“SSti-Flex 1650”

$855.00$1,990.00
Lead Time 4-6 Weeks Temperature Range: up to 1650°F Sizes I.D. (in.): 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12

“SS-Flex 800”

$103.30$311.45
Lead Time 4-6 Weeks Temperature Range: up to 800°F Sizes I.D. (in.): 2, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,& 12

Aluminum Connectors

$21.15$69.99
Sizes I.D. (in.): 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, & 24

Stainless Steel Connectors

$30.27$50.59
Sizes I.D. (in.): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, & 12

Screw Clamps

$9.20$435.97
Sizes I.D. (in.): 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, & 20

Bridge Clamps

$8.29$21.19
Sizes I.D. (in.): 2, 2.25, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, & 12

J-Lock Connectors

$46.20$70.91
Sizes I.D. (in.): 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, & 20

Is a Stainless-Steel Hose Worth it?

Stainless steel is extremely durable and more resistant to corrosive materials than other steel alloys. Stainless steel features more chromium than other forms of steel, which provides the alloy with its extra resistance and durability to weathering effects caused by elements such as water. The extra resistance and durability make our stainless hose products great tools for high-temperature and moisture present ducting applications.  As an added benefit, stainless steel duct is a timeless aesthetic choice which fits in well with a variety of different applications and environments. Some of these stainless hose applications include (but are certainly not limited to) use in brick kilns, chemical plants, diesel and engine exhaust, HVAC systems, and as general-purpose steel ductwork in construction sites, shipyards, and factories of all types. Some use this type of ductwork for its aesthetic qualities in faculties that have functional and artistic requirements.
Why use stainless-steel ductwork? Here are some of our favorite reasons:

  • Corrosion resistance
  • High tensile strength
  • Highly puncture resistance
  • Good Flexibility
  •  Semi-rigid and will maintain shape when flexed
  • Temperature resistance to up to 1650℉
  •  Low-maintenance
  •  Attractive aesthetics

“SSti-Flex 1650”

“SSti-Flex 1650”1
“SSti-Flex 1650”2

“SSti-Flex 1650”

  • Suitable for fume and air exhaust applications with extremely high temperatures up to 1650 Fahrenheit
  • Excellent Flexibility & Crush Resistance
  • Titanium stabilized 316 stainless alloy for superior high temperature corrosion resistance
  • Suitable for chemical fume exhausting, high temperatures, and corrosive applications where both positive and negative pressures are involved
  • 25ft. coils can ship ground in 3″ or 4″ diameters

The “SSti-Flex 1650” flexible stainless hose’s titanium stabilization makes this stainless duct much more heat resistant than similar hoses. These high temperature hoses can withstand temperatures up to +1650 degrees Fahrenheit. This product’s ability to withstand such high temperatures makes it suitable for handling high temperature materials and chemicals that other stainless steel hose are not capable of withstanding. It is also a choice in high purity gas movement, where the chemical makeup of the hose will result in minimal reaction with the media. 316 stainless steel contains an addition of molybdenum which gives it improved corrosion resistance. Stainless steel grade 316Ti contains a small amount of Titanium. Titanium content is typically only around 0.5%. The titanium atoms stabilize the structure of the 316 stainless steel at temperatures over 800°C. This prevents carbide precipitation at the grain boundaries and protects the metal from corrosion.

What is a Stainless-Steel Flexible Hose Used for?

From automotive ducting to welding exhaust applications, our stainless-steel ductwork is ideal for working in extreme temperature environments.  One of the outstanding characteristics of stainless steel is its ability to maintain its durability and function in a wide range of temperature situations.  Our inventory of stainless hose products features various operating ranges with products that are capable of operating in temperatures as low as -400°F degrees Fahrenheit and withstanding temperatures as high as 1650℉ which is far higher than the melting point of aluminum. The excellent range of temperatures available make our flexible stainless-steel hose line an ideal option for moving high temperature exhaust fumes and chemicals. The titanium alloy of stainless hose infers that they are highly resistant to the damaging effects of corroding materials (namely, fumes and chemicals). This feature is what makes stainless ducting useful in exhaust ventilation of sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, and other types of automobile exhaust since they have little effect on the integrity of stainless steel.

“Stainless Steel Connectors”

Stainless steel connectors two different sizes

“J-Lock Connectors”

J-Lock Connector

“SS-Flex 800”

  • Self-supported construction allows for bends to stay in place
  • Resists metal fatigue, weathering, & moisture corrosive fumes & chemicals
  • Not recommended for continuous flexing

The “SS-Flex 800” stainless steel hose is also very resilient to high and low temperature extremes. This flexible high temperature hose has a temperature range of -400 degrees to +800 degrees Fahrenheit. This truly wide temperature range gives this flexible steel hose great versatility, allowing it to be used in a large variety of industries. Stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion and staining, low maintenance and familiar luster, makes it an ideal material for many applications. This flexible high temperature hose is also an aesthetic choice in commercial kitchens with exposed fume hoods.

The “SS-Flex 800” stainless steel hose comes in a standard length of both 5 and 10 feet with plain cut ends. Available ID sizes for this flexible hose range from 2 to 12 inches. This flexible high temperature hose has a wall thickness of 0.005 inches. Straight union connectors for this stainless hose are also available. This flexible high temperature hose is perfect for applications requiring the movement of gases such as pollution control, some ejectors, vehicle exhaust, HVAC, and high temperature exhaust. If you have questions or need additional information please, do not hesitate to give one of our ducting specialists a call today!

Is Metal Ductwork Better Than Flex?

This question assumes that metal ductwork cannot be flexed and that is incorrect. Our stainless ducting is flexible. The flexibility of stainless ducts is a function of their material makeup. They do not behave like vinyl flex ducts that cannot maintain their shape when flexed.  A standout feature of our stainless-steel ductwork products is their semi-rigid design.The semi-rigid design makes these flexible hoses self-supporting ducting, which is essential for ducting applications that require extra durability and stability. With a flexible SS hose you can bend the stainless hose in any direction that the application demands and the hose will remain in place without the need of an additional support system. This feature makes flexible SS hoses an economically efficient choice for heavy-duty applications that will require a hose to weave its way to an endpoint. In fact, that self-supporting ducting can be manipulated and put into position by hand means that you do not need potentially costly added elbows and connectors to create turns, bends, or shapes in your ductwork.  

“SS-Flex 800”

“SS-Flex 800”1
“SS-Flex 800”2

Bridge Clamps

$8.29$21.19
Sizes I.D. (in.): 2, 2.25, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, & 12

J-Lock Connectors

$46.20$70.91
Sizes I.D. (in.): 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, & 20

Screw Clamps

$9.20$435.97
Sizes I.D. (in.): 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, & 20

Stainless Steel Connectors

$30.27$50.59
Sizes I.D. (in.): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, & 12

“Screw Clamps”

Screw Clamp

What is the Most Durable Material in Ductwork?

Stainless ducting has to be the most durable duct for most applications. When it comes to abrasion resistance stainless ducting is far more durable than vinyl, urethane, rubber or any other flexible ducting. Stainless steel is also known for its ability to resist the corrosive properties of many harsh chemicals. Our stainless-steel flexible hoses are extremely resistant to the types of chemicals frequently used in exhaust expulsion applications. Unlike other fabric and rubber flexible hose products, a ss flexible hose is extra durable when faced with high-temperatures and corrosive chemicals without sacrificing the flexibility demanded by many heavy-duty exhaust fume applications. Because of its longevity and innate damage resistance, stainless hose can be incorporated in a variety of sensitive applications or in places where access for regular maintenance or replacement would be difficult (such as in ceilings or underground conduits).

“Aluminum Connectors”

    • Designed with a raised lip to prevent hose clamp from slipping off
    • Available in sizes 1.5″ to 24″

“Aluminum Connectors” are a straight union hose connector that a duct gets clamped down onto without the need for special tools. Aluminum is a relatively soft, durable, lightweight, ductile and malleable metal that makes for an easy to handle product. Our aluminum hose connections have a typical aluminum appearance of dull gray, are nonmagnetic, do not easily ignite, and handle above ambient temperatures. Furthermore, it is one-third the density and rigidity of steel, ideal for applications that require more flexibility. Aluminum duct fittings make sense from the standpoint of cost and longevity.

Aluminum hose connections are used to connect or extend two hoses of the same ID size together. Once connected, the hoses are able to provide the necessary flow over longer sections. The hose connector is designed with a raised lip to prevent the hose clamp from slipping off. These are very affordable duct fittings, which makes adding hose connections a less costly venture when compared to buying longer lengths of custom-made hose. Due to the availability of sizes (1.5″ to 24″ID), these connectors can be used for a number of applications. When compared to stainless steel connectors, the aluminum connectors are more affordable, lighter and a better buy for general air ventilation applications.

Why does a Stainless-Steel Flexible Hose Last longer?

At both room temperature and elevated temperature, the material characteristics of stainless steel differ from those of carbon steel due to the high alloy content. At room temperature, stainless steel displays a more smoothed stress–strain response than carbon steel and no yield point. At elevated temperatures stainless steel generally exhibits better retention of strength and stiffness in comparison to carbon steel Stainless steels are most used for their corrosion resistance. The second most common reason stainless steels are used is for their high temperature properties; stainless steels can be found in applications where high temperature oxidation resistance is necessary, and in other applications where high temperature strength is required. The high chromium content which is so beneficial to the wet corrosion resistance of stainless steels is also highly beneficial to their high temperature strength and resistance to scaling at elevated temperatures. Chromium is an essential component of all stainless steels, making up a minimum of 10.5% of the alloy’s content. Chromium metal is valued for its high corrosion resistance and hardness. A major development in steel production was the discovery that steel could be made highly resistant to corrosion and discoloration by adding metallic chromium to form stainless steel. Stainless steel and chrome plating (electroplating with chromium) together comprise 85% of the commercial use.

“Stainless Steel Connectors”

  • Ultra-durable stainless steel construction
  • Can be used in high temperature applications
  • Designed with a raised lip to prevent hose clamp from slipping off
  • Available in sizes 2″ to 12″

Ducting accessories are important and often times necessary additions to pair with duct and hose equipment. One of the ducting accessories that Ducting.com offers is our “Stainless Steel Connectors.” These hose connectors are used to connect and/or extend two hoses of the same ID size together. Connectors are central to the productivity of industrial and commercial applications such as: ventilation ducting, mine ventilation, chemical fumes exhaust and high temperature applications. These duct accessories allow for hoses to attach together to make longer runs using multiple hose coils of the same size. “Stainless Steel Connectors” are utilized specifically as straight union hose connectors or duct connectors.

As the product’s name suggests, these hose connectors are made from ultra-durable stainless steel. Compared to our Aluminum Connectors, Stainless Connectors are more heat resistant, offer better corrosion resistance, and are far more durable in outdoor environments. Stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion and staining, low maintenance requirements, and brilliant luster make it an ideal material for many applications.

“Bridge Clamps”

Bridge clamp full view

“Bridge Clamps”

    • Stainless steel band & welded stainless steel bridge with carbon steel screw
    • Fits over the helix creating a leak proof seal
    • Available in clockwise & counter-clockwise
    • Available in sizes 2” to 12”

In addition to our hose and duct products, Ducting.com offers essential hose and duct accessories intended to increase your efficiency and productivity. While selecting the appropriate flex hoses for your application, it is also imperative to consider which accessories are required for the job, for instance, the types of hose clamps needed. One type of clamps we offer are the “Bridge Clamps” which are used to secure hoses onto a pipe or connector. Bridge clamps are used to secure hoses at connection points, and since the flat band clamps snugly around the material between the raised helix of the hose, a more secure connection is made possible.

Contrary to aluminum, stainless steel is an important alloy with many beneficial usages because of its excellent characteristics. Stainless steel is embedded with a significant amount of chromium, which then creates a passive and thin layer of chromium oxide that acts as a barrier to prevent damages to its surface. This is how stainless steel retains its luster and attractive appearance over a long period of time.

What is 316Ti Grade Stainless Steel Ducting?

At its most basic level, stainless steel is an alloy composed mostly of iron. Iron on its own will rust, so stainless steel adds in chromium – at least 11% by volume – in order to stop oxidation and prevent rusting. Beyond that basic configuration, there is a large assortment of stainless-steel alloys with added parts carbon, nickel, molybdenum.
The most common grade of stainless steel used for your home’s cooking pans is 304, also known as 18/10. This refers to the 18% chromium and 10% nickel added into the steel.
316Ti is a higher grade which adds titanium and molybdenum to the alloy to increase its corrosion resistance properties. 316Ti is a variant of stainless steel that is alloyed with titanium. The addition of titanium to the steel gives it improved resistance to corrosion, particularly in environments with high temperatures and high concentrations of chlorides. The titanium content of 316Ti is typically around 0.5%.  316Ti is often used in the construction of heat exchangers, furnace parts, and chemical and petrochemical equipment. It is also used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in marine environments. The high resistance to corrosion makes it suitable for use in applications where the steel will be exposed to saltwater or other corrosive substances.
The mechanical properties of 316Ti are like those of standard 316 stainless steel, with a slightly higher yield strength and a lower elongation at break. The material is also non-magnetic and has a good weldability and formability.
So, how do you prevent metal leaching?  Increase chromium content: at 18% chromium, 316Ti is well above the minimum of 11%. The added titanium in the 316Ti alloy strengthens and stabilizes its chemical bonds, making it the best solution for resisting metal leaching.

Hose Specification Downloads

Hose and Duct Accessories Collection

Aluminum Connectors

$21.15$69.99
Sizes I.D. (in.): 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, & 24

Bridge Clamps

$8.29$21.19
Sizes I.D. (in.): 2, 2.25, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, & 12

J-Lock Connectors

$46.20$70.91
Sizes I.D. (in.): 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, & 20

Stainless Steel Connectors

$30.27$50.59
Sizes I.D. (in.): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, & 12

“SS-Flex 800”

$103.30$311.45
Lead Time 4-6 Weeks Temperature Range: up to 800°F Sizes I.D. (in.): 2, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,& 12

“SSti-Flex 1650”

$855.00$1,990.00
Lead Time 4-6 Weeks Temperature Range: up to 1650°F Sizes I.D. (in.): 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12

J-Lock Connectors

$46.20$70.91
Sizes I.D. (in.): 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, & 20

Here are some commonly asked questions about stainless-steel hose products with some quick answer:

  1. Do stainless-steel hoses rust?
    Some types of stainless-steel hose are more prone to corrosion than others, depending on the chromium content. The higher the chromium content in the flexible hose, the less likely the flex duct will rust.  Although stainless steel is a superior metal for your outdoor use because of its corrosion resistance, it is not maintenance-free. It is “stain less” or “stain resistant”, but this does not mean that it will never get stained, develop rust and corrosion if not maintained.
  2. Does metal ductwork go bad?
    Yes, metal ductwork does corrode over time. There are different types of corrosion; uniform corrosion, pitting corrosion, etc… General corrosion occurs when most or all the atoms on the same metal surface are oxidized, damaging the entire surface.
    Does metal ductwork rust?
    Flexible hoses made from metal do rust. Rust is a type of corrosion that occurs on metal surfaces when iron reacts with oxygen and water. The chemical reaction that causes rust is called oxidation.
  3. Does stainless-steel hose last longer than aluminum?
    Aluminum is lighter, non-magnetic, malleable, has a  low density and is non-ferrous (does not contain iron.) Aluminum can handle up to +400℉ while variations of a SS hose can go up to 1650℉.
    Stainless steel ducts have high tensile strength, are low maintenance, heavier and stronger than aluminum. Aluminum is more affordable than stainless but has a shorter life cycle.
  4. Can mold grow on metal ducts?
    Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture. Metal ducts do not harbor mold or act as a source of diet. But if moisture is present inside a flex duct, and other conditions are ripe then mold will grow. Obvious sources are floods, roof leaks, problems with drainage or plumbing and include occupant-generated sources. Maintaining flex ducts and cleaning them if there is flooding is imperative.
  5. How long do metal air ducts last?
    If metal ducts, aluminum or stainless, are well maintained they should have very long lives.
    Rusting and corrosion are undesirable effects that can ruin a metal’s ability to perform optimally. Flexible hoses that are in environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive substances and are not maintained will see damage.
  6. Is a stainless-steel hose worth it?
    Stainless hoses are expensive, but they are used when fumes and elevated temperatures demand it.  Stainless ducting are worth it when the requirements demand a more sophisticated hose. For example, if an end-user is moving hot air that exceeds +750℉, then there are very few flexible hose options and stainless is a great choice.
  7. Is stainless steel duct fire rated?
    Stainless steel, as a material, cannot be ignited and will not melt until it reaches a temperature of at least +2500°F.  Generally, fire rating is not needed for an SS flex hose. But fire will corrode stainless steel.
  8. Should I replace metal duct with flexible?
    We don’t think you should replace your ductwork unless it is needed.  If your current ductwork is in good working condition, especially metal ducts, they should offer an excellent life cycle and do not need to be replaced by flexible PVC or other options.
  9. What are the grades of stainless-steel ductwork?
    We offer two styles of SS flexible hoses:
    SS-Flex 800 which is a single-ply, helically corrugated stainless steel alloy wall hose construction with a four-ply finished seam that is folded flat and crimped for tightness and strength. Available in 5- and 10-foot lengths and with a temperature range of -400°F to +800°F
    SSti-Flex 1650 which is manufactured using 316Ti stainless steel in a patented roll lock. construction. Titanium stabilized 316 stainless alloy for superior high temperature corrosion resistance and this hose can handle temperatures of up to +2500°F
  10. What is a stainless-steel flexible hose used for?
    Stainless-steel hoses are used to move high temps, ambient air, and chemical fumes.

“J-Lock Connectors”

  • Quickest way to connect and disconnect hoses
  • Designed with a raised lip to prevent hose clamp from slipping off

J-Locks connectors are a flexible duct connector that can quickly connect or disconnect two hoses of the same ID size. J-Lock Connectors are ideal for migratory applications that may require the assembly of longer hose lengths into one continuous coil. This type of hose connection allows shorter lengths of hose to be assembled into longer runs quickly and easily. In addition, these hose connectors are affordable duct accessories that not only are ultra-durable but also reduce overall assembly costs. Rather than investing in longer continuous runs of custom-made hose, operators can purchase standard 25ft. lengths and connect them using the J-Lock connectors to achieve desired hose lengths.

Unlike other hose connectors, this duct connector allows the operator to detach two hoses without the painstaking process of un-clamping the hose from the connector. As specified by its name, the “J-Lock Connectors” have a lock feature in the shape of the letter “J”; this feature allows the connection of a male end and female end with a simple twist. This hose connection is also designed with a raised lip to prevent the hose clamp from slipping off when clamped over the flexible duct. “J-lock” hose connectors are easy to use tools that reduce downtime and improve onsite installation performance.

Short Length Hoses Interchangeable
Overstock Inventory Interchangeable