Difference between an Axial and Radial Fan When it comes to industrial fans, you can always choose from several options. But when selecting fans for a variety of industries, including those used in mines, factories, and commercial buildings, two of the most popular types are axial and radial. Not only are axial and radial fans the most applicable in a wide range of industries, but they are also the two most common types of fans available on the market today. Axial Fans Axial fans got their name from the way the fan blades operate - they rotate around an axis and therefore push air out in a manner parallel to the axis. The example we used above is common in home and small industrial settings. However, axial fans can be made much larger, suitable for factories and underground mining operations. Axial fans are frequently used when a large volume of air is required. Although axial fans do a good job of achieving this goal, it is fairly low pressure air and is not very concentrated in a certain area. Radial Fans Also known as "centrifugal fans," radial fans don't pull air parallel to the axis as axial fans do. Instead, they move air from the center, radially - hence their name. To create the air, radial fans first pull it into the fan. This is often done via a side intake, which varies based on how the size of the fan. A simple example of a centrifugal fan is a small “blower” fan, used in residential and commercial environments to quickly dry damp areas of the building or areas with water damage. Though the volume of these types of fans is usually less than that of axial fans, the pressure is much greater. They're also better able to directly target a specific area. Radial fans used in heavy industrial and mining environments are typically larger, drawing in the air via intakes and then running it through a series of ducts before it is dispersed.