MK Plastics Blog

Founded in 1963, MK Plastics is a global leader in the production of corrosion resistant industrial and commercial blowers, fans, and ventilation systems. Patented in several countries, our products are AMCA Certified for Air and Sound Performance.
We offer the broadest and most complete line of quality industrial and commercial corrosion-resistant fans and blowers. Our innovative ventilation technologies are patented in several countries.

An Overview of Dampers Offered at MK Plastics

Artist Name - MKPlastics-B000-00C - An Overview of Dampers Offered at MK Plastics.mp3


We manufacture two types of dampers at MK Plastics: control dampers and automatic gravity dampers. Here's what you need to know about the functionality and usefulness of the dampers we offer.

Control Dampers

Control dampers are used in buildings to regulate airflow in HVAC systems. They can be used in intake exhaust, or mixed air applications. The most common type of control damper is called a manual balancing damper. They regulate the flow of air but are not generally intended to be used in applications for positive shutoff. They usually come with a manual quadrant lock so once the system is balanced, it's set into place.

Another type is the industrial/commercial control damper. It regulates the flow of air in the same manners a balancing damper, but with the addition that it can be used for either positive shutoff or automatic control. These dampers have extended shafts and you can add a small electronic motor control actuator or a pneumatic actuator (which you don't see as often). As with the balancing damper, you can use a manual quadrant lock.


Gravity Backdraft Dampers

Sometimes called an automatic damper, gravity backdraft dampers are similar to control dampers in appearance and build. However, the air velocity that goes through it opens up the blade. When it's not in use, there's no air velocity and gravity closes the dampers shut. It's a simple, basic shutoff damper that can be used in many different variations of an HVAC system. We use it on our fans as a simple on/off system, but it can be used in other applications as well.

Fixing Existing Systems

We specialize in corrosion resistant products. If an application involves corrosive fumes and the existing damper is corroded, seized up, or just rotting away, there are a few options. Customers might choose a stainless steel damper, which is very expensive. A more economical alternative would be a fiberglass damper. We're sure to ask about the application and the intended use, size, etc. so we can select the type of damper that would fit the need for that particular application.

We have round control dampers to suit round duct applications. We also have square/rectangular fans in various different sizes. There are single blade, single width sizes up to 3 feet in width for multiple section dampers. If you need one that's 12 feet, 20 feet, or any other size, we can accommodate and design it to suit your need.

Our products are available anywhere in the world, and we can supply the control mechanism to go with the damper. They come with optional seals, and some dampers come with standard seals on the blades and jams to prevent leakages. We have high pressure dampers that are suitable all the way up to 30 inches of negative pressure. Some of our models are even AMCA certified for airflow and air leakage.

To learn more, view the complete list of dampers we offer. If you'd like us to develop a solution for your application, request a quote today.

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