Frequently Asked Questions

Weight

Do textile ducts offer some weight reduction?

Using our fabric ducting for air distribution in vehicles can save up to 90% of the weight in comparison to metal alternatives.

Some manufacturers use composite ducting. Their weight is a little closer to ours, but fabrics are still much lighter.

Insulation

Can textile air ducts be insulated?

Of course they can! Our textile ducts can be fully or partially insulated according to customer requirements. We use polyester insulation (EN45545-2 HL3) in thicknesses of 10, 20 and 30 mm to cover a wide range of thermal insulation properties of the duct. This insulation is sewn as an interlayer between two fabrics.

Fire resistance

Are textile air ducts fire resistant? Are your materials certified?

All our materials have been tested for fire resistance according to European standard EN 45545 with good results. Some of them meet the requirements in HL2 or the highest HL3 level. Check the fabric datasheets of the individual fabrics.

Assembly and disassembly

What about assembling and disassembling fabric air ducts in the vehicle?

For each project, we prepare a manual for assembly and disassembly. Assembly and disassembly are usually very simple and quick, no special tools or trained workers are required.

Cleanability

What about maintenance and cleaning of textile air ducts?

The shapes of our fabric ducts are designed to not allow the accumulation of dust and moisture. Further hygiene benefits also come from the ease of washing the ducts. The best way is to use a vacuum cleaner to quickly clean dust from them. You can also disinfect them with ozone or simply wash them in the washing machine. Our textile air ducts have also antibacterial treatment.

Noise

Do fabric ducts spread noise similarly to metal alternatives?

As we know, metal ducts act as echo chambers from the HVAC fans, rail noise, and other sources. This state is highly undesirable.

The main difference between metal and fabric ducts is that fabrics don’t convey and reflect noise. So, there is no echo. Furthermore, we offer insulated ducting which works as a silencer. The main advantage of flexible material is that there is no noise transfer – it means lower noise in more distant places (cabins, saloons).

Maximum dimensions

What are the maximum dimensions of textile air ducts?

The maximum length of the textile air duct is not limited. The cross-section size is also unlimited.

Possible geometries

In what shapes can you sew textile air ducts?

We are able to produce very unusual and complex fabric air duct shapes while still positioning the distribution elements to maintain perfect air distribution. Feel free to contact us with any shape ideas.

Tight spaces

We have a very tight physical space for air distribution system in our vehicle, could fabric ducts help us in some way?

Yes! Fabric is very tolerant in tight spaces; it doesn’t need an exact fit since it is flexible by nature and design. This is a great advantage for designing and mounting! We only have to avoid too big constraints that would increase too much of a pressure loss of the air duct. Otherwise, it just fills the space after being inflated. For very small diameters (<100 mm) there is a risk of improper inflation – that must be considered individually.

Pressure loss

How do you defend against pressure loss due to friction between the air and the material?

Fabric behaves the about same way as metal ducting; the friction pressure loss is about the same. In some shaped pieces (adapters, reducers), pressure loss can occur but it won’t be different than conventional ducting. Every application can be tested in real conditions to measure airflow and pressure loss or we can perform CFD simulations that will give us the necessary data.

Condensation

How do you deal with the risk of condensation?

We can calculate the risk of condensation based on real exact input data.

If the space above the ceiling is tight, there is only a limited volume of moisture (water vapor in the air) that might condensate on the colder surfaces.

Textile is a much better material in terms of condensation than sheet metal or other smooth-surfaced alternatives. Due to the coarser surface of the material, condensate droplets do not drip from the textile or drip significantly later.

Warranty

How long a warranty do you offer for your fabric ducts?

We are entering into an individual warranty agreement with every customer. We are able to provide an extended 10-year warranty. You don’t have to worry about quality. We have more than 15-year-old real projects without any complaints about their present quality.

Quotation time

How long does it take you to process a quote?

It depends on the complexity of the project, the volume of open points regarding the design of the air duct and its attachment to the vehicle, and the level of completeness of the 3D model we receive from the customer.

If all technical issues regarding air duct design are closed, the actual pricing and preparation of the offer usually takes 1-3 weeks.

Pricing

What is the price of your products?

Each product is tailor-made, so each component is priced individually. We have no standard pricing for our products. Feel free to send us RFQ.

Samples

Are you able to send us a sample of the textile air duct?

Of course. We can provide you with a universal sample of a small textile air duct on which basic mounting elements or an insulated wall are implemented. We send this sample free of charge. We are also able to produce any other sample according to the customer's request. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

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