Clip Ducting – Why Should You Choose it And What Makes it Better

Clip ducting is a type of ductwork system used in industrial, commercial, and residential settings for air distribution, ventilation, and material handling. The primary advantage of clip ducting is that it is designed for quick, easy installation, reducing labour costs and installation time compared to traditional ducting systems. It is sometimes referred to with a few different names including quick fit ducting, quick clamp ducting & clipped ducting.

Clipped ducting systems typically consist of modular components, such as straight duct sections, elbows, branches and connectors, that can be easily assembled and disassembled using a quick release duct clamp. The main ducting components are usually manufactured with flanged or rolled edges to help make secure, airtight connections when the ducting clamps are applied – this is why clipped ducting is sometimes referred to as clipped edge ducting. Clip ducting is often made from materials such as galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum, depending on the application requirements.

These ducting systems are commonly used in applications such as dust collection, fume extraction, and HVAC systems where ease of installation, maintenance, and adaptability are essential. The modular design of clip ducting allows for easy modifications or expansions of the system, as well as convenient access for cleaning and maintenance.

What are the advantages of clip ducting?

Clip ducting offers several advantages over traditional ducting systems, which make it a popular choice for various applications, including HVAC systems, dust collection, and fume extraction. Some of the key advantages include:

• Faster installation: clip ducting systems feature modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled using simple joining methods, such as clamps. This reduces the time and labour required for installation compared to traditional ducting systems that often involve more complex connections
• Lower labour costs: The ease and speed of installation result in reduced labour costs, as fewer hours are needed for assembly and installation
• Flexibility: The modular design of clip ducting allows for easy modifications, expansions, or reconfigurations of the system, making it adaptable to changing requirements or facility layouts
• Easier maintenance and cleaning: clip ducting systems can be easily disassembled for cleaning, maintenance, and inspection, which helps maintain optimal system performance and prolongs the life of the components
• Fewer leaks & improved sealing: The components of clip ducting systems often feature rolled or flanged edges that create tight, secure connections when clamped together. This reduces the potential for air leaks and improves overall system efficiency
• Material options: clip ducting is available in various materials, such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, to suit different application requirements and environmental conditions
• Reduced downtime: The ease of installation, modification, and maintenance of clip ducting systems helps minimize system downtime, ensuring continuous operation in industrial and commercial settings
• Cost-effective: clip ducting can be a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional ducting systems, considering the reduced labour and installation costs, lower maintenance expenses, and increased system efficiency
• Improved airflow: clip ducting has a smoother internal bore which make for improved airflow

What are Ducting clamps and how are they used?

Ducting clamps or ducting clips are fastening devices specifically designed to secure and connect various components of ducting systems, such as pipes, tubes, or fittings. With clip ducting, the clamps are designed for the duct so as to create a tight seal.

Ducting clamps typically consist of a metal or plastic band that can be tightened around the ducting components, applying pressure to hold them together securely. Clip ducting clamps may also feature a sealing mechanism, such as a gasket or rubber lining, to ensure an airtight connection between the components.

Ducting clamps are commonly used to:

• Connect duct sections: Ducting clamps are used to join together straight duct sections or connect other components, such as elbows, reducers, or branches, to form a continuous ducting system
• Secure flexible ducting: In applications that require flexible ducting, clamps are used to attach the flexible duct to rigid components, such as vents, grilles, or fan outlets
• Seal connections: Some ducting clamps include a sealing mechanism, like a gasket or rubber lining, that helps create an airtight seal between the connected components, preventing air leaks and improving overall system efficiency
• To easily assembly & disassemble ducting: Ducting clamps allow for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of ducting systems, making them convenient for installation, maintenance, and modifications
• Allow adjustability: Many ducting clamps feature an adjustable design, allowing them to accommodate different duct sizes and shapes for a secure fit

When selecting ducting clamps, it’s important to consider factors such as the size and shape of the ducting components, the materials being used, and the specific requirements of the application, such as pressure or temperature resistance.

Spiral vs clipped ducting

Clipped ducting can have a number of benefits over standard spiral ducting but whether you should choose clip ducting or standard spiral ducting will depend upon the use case & budget of the installation.

Our clip ducting forms the same functions as spiral ducting but it comes with additional ducting clamps that make for easier installation & less leakage. If you are looking to undertake a quick installation or if you want to be able to disassemble or move the ducting, clip ducting is ideal. If you don’t need this, you may prefer to use standard spiral ducting.

Some other use cases that can determine the choice between clip ducting v standard spiral ducting are:

• Volume – Generally speaking spiral ducting is used in lower-volume use cases, while clipped ducting is used in high-volume applications
• Pressure – Spiral ducting is more appropriate for low pressure applications, while clipped ducting systems are more appropriate for high pressure applications
• Cleanliness – Spiral ducting is more common in dustier applications, while clipped ducting is more common in cleaner applications

Further Information

If you have any questions about clip ducting design & installation, give Ducting Express a call at 01455 616 444. We have a stock of over 40,000 items & are happy to help you get your installation right. A member of our experienced team can provide you with further information suited to your workshop’s requirements.

If you want to learn more about Clipped ducting, take a look at our Clipped Ducting Guide.