This is a comparison between Norfab duct and the other company known as BlastGate / BlastGateCo / Blast Gate Company (allowing for search terms). I have not seen anyone do this on any website, so I decided I wanted to know for sure. I am using a quick-connect 6” - 6” - 6” Y-Branch as a comparison because it shows most of the manufacturing techniques.
In the pictures:
NF = Norfab
BL = BlastGate
General appearance:
Norfab appears to make their Y-Branch longer. Norfab comes in at 21-1/4” long where BastGate is 16-5/8”. Also, Norfab’s default branch angle is 30 degrees (but also offer 45 degree). BlastGate’s default angle is 45 degrees (but also offer 30 and 60 degree). The BlastGate may fit better if you have space constraints in your duct system. The lesser 30 degree angle will not introduce as much turbulence into the main duct as the 45 degree (splitting hairs?)
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Duct Ends:
On Norfab, the quick-connect ends are press-fitted over the main duct and then stamped. On Blastgate, the ends have flared lips that are crimped over each other. Both Norfab and Blastgate look to have same size ends which means you can use both in the same system.
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Norfab Interior Branch Connection:
On the Norfab, the front lip of the branch is inserted inside the main duct and the remaining lip is on the outside. The lip is tacked on and then the seams are welded all the way around on the outside. The welds are thin and clean. Inside, the split edge is smooth and I could not tell which piece of metal it was by feeling it. The front lip will allow dust to easily flow over into the main and not get caught in any edges (splitting hairs? Maybe).
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BlastGate Interior Branch Connection:
The BlastGate branch lip is completely on the outside (no inserted lip). The lip is tacked on and the seams are welded all the way around, but the weld is rough and I can definitely see some gaps/holes. The possible holes appear to be where the lip is tacked/stamped onto the main, so it probably isn’t an issue. There are cracks in the weld where the split is. Does this matter? It depends, but I can definitely see where some people may get pin-hole leaks from the Blastgate duct.
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Main Duct Seams:
It’s hard to tell, but it appears that the main duct seams on the Blastgate are cold-welded. I cannot see any flaws, so this will probably perform just fine. The Norfab duct is stamped and then the seam is welded all the way down
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Overall Finish:
I think the exterior of the Norfab duct is powder coated which gives it more of a grey color and smoother finish. This reduces the reflectivity of the metal and hides the flaws of the galvanized steel. The Blastgate is normal galvanized steel. If aesthetic of the duct is important to you, then the Norfab clearly wins here.
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Which is better? It comes down to personal preference and budget. I priced a full duct project and the Norfab solution was 1.7 times more expensive than the BlastGate solution. The Blastgate is definitely not a bad product and will likely work great in your dust collection system, but you could have a small chance of a pin-hole leak (easily fixed by taping over with aluminum duct tape or using clear silicon). With the Norfab, you’re almost guaranteed to have a perfectly sealed system, but you definitely pay significantly more for their attention to detail in the manufacturing process as well as aesthetics. For me, I think I'm going to go for the Norfab solution.