engineers will recommend the optimal diameter from the AX-Series range and provide the corresponding performance curve.
Q4: Are the impellers dynamically balanced from the factory?
Every impeller undergoes static balancing to ISO 1940-1 Grade G6.3 as standard. For high-speed applications (above 1,200 RPM) or noise-sensitive installations, we offer dynamic two-plane balancing to Grade G2.5. Please specify your balance requirement when ordering — retroactive balancing after shipment is possible but adds cost and lead time.
Q5: What is your MOQ and lead time?
Standard MOQ: 10 units per diameter for first orders. Sample orders of 1–3 units are available at sample pricing. Lead time: 7–10 working days for standard diameters from stock; 15–20 working days for custom hub bore machining; 25–30 working days for flame-retardant variants or custom diameters.
Q6: Can you manufacture custom diameters or blade counts?
Yes. While the AX-Series standard range covers the most commonly requested sizes, our engineering team can develop custom impellers for diameters outside the 600–1200mm range, as well as four-blade or five-blade configurations for higher-pressure applications. Custom development typically requires a 4–6 week engineering phase followed by prototype molding and testing. Minimum order quantities apply.