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Maximum fire resistance, quiet and powerful

VDI Washable F400 by CMC Ventilazione

CUSTOMER
  • CMC Ventilazione S.r.I.
  • Verdellino BG, Italy
  • For 50 years, CMC has been developing and manufacturing fans with asynchronous AC motors, brushless EC motors, geared fans, axial and plug fan models as well as air conditioning units for HVAC and Ho.Re.Ca. (hotels, restaurants and catering) industries.

CHALLENGE
  • Gap in the product portfolio for Ho.Re.Ca. Field 
  • Traceability and a high-quality series
  • Product series with F400/2H Certification
  • Heat resistant materials and advanced thermal design

SOLUTION
  • punker Service Solutions, especially Air Movement Technology Consulting
  • puncat WEB
  • Analysis of the current situation
  • Determination of the optimal fan wheel

RESULTS
  • the certified VDI Washable F400
  • Reduction in component diversity
  • a new product series to close the gap in the portfolio, that passed all tests and is certified F400/2H
  • almost imperceptible unit and impeller deformation after the test

Project Overview

In the demanding Ho.Re.Ca. industry, certified fire protection solutions are indispensable. This case study looks at the complex challenge of developing an F400/2H-certified fan series that has to function reliably for at least two hours even at 400°C. Without a product that is not only efficient but also certified for such applications, it was challenging for CMC to serve this promising market. How was CMC able to not only meet the strict certification requirements, but even exceed them? What role did the strategic partnership with punker play in this challenging project? The following comments show how a significant gap in the market was closed through technical innovation and targeted collaboration.

punker case study cmc wind tunnel 1080x1080

Customer

CMC Ventilazione is an Italian manufacturer of industrial ventilation solutions with over 35 years of experience in the industry. The company independently develops and produces various types of fans, including centrifugal, axial and high-temperature fans as well as complete ventilation systems. All products are CE-certified and manufactured from high-quality materials. CMC offers customization, technical advice and worldwide support without intermediaries.

Find out more about CMC Ventilazione

Challenge

The customer's product portfolio already included a wide range of different fans for the Ho.Re.Ca. (hotels, restaurants and catering) industry. However, there was an important gap that needed to be filled in order to cover the entire range, including extraction units for very high temperature ranges. Fans for such applications are subject to strict regulations and must be certified by an accredited laboratory. The relevant F400 certification refers to the temperature resistance of exhaust gas fans in accordance with the European standard EN 12101-3 and verifies reliable operation at 400°C for at least 2 hours.

The goal was clearly defined, but challenging: the aim was not only to develop a certified solution that met the minimum requirements, but also a product that significantly exceeded these standards and provides an efficient and low-noise solution at the same time. The challenge was to offer customers a reliable, F400/2H-certified solution that was the result of combined expertise.

The certification process placed the highest technical demands on the product. A fan had to be developed that not only passed the rigorous tests but also delivered outstanding performance under extreme conditions. For this complex task, CMC sought the cooperation of punker to assist in selecting the optimal impeller, as one of the core components of the fan - a decisive factor in achieving the set goal.

Scalability was also an essential aspect of the strategy. The development of a broad product range would enable CMC to cover various market requirements. The adaptability of the key components was particularly important in order to be able to respond flexibly to different application scenarios. As certification involves a fairly significant investment, it is essential that as few wheel/sizes as possible should have to be tested in order to certify the entire series.

Solution

How we were able to help

To meet the challenges facing CMC, punker first conducted a comprehensive analysis of the existing system. This analysis, carried out as part of punker's Service Solutions, focused on key factors such as aerodynamic operating points, the space available and existing noise emissions.

After thorough examination, the punker application solution for smoke extraction appeared to be the right choice. More specifically, the Dlight STL was identified as the ideal solution. Known for its innovative design and high performance, it meets the requirements of heat resistance and noise control.

punker Smoke Extraction

punker fan wheels for smoke extraction are characterized by an optimum price/performance ratio. The fan wheels generate a very high volume flow with limited installation space. With steel fan wheels that can withstand the high temperature classes of DIN EN 12101-3, punker offers an efficient and quiet option for fans that can handle both comfort ventilation and smoke extraction at the same time. Thanks to a wide range of performance and customized hub options, manufacturers of smoke and heat ventilation systems and smoke extraction fans can reduce their component diversity with punker's Smoke Extraction solution.

punker case study cmc VDI WASHABLE 1000x1000

Results

During the development process, the optimal components for the specific application were identified: Based on our application solution for smoke extraction the Dlight STL impellers in combination with ED11 inlet cones proved to be the ideal fit. These components offered the necessary performance characteristics to meet the demanding certification requirements.

The technical integration went smoothly. The punker solutions fit the project specifications perfectly, which facilitated and accelerated the development process. Seamless compatibility was crucial to the success of the project. 

The puncat WEB solution made it possible to select exactly those components that met the specific requirements without having to compromise on performance. This variety of available options provided the necessary flexibility during the development phase. In addition to the selection, the structural fit of the impellers in the units has also been significantly simplified. The fixed hub system used in this series can be flexibly adjusted to the required distances in the system. With this standardized series, the necessary documents such as drawings and 3D files are quickly available for the customer without long waiting times - even if changes to the hub dimensions are required at short notice.

As the certification basis with regard to the manufacturing processes and materials had already been ensured in advance, the certification process could begin as soon as the entire unit had been designed. Due to the scalability of the impellers, only a few reference sizes had to be selected for the tests in order to certify the entire series. This significantly reduced the investment required for this fundamentally essential certification.

The introduction of a new, broad product range in a new market segment now creates greater adaptability to respond to the evolving needs of existing customers. This strategic expansion of the portfolio strengthens the market position and opens up new business opportunities.

Particularly noteworthy is the reliability of the performance and efficiency values: the key figures provided by puncat WEB correspond precisely to the actual values. This results in a product with remarkable energy efficiency, which brings both ecological and economic benefits for CMC customers.

Voice of the customer

Working with punker has impressed us time and time again. The support provided by the punker Service solutions especially puncat WEB was the deciding factor in our decision to implement an impeller that not only meets the strict F400/2H certification requirements, but also exceeds the minimum standards in terms of efficiency, low noise levels, and adaptability. It is impressive how precisely the performance data - realistic and reliable right from the start - has met our expectations.

As a customer, we feel the direct added value of this partnership: We have been able to expand our product portfolio in a targeted manner and develop a risk-free, innovative solution for the high-temperature range. The seamless integration of punker components has accelerated and optimized the entire development process, resulting in a product that fully meets the requirements of our demanding Ho.Re.Ca. customers. punker’s flexibility and technical expertise give us the confidence to continue setting new standards together in the future.

R&D Department
CMC Ventilazione – www.cmcventilazione.com

VDI Washable F400 by CMC Ventilazione

© 2025, CMC Ventilazione S.r.I.

Conclusion

CMC has mastered the exciting task of developing a suitable solution for the Ho.Re.Ca. sector to fill a specific market niche. The aim was to create an innovative F400/2H-certified fan series that would operate reliably even at temperatures of 400°C for more than two hours. Meeting the high certification requirements was a top priority. At the same time, care was taken to develop a solution that would better meet the requirements in terms of efficiency, low noise, and adaptability.

The collaboration between CMC and punker was extremely valuable. With the support of our Service Solutions, especially our puncat WEB solution, the right impeller could be selected precisely, which significantly simplified and accelerated the development process. Thanks to this close collaboration and innovative approach, CMC was able to expand its product portfolio in a targeted manner, tap into new market segments, and thus build long-term competitive advantages.

 

Smoke Extraction punker Ventilatorrad 45°

Smoke Extraction Fan Wheels

Reduction of certification costs
possible, as only a few reference wheel sizes need to be tested thanks to the scalability of the fan wheel series.

Avoidance of re-certification effort
by securing the certification basis with regard to manufacturing processes and materials.

Energy and life cycle cost savings in dual purpose operation
through ErP compliance thanks to very high efficiency as well as fan impeller strength guaranteed by cycle testing.

Low installation and maintenance requirements, flexible placement options
thanks to weight-optimized impeller design that minimizes stress on motor bearings and building structure.

Compliance with fire protection classes for certification
possible, as steel fan wheels can also be used at high temperatures.

Visit Product Page
Fan Wheel Selection puncat WEB

Find the optimum fan wheel in just 3 steps

With puncat WEB, you can carry out the preliminary selection of fan wheels directly on our website. Display suitable products for your application by determining the duty point, speed and diameter and specify your search via energy efficiency requirements, available installation space or maximum shaft power.

Start the Pre-Selection

Do you have questions about the Smoke Extraction Fan Wheels? Talk to our Expert

Fabian Hunke

Application Engineer | Expert Smoke Extraction & Grain Drying & Seeding, Spraying, Harvesting & Railway

Phone:
+49.4351.472.220
Mobile:
+49.173.729.1003
E-Mail:
Fabian.Hunke@punker.com

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