Axial flow fans have a very wide range of applications. They are fans where the airflow is in the same direction as the axis of the fan blades, such as electric fans and air conditioner outdoor unit fans, which operate in an axial flow manner. They are called "axial flow" because the gas flows parallel to the fan axis. Axial flow fans are typically used in situations where high flow rate is required but low pressure is needed. Axial flow fans are fixed in position and move air. They mainly consist of a fan impeller and a casing, which have a simple structure but require very high precision in their specifications.

Ordinary axial flow fans can be used for ventilation and air exchange in general factories, warehouses, offices, residences, and other places. They can also be used in air coolers (air chillers), evaporators, condensers, spray cooling systems, and so on.