“SSti-Flex 1650”
“Aluminum Flex 400”
“SS-Flex 800”
“PVC Flex Self Supporting”
Screw Clamps
Semi-Rigid Ducting
Table of Contents:
1. Why Use a Semi-Rigid Flexible Duct?
2. Metal Ducting Designed to Withstand High Temps
3. Advantage of Aluminum Semi-Rigid Ducting
4. Benefits of Stainless-Steel Semi-Rigid Ductwork
5. What is a Semi-Rigid PVC Hose?
6. Why Use Aluminum Semi-Rigid Dryer Ducting?
7. Choosing the Proper Self-Supporting Hose
Why Use a Semi-Rigid Flexible Duct?
Heavy-duty applications like chemical plant ventilation and automobile exhaust systems need flexible duct hoses that can withstand the abusive environment, extremes in heat, and corrosive chemicals. For applications that require hoses to move with the needs of the operator and maintain their shape when needed, semi-rigid ducting hoses are an excellent choice. These self-supporting hose products are designed to be bent into position and remain in place. More often than not, a semi-rigid duct is made out of a metal like aluminum or stainless steel. And since both of these metals offer excellent heat, chemical and impact resistant, they are perfect for fume and high temp removal applications. Semi-rigid ducts can be bent to send airflow in your desired direction without creating sharp bends that restricts airflow and there is no need for additional support. This reduces labor hours and the number of tools and contraption required to hold the exhaust system in place. Once the rigid ductwork is moved into place it will only move if bent and twisted into another direction.
“SS-Flex 800”
Metal Ducting Designed to Withstand High Temps
For applications that require resistance to high temperatures, we have several metal semi-rigid ducting products. We feature an aluminum semi-rigid ducts that can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and our two stainless steel options can withstand temperatures from 800 to 1650 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the grade of ducting. These are great economical choices for applications involving large volumes of high temperature air and fumes. The metal semi-rigid hose products are also resistant to the damage caused by weathering and chemical fumes. Most flex ducting systems are very susceptible to breakage and puncture, both of which can lead to a dramatic loss in performance for your ducting applications. Thankfully, metal semi-rigid ducting are designed to handle all types of abuse while delivering constant performance and longevity.
“SS-Flex 800”
“SS-Flex 800”
- Lightweight & hand bendable allowing for elbows and turns to be formed easily during installation
- Self-supported construction allows for bends to stay in place
The “SS-Flex 800” is a single-ply helically corrugated stainless steel hose with a four-ply finished seam that is folded flat and crimped, allowing for excellent tightness and strength. Unlike other forms of steel, stainless steel does not readily corrode, rust or stain when it comes into contact with moisture. Stainless steel is essentially low carbon steel, which contains chromium at 10% or more by weight. It is this addition of chromium that gives the steel its unique corrosion resisting properties. This flexible steel hose is also very lightweight allowing for easy installation. The hose’s flexibility allows for this stainless hose to be hand bendable, allowing you to easily create elbows and turns during installation. Because the stainless steel is resistant to weathering, moisture, corrosive fumes, and chemicals, this product exhibits excellent life.
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.
“Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible”
Advantage of Aluminum Semi-Rigid Ducting
An aluminum semi-rigid hose is an extremely useful flex duct with distinct advantages. Aluminum ducts are both lightweight and flexible. It can flexed and turned into variety of shapes and then subsequently reset to its original straight shape. Because of this and aluminum’s versatility and strength, the use of aluminum hoses is becoming more popular.
- A Light Weight Semi-Rigid Metal Duct
The lightweight nature of this flex duct makes it it easier and cheaper to transport than most other metals. It is easy to handle and its weight does not effect the overall weight of equipment or machinery negatively. Aluminum duct are lower in density than stainless-steel and this makes since one can retain some of the same mechanical properties. - Affordability
Since Aluminum is lighter, it is easier to handle, transport and ultimately deliver to the consumer. All of this reduces the overall input costs of this metal when sold in a finished product.
This reduces the landing cost to the end-user as the shipping costs at all levels of production are cheaper. Its lightweight nature also makes it easy to bend and flex this otherwise rigid hose. - Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and the metal itself innately generates a protective coating. This thin protective coating is formed when when aluminum comes into contact with an oxidizing agent. The class of self-supporting ducting has a protective oxide layer helps protect the surface of the metal from corrosion. - Aluminum ducts are Thermally Conductive
Since Aluminum itself is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, aluminum self-supporting duct hose benefit from this feature of the hose makeup. - Aluminum Semi-Rigid Duct is Odorless
Since aluminum is odorless and is non-toxic it makes for a perfect ventilation hose that can supply fresh air into inhabited areas. - Puncture Resistant Duct
Even the thinnest version of this semi-rigid duct is impermeable and that makes for a very durable flex hose that can reliably perform in the long run.
“Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible”
“Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible”
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- Designed for extreme temperature applications
- Resists metal fatigue, weathering, and most corrosive fumes and chemicals
The Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible comes prefabricated in a variety of different inside diameter (I.D.) sizes: 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, 8″, 10″, and 12″. The walls of this flexible metal tubing are 0.1 to 0.11 mm. thick, and it has an I.D. tolerance of 0 to 0.1 inch. Its end finishes are plain cut, and it comes in a classic, metallic-silver colorway. This flexible metal hose is also semi-rigid, which means that, once you bend it into a certain position, it will stay that way without any added support. Of course, you can bend it again to reform the duct into a different position. In sum, it’s likely that you will not need to use any accessories such as elbows to fit your Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible into looping or bent positions.
This flexible metal duct is designed with air and fume ventilation applications in mind, thus making it well-suited for a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial applications—especially those that intend to transport high-temperature matter. Wood stoves, for instance, need to properly ventilate hot smoke from the wood they burn. The Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible is a natural fit for these kinds of applications—especially since, oftentimes, a wood stove’s exhaust duct must navigate a circuitous pathway to reach the destination where it expels the stove’s fumes. Other common uses for this metal flex-duct include chemical fume ventilation, circuit board cooling, and air conditioner ducting, among other things.
Benefits of Stainless-Steel Semi-Rigid Ductwork
Stainless steel ducts are not only shiny and beautiful, but this metal duct is astonishingly versatile. Stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion and many common chemicals coupled with it being a low-maintenance metal, make it an ideal choice for moving many of today’s common fumes and elevated temperatures. One of the main reasons stainless steel ducting is most so popular is that it retains durability at both very high and very low temperatures.
Stainless steel is one of the most hygienic flexible ducts and does not support the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. This metal is easy to clean and maintain, requiring very little care.
Since stainless steel is low maintenance and easy to clean, it’s a perfect choice for hospitals, kitchens, and other areas where cleanliness is necessary.
Here are some highlights of stainless-steel self-supporting ducts:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Very Durable, since stainless steel has high tensile strength
- Excellent temperature resistance
- Easy formable to shape
- Excellent bend radius
- Longevity with little required maintenance
- Great appearance
- Non-reactive with many common chemicals so it has excellent hygiene
- Fire and heat resistance
- Great long-term value
“Bridge Clamps”
“Stainless Steel Connectors”
What is a Semi-Rigid PVC Hose?
A semi-rigid hose made from PVC is a tube-shaped hose with shape memory. This enables it to maintain its flex and resist reshaping unless force is placed on the hose to flex it into another shape. A semi-rigid vacuum hose is made from 100% rigid self-supporting PVC material with a ribbon-lock construction. Since PVC is a chemical resistant, this flexible duct is also very chemical resistant. This hose can be shaped and reshaped by hand continuously and be re-spliced without any tools. The diameter is adjustable by hand and can be reduced or expanded by approximately 25% of original I.D.
In addition to our metal ductwork, PVC semi-rigid hose are available that are designed for applications that require continuous flexing. Unlike metals, plastics like PVC have excellent flex-fatigue and do not easily damage because of continual movement.
In addition, PVC offer very good chemical resistance. Hydrocarbons and other damaging fumes such as sulfur dioxide can severely hamper the ability of duct works to function. By abating the damaging effects of these chemicals, PVC semi-rigid ducting is a primary material suggested for use in weld fume exhaust and vapor control systems. What’s more, this ductwork is extremely flexible and adjustable by hand to meet the flexibility demands of your applications. The PVC material has the added benefit of being able to be reshaped and spliced together with other flexible duct hoses without the need of being cut.
“PVC Flex Self Supporting”
“PVC Flex Self Supporting”
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- Diameter is adjustable by hand and can be reduced or expanded by approximately 25% of original I.D.
- Chemical resistant
The “PVC Flex Self Supporting” semi-rigid duct is a 100% rigid self-supporting PVC duct with a ribbon-lock construction that is recommended for industrial air movement and fume control applications. These unique flex ducts may be shaped and spliced together without the need of special tools and is a great option for both temporary and permanent installations alike. These air ducts also provide the ability to adjust the inside diameter by hand; the ID can be reduced or expanded by approximately 25% of the product’s original ID. This makes for a semi-rigid hose that is valued in applications that require constant flex and repositioning of a hose (such as welding applications). The “PVC Flex Self Supporting” is premier in the class of fume removal flex ducts.
The “PVC Flex Self Supporting” ducting has a working temperature of -10 to +150 degrees Fahrenheit. This will provide the user with good product flexibility as it can move air above ambient temperatures as well as change diameter size when needed. This semi-rigid hose is great for applications such as clean rooms, exhaust systems and general fume control. Unlike other semi-rigid flex pipes, this hose is not made from aluminum or stainless steel. While metallic hoses exhibit short life when continually flexed, the “PVC Flex Self Supporting” is extremely durable and exhibits great flexibility.
Why Use Aluminum Semi-Rigid Dryer Ducting?
Aluminum semi-rigid duct for dryer maybe more expensive than other options, but it is the recommended type of hose for any residential dryer. A semi-rigid dryer duct, such as aluminum, is a must for any dryer vent system. Since aluminum is non-combustible and can handle temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, this reduces the risk of fires which is a serious concern. The most common cause of fires in and around dryers is because of lint build-up in the dryer duct. These must be cleaned regularly. The clogs restrict airflow, and when the airflow is restricted, the heat is trapped in the line. If the dryer hose used is vinyl or made from a material that is combustible, then the fire has fuel and will rapidly grow, feeding off the lint and the hose. Dryer lint, or the collection of fuzz and fabric fibers, is created by abrasion on your clothes in the dryer. Dryer lint is super flammable, and if it is left to accumulate then can be a source of fuel for any house fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that there were over 480,000 structure fires in the U.S. in 2020. Using a semi-rigid dryer duct is a piece of insurance that will serve any American family in the long run well!
“Aluminum Flex 400”
“Aluminum Flex 400”
- Self supporting construction allows for bends to stay in place
- Designed for extreme temperature applications
This flexible ductwork is lightweight, pliable and can easily be bent or manipulated by hand. Our aluminum lightweight ducting is self-supporting, which means the hose will maintain its shape when bent. This important attribute helps in the formation of elbows for easy bending and turning during the installation process. This same self-supporting construction allows any bends to remain in place without the use of additional support materials. One thing to keep in mind is that flexible ductwork should not be exposed to repeated bending and moving. Flexible ducts are not recommended for continuous flexing. Hose connectors are also available for the “Aluminum Flex 400” flexible ducts. Use hose connectors (straight unions) to fit additional pieces of hoses together for extra length.
“Aluminum Flex 400” flexible ducts can be purchased in either 5 or 10 ft lengths. The flexible ductwork is available in several internal diameter sizes including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 inches with internal diameter tolerances of -0.00 to +0.250 inch. These lightweight ducting can be utilized in a variety of applications that includes removal of the following: chemical fumes, circuit board cooling, exhaust systems, HVAC, oil mist removal, pollution control and ventilation. If you have any questions or need further assistance with these hi-temp hoses, please do not hesitate to contact one of our ducting experts today.
“Aluminum Flex 400”
Choosing the Proper Self-Supporting Hose
As with any type of hose material, it is essential that you purchase the right kind of semi-rigid ducting for your unique situation. There is, for example, quite a difference in the ways in which PVC semi-rigid hose can be used versus ducts made from stainless steel. The success and performance of your ducting system relies –at least in large part- on the specific type of self-supporting hose that you use. That is why it is critical that you do your homework. Check our online catalog for detailed descriptions of all our semi-rigid ducting. On Ducting.com you will find all the specific characteristics of each self-supporting hose so you may find the perfect ducts for your applications. For assistance on which product is perfect your job’s requirements, give one of our ducting specialists a call today at 1-800-370-9152.
“SSti-Flex 1650”
“SSti-Flex 1650”
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- Suitable for fume and air exhaust applications with extremely high temperatures up to 1650 Fahrenheit
- Excellent Flexibility & Crush Resistance
The “SSti-Flex 1650” is a titanium stabilized stainless steel hose that utilizes patented roll lock construction. The titanium stabilized stainless steel adds increased heat resistance to the already resilient qualities of stainless steel. The titanium compound and roll lock construction set these high temperature hoses apart from comparable products because it offers excellent flexibility and crush resistance. This stainless hose features durable corrugation, which allows the product to be dragged, bent, and reshaped without taking damage or breaking. Due to this stainless steel hose’s unique composition, it is suitable for chemical fume exhausting, high temperatures, and corrosive applications where both positive and negative pressures are involved.
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.
