PAG vs PPG vs PAGAS vs Aluminium — blade material selection
Multi-Wing blades come in four materials. Each is engineered for a different environment. Using the wrong material shortens blade life, risks non-compliance in regulated zones, and in the worst case causes failure.
PAG — Glass-filled nylon (standard industrial)
PAG is glass-fibre reinforced polyamide (nylon 6). It is the default Multi-Wing material and suits the widest range of applications.
Operating range: -60°C to +120°C continuous.
Chemical resistance: good against oils, light hydrocarbons, and most atmospheric pollutants. Not suitable for prolonged exposure to strong acids or alkalis.
Use for: general HVAC, warehouses, condensers, standard process cooling, commercial ventilation. If you do not have a specific chemical, ATEX, or high-temperature requirement, PAG is the right choice.
PPG — Polypropylene (chemical resistance)
PPG is glass-reinforced polypropylene. Chosen specifically for chemical environments where PAG would degrade.
Operating range: -30°C to +90°C (narrower than PAG — avoid high-heat applications).
Chemical resistance: excellent against acids, alkalis, salt spray, and aggressive cleaning chemicals.
Use for: chemical plants, water treatment facilities, coastal industrial installations, plating shops, pulp and paper mills, acid-exhaust systems.
PAGAS — Anti-static nylon (ATEX zones)
PAGAS is PAG with an added conductive compound that prevents static charge buildup on the blade surface.
Operating range: -60°C to +120°C.
Specification: compliant with ATEX requirements for Zone 1 and Zone 2 explosive atmospheres.
Use for: underground coal mines, grain silos and elevators, petrochemical refineries, paint spray booths, any environment where ignition of dust or vapour is a risk. Mandatory where ATEX is specified.
Aluminium — Cast metal (high temperature / heavy duty)
Cast aluminium alloy. Heavier than the polymer variants but engineered for the hottest and most structurally demanding duty.
Operating range: −60°C to +245°C continuous (250°C for 2 hours peak). Multi-Wing's AL 400C variant is rated −60°C to +400°C continuous (400°C for 2 hours peak, 300°C for 1 hour peak) for smoke extraction duty per EN 12101-3.
Structural advantage: highest mechanical strength of any Multi-Wing material.
Use for: timber kilns, grain dryers, smoke extraction systems, large process cooling above 80°C, heavy-duty mining fans where impact resistance matters.
Quick decision matrix
Use this shortcut if unsure:
- General industrial, below 80°C, no chemical risk → PAG
- Chemical, corrosive, or coastal environment → PPG
- ATEX-classified mining, grain, petrochemical → PAGAS (legally required in these zones)
- Above 80°C or maximum structural strength → Aluminium
FAQs
Can I use PAG in a chemical plant?
Only if exposure is brief and incidental. For continuous exposure to acids, alkalis, or aggressive chemicals, PPG is the correct choice. PAG will degrade and fail early in that environment.
Is PAGAS required by law in SA mines?
Yes. South African mine health and safety regulations require ATEX-compliant equipment in classified underground zones. PAGAS is the Multi-Wing material certified for this duty. Using PAG in a Zone 1 or Zone 2 environment is non-compliant.
Why is aluminium so much more expensive than nylon?
Aluminium blades are cast, machined, and balanced individually, versus nylon blades which are injection-moulded. Aluminium is 3-4x the weight of nylon and the material cost is higher. Use it only when temperature or strength requires it.
Can I upgrade from PAG to Aluminium without changing the hub?
Yes — all Multi-Wing Z-series materials fit the same Z-series hub. The only constraint is motor load: aluminium blades weigh more, so verify the motor kW can handle the increased moment of inertia before switching.