In harsh outdoor and industrial environments, cooling equipment must withstand dust, moisture, heavy rain, and even long-term water submersion. IP68 axial fans are engineered precisely for these demanding conditions. With a fully sealed structure and highly reliable protection design, they provide stable cooling performance where ordinary fans fail.
This article explains how IP68 axial fans achieve water- and dust-proof performance, how internal electronics are protected, the key engineering challenges, and common application scenarios.
To meet IP68 protection standards—meaning complete dust protection and long-term underwater operation—three crucial structural areas must be sealed with absolute reliability.
This seal is located at the joint between the fan’s upper and lower covers. It forms the first layer of waterproof protection.
Common Process: Potting
The seam is filled with a specially formulated waterproof potting compound, preventing water from entering even when the casing is under pressure.
The cable outlet is one of the most common failure points in fan waterproofing. IP68 fans use high-grade sealing technologies to eliminate this risk.
Two effective approaches include:
Molding Seal:
During manufacturing, the cable and rubber materials (PVC, silicone, etc.) are integrally molded at high temperature. This creates a monolithic structure that blocks water ingress completely.
Potting-Sealed Connector:
A waterproof connector is filled internally with epoxy resin or silicone, tightly wrapping the cable within the connector for superior sealing reliability.
This is the most technically challenging part of IP68 protection. Because the motor shaft rotates at high speed, the seal must prevent water intrusion without increasing excessive friction.
A high-precision dynamic seal ensures:
Stable rotation
Long-term waterproof performance
Minimal performance loss
This component distinguishes professional IP68 fans from ordinary waterproofed products.
Even the best external sealing cannot guarantee 100% reliability in extreme scenarios. Therefore, internal circuit protection is essential.
The motor stator, including silicon steel sheets, coils, and PCB driver, is fully encapsulated in thermally conductive epoxy or silicone.
Advantages:
Absolute waterproofing
Excellent moisture and corrosion resistance
Improved heat dissipation
High mechanical strength
Note: Potting encapsulation is not repairable.
A thin layer of acrylic, polyurethane, or silicone resin is sprayed onto the PCB.
Effectiveness:
Prevents condensation-related short circuits
Protects against salt spray corrosion
Cost-effective and widely adopted
This method is ideal when top-level waterproofing is not required.
While IP68 axial fans deliver unmatched reliability, they also involve several technical and cost considerations:
Sealing and potting reduce internal ventilation.
To ensure long-term motor reliability:
Use thermally conductive potting materials
Reserve additional heat dissipation margins in fan design
Achieving IP68 protection requires:
Precision-engineered structures
High-grade materials (silicone, fluororubber, epoxy resin)
Complex sealing processes
Thus, IP68 fans cost more than standard cooling fans.
Dynamic seals create extra friction on the rotating shaft.
This may slightly reduce:
Airflow
Fan speed at the same voltage
However, the trade-off ensures superior durability and waterproof performance.
IP68 testing involves water immersion (e.g., 1.5 m depth).
This subjects the fan to hydrostatic pressure, testing:
Casing strength
Seal deformation resistance
Long-term structural stability
High-quality fans use reinforced materials to withstand these pressures.
IP68 axial fans are indispensable in environments where dust, water, or corrosive substances are unavoidable.
5G base stations
Outdoor telecom cabinets
They ensure continuous cooling even in rainstorms or high-humidity regions.
Used widely in:
Food & beverage processing
Chemical spraying systems
Sewage treatment
Mining machinery
Their corrosion resistance and waterproofing ensure reliability in chemical and wet environments.
Including:
Underwater robots and drones
Submersible thrusters
Underwater photography devices
IP68 protection allows stable operation during full submersion.
Salt, humidity, and corrosion pose no threat to IP68 fans.
Common uses include:
Marine navigation systems
Radar equipment
Widely used in:
Outdoor LED displays
Surveillance cameras
They maintain performance under heavy rain, dust storms, and humidity.
IP68 axial fans combine advanced sealing structures, PCB-level protection, and precision dynamic components to deliver unparalleled waterproof and dustproof capabilities. Designed specifically for harsh environments, they ensure long-term stability in outdoor, industrial, marine, and even underwater applications.
If you're looking for a cooling solution that can survive the most extreme conditions, IP68 axial fans offer reliability and performance that ordinary fans simply cannot match.
