When it comes to reliable flex ducting , industry virtually everywhere turn to 4” duct. This type of flexible duct has become synonymous with ease of use and customer satisfaction because of its affordability and its wide variety of possible implementations. From material collection (dust, aluminum shavings, etc.) to fan ducting, the 4 inch duct has proven time and time again its worth when it comes to industries of all sorts. Most flexible hose products are spec’d out by OEMs when producing their machinery like leaf collectors, air ventilation systems or woodworking machinery. The main reason for the large demand for 4” flexible hose is that more OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) choose this size for their machinery and equipment. Hence when businesses and consumers go to replace the hose on their purchased equipment, they need a 4 inch duct! So why do OEM’s default to a 4” duct so often?
One of the things that compels the purchase of the 4” duct is that, due to its relatively compact diameter, it can better handle intense pressure (both negative and positive). This is important for vacuum applications. Four inch seems to be the most popular large sized hose which is used on industrial and commercial vacuums. As your local duct supplier will more than likely impart to you, the larger in diameter hose is, the more energy is required to force or suck air through the length of the hose. Through the installation of relatively narrow diameter of a 4” duct, however, you will be easily capable of generating the consistent pressure required for all your flexible ductwork needs. This benefit is especially noted by those in the commercial duct fields, who find maintaining constant and powerful pressure imperative for all their needs. Which is why you see this hose on lots of industrial equipment.
“Urethane Flex Heavy-Duty”
“PVC Flexduct General Purpose Clear”
“Thermoplastic Flex Medium-Duty”
The compact size of 4” duct has another, perhaps more readily, benefit: it takes up less space in your workplace than other types of more bulky, less-flexible ductwork. Because of its inherent compact, flexible constitution, 4 inch duct is capable of being used in crowded or tight quarters where movement is limited. The small size of 4” duct is additionally beneficial because it can even be fitted and stored around bulky equipment without getting in the way of that equipment’s operations. Because it is so easy to handle, lightweight 4” duct can be moved and operated easily by workers of all sizes, and the low weight helps to keep workers from straining and injuring themselves with operating both the flex ducting and the equipment it is incorporated into. So a 4” has had the right balance between a larger diameter and a lower weight and size, which is why industry as adopted it so readily.
Flexible duct such as the 4 inch is additionally popular because it is so cost-effective. As with most products and material, the bigger you go, the more you will spend. It should come as no surprise then that, because of its smaller size, four inch ducting is about as low-cost as you can get. By using the 4” duct, you – the consumer- will buying some of the most affordable flex ducting available. Even better, because it can ship as a small package, 4 inch duct does not need to be shipped via expensive freight shipping, lowering the associated costs even further when a flex hose replacement is needed.
Shipping costs are an important consideration for anyone purchasing products over the internet (something that can easily be done when it comes to 4 inch duct). This is due to the aforementioned low price point of the flexible ductwork, which means that is more convenient for the supplier to have this type of flex ducting in-stock and ship it at affordable rates. Since shipping costs throughout the supply chain are a factor in the overall cost of a product, they need to be consideration when hose size is in discussion.
If all of that is not enough to explain why consumers the world over rely on 4” duct for their industrial and commercial needs, consider that fact that this ducting types can come in a wide variety of materials, as well. 4 inch duct can be made from PVC, neoprene, polyurethane, silicone, or rubber; each material possessing different attributes that are purpose-built for use in a sundry of different situations. An example of this material variety being that, while silicones are best suited for moving air at high temperatures, urethane, polyester-dipped neoprene and PVC excel when it comes to transporting material residue (such as dust or wood ships).
In terms of flexible ductwork, 4” ducting currently reigns as the most popular size of commercial and industrial hosing. The combination of affordability, ease-of-use, versatility, and material variety has allows this kind of flex ducting to become preeminent among ducting types in the workplace. The next time you or your business require flexible ductwork, consider utilizing 4” duct – you could do much worse.