Panaflo fans

[burat]

I bought the Peerless special: 10 Panaflos (8 cm X 8 cm) L1A's for $30. I just realized something (DUH!@): they are all non-ball-bearing fans. Instead, they use what they call a "Hydro wave bearing".

Any thoughts about this? I realize that the theoretical disadvantage (supposedly lower MBTF as compared to traditional ball-bearing fans, except that these figures are not on Panaflo's website) will probably not make a difference for me, as I don't run my rig 24/7.

 

[tonyou]

The "hydro wave bearing" that Panasonic uses is an enhanced version of sleeve bearing. I am not absolutely sure on this, but the MBTF for these fans should be around 80% of ball bearing fans as opposed to regular sleeve bearing at around 20%.

Other benefits of the sleeve bearing fan compared to ball bearing fan are lower cost and quieter operation.

Anyone else wants to add anything? Just curious, why are Panaflos such great fans besides the fact that they are quieter due to the sleeve bearing design?

Tony

 

[Siamskunk]

yeah, noise level is the main plus side for using panaflo.

my old enlight 7237 with 2x80mm HO sunon and one GW caf12 (120mm).
my new Chenbro Genie with 3x120mm and one 90mm panaflos'

result.........damn quieter indeed.