Abstract: In an axial-centrifugal flow impeller, a deflector ring is interposed between the impeller hub and the peripheral cage blades in order to redistribute the air flow discharged from the hub region of the impeller along the entire axial length of each impeller blade thereby eliminating air flow concentration at, and premature wear of, the root portions of the impeller blades. A 45.degree.-angle weld fillet ramp is annularly defined along the radially inner juncture of the deflector ring and the impeller support plate for simultaneously deflecting the air flow radially outwardly and axially rearwardly, along with the deflector ring, in a non-turbulent manner. Hard surfacing material is weld deposited over the deflector ring and fillet ramp for partial protection purposes as well as for forming guide vanes aligned with the impeller blades, and hard surfacing material is also deposited upon the trailing edge portions of the blades for increasing the wear resistant properties thereof.