Since the beginning of time, we have always had to stick two things together somehow. Whether it is an adhesive or a traditional fitting mechanism, the purpose is still unchanged. However, a really innovative solution is almost self-evident, and we slap ourselves on the forehead by saying why we did not come up with that before. However, we have no reason to be annoyed but to be relieved that this solution exists: 3M Dual Lock industrial Velcro-type strap closings mean an easily accessible alternative to screw-and-clamp-type fixings that can be widely used.

Back to nature

Just like in case of the best inventions, nature was the source of inspiration and idea for 3M Dual Lock industrial Velcro-type strap closings as well. Researchers discovered that the mushroom-shaped hooks of dragonflies play an important role during mating as they are able to move and stabilize the disproportionately large head of the insect during movement. In addition to biologists, this biomechanical wonder became obvious also for industrial professionals – so, go ahead, they copied it, and we have come into possession of some excellent products!

How 3M Dual Lock industrial Velcro-type strap closings work

First of all, let us take a look at the principle of the tool used in human civilization! Basically, we are talking about reclosable fasteners. Strong, mushroom-shaped heads slide past each other, one of which connects to the other upside down, and they are easy to pull apart when we have to open the Velcro again (this is indicated by a typical, clearly audible sound).

In case of industrial Velcro, we can forget about screws and rivets, as well as about common self-adhesive solutions. But what is the big advantage of this? Fastening is conducted in stripes, on flat surfaces, and without any drilling or other techniques. The industrial Velcro that is great due to its simplicity is easier to assemble compared to other types of fastenings, because, for example, in case of the self-adhesive type, there is no need for a hammer either.

If we take a look at the fastener range of this Velcro, it is obvious that we can choose from products of various density: for example, 170, 250 or 400 refers to the number of mushroom-shaped hooks within an area of one inch, that is 6 cm2. Depending on the surface and on the purpose, we have a wide variety to select from. In addition to this, there are various pressure-sensitive adhesives available that further increase the already strong bond.

Where do we use Velcro?

This solution is usually a popular solution in areas where the firm fastening of elements is important but replaceability is also a requirement. Often it can mean extreme weather conditions, so resistance is also a required feature. Generally, we are talking about panels – such as information table or advertising signs – that are placed inside of means of transport (buses, trains, elevators), but it can also include panels of infrastructural tools, such as the removable panel of an electrical node.

In addition to this, dashboards of vehicles or stand-alone poster advertisings can be excellent “targets” of this Velcro solution. It is not by chance that 3M is one of the partners of Tourig, an American manufacturer of vans designed for extreme conditions.

Of course, there has been Velcro before, but the industrial Velcro of 3M Dual Lock has a performance even 12 times stronger than the hook and loop technique of those. The range is indeed remarkable: we can choose a simple black self-adhesive Velcro, a white one, or we can choose a transparent type, but if we are looking for such products for low section height, we will find them.

Thank you, dragonflies (and engineers)!

Még több cikk a témában

Her eyes told a story; I have eyes in the back of my head; eyes are the window to the soul: there are many idioms, proverbs and quotes related to our eyes. It is pretty clear that we are talking about one of the most – if not the most – important organs. For this reason, it is of key importance to protect our eyes. Especially in case of more demanding physical use, for example during industrial work, it is important to wear appropriate protective equipment. Recently, we have had an article on the protection of the ears; now let us see the protection of the eyes!

Why is there a need for protective eyewear?

Our impressions and knowledge of the world primarily come from our vision. The reduction or loss of this ability can mean an unspeakable tragedy. According to labor records of the US, 800,000 eye injuries occur annually only in the United States, and in 90% of the cases, a good protective eyewear could prevent problems.

Our natural and biological characteristics are usually appropriate, meaning that eyelids, the process of tearing and eye sockets normally provide quite sufficient protection. However, during working or a physical effort, small splinters, chemicals and corrosive substances may get into the eyes. Invisible phenomena, such as laser, UV- and infrared radiation can also cause changes to our vision, and we have not even talked about extreme sources of danger yet, such as an arc light during welding. Protection against such impacts in a busy industrial environment can literally save lives.

For this reason, the use of protective eyewear is a simple, natural and safe way to protect our vision. Furthermore, there is such a huge range of products in various forms, colors and abilities that it is a luxury not to use these objects developed and created for eye protection. It is better to prevent than to suffer.
It is essential to know that in Europe, a special related law requires the use of protective equipment – including protective eyewear – in case of certain types of work

The basics of selection

While in case of eyeglasses for everyday use, rational considerations – that is the diopter of the lens, and whether it is myopia or hypermetropia – and aesthetic functions are equally important, in case of protective eyewear, the protection of the eyes is the most important.

Due to this consideration, the most important questions to be answered when choosing are in what type of environment and how the eyewear will be used and what harm it will be used to reduce or prevent. This can be related to a profession, such as in case of carpenters, professionals dealing with assembly and components, athletes and factory workers – in this latter case, the nature of working conditions is conclusive. Light- and optical conditions, the closed or open nature of working, possible light filtering opportunities and the mechanical nature of the work all affect the final decision. It is worth thinking these over and make the decision accordingly.

Types of protective eyewear in details

Based on what has been previously described, it is no wonder that we can find a confusing abundance of products if we are looking for such eyewear.
With regards to lenses, we can choose clear lenses or polarized ones that filter environmental effects excellent. With certain lenses, we can eliminate various reflections – caused either by nature or by screens. Lenses can absorb blue light and they can intensify the colors of nature, while green lenses prevent infrared radiation from making contact with the eyes.
As regards design, we can choose a range of products from simple safety eyewear to lightweight tools of high quality made from plastic that can be used for several hours and that even resist very demanding use.
Protective eyewear includes vented types that eliminate the risk of chemicals or acids.

Of course, those browsing in the website of Flanker can also find very special protective eyewear. For example, the 2890S closed protective eyewear which has a clear, anti-scratch surface, anti-fog coating, polycarbonate lenses, and the size of its frame without vents is increased; it provides an almost full protection against fine particles and gases. From the aspect of occupational safety, the 2890S closed protective eyewear is extremely useful: it has no vents and it includes polycarbonate lenses of a darkness level of 5 as a closed protective eyewear for welding. There is also a solution to when an employee already wearing glasses need vision protection: in this case, the 3M™ 2800 series protective eyewear to wear with vision correcting glasses can be a required and good choice.

It is now officially spring! This season is characterized not only by the awakening of nature but also by getting busy with garden- and house works. The increasingly warming temperature this time tempts many to finally start or finish their long-delayed home improvement tasks. One of these activities usually revolves around sanding – that is often coupled with a lot of noise. In this entry, we will briefly review what is to be known of electric sanding machines for working in the hand.

Vibrating or orbital sanding machines

According to their names, engines built in such types of sanding machines are driven in a vibrating, oscillating, circular movement. The less is the diameter of this circle is, the “finer” the sanding will be. Their sanding surface is usually of rectangular shape, which is covered by sized abrasive cloth well fitted by a spring mechanism or by Velcro. This is a sandpaper-like surface that we fit to size or we buy in specialized stores and in the appropriate sections of supermarkets in the desired size. Orbital sanding machines are suitable to fine sand surfaces larger than average, and in this case, we do not have to remove the whole layer of paint from the surface to be sanded.

A special type of orbital sanding machines is delta sander, which was named after its distinctive triangular shape. This is to be used mainly to sand spots that are difficult to reach with other types of sanding machine, because it is possible to treat more hidden surfaces by using longer and narrower abrasive paper. They can also be used to sand gaps and holes, but they can handle shutters and blinds as well.

We are still in the category of orbital sanding machines when we mention hand sanding machine. The working surface of this small-sized tool that can be easily held in the hand is special because – due to its circular shape – it even rotates around its axis in addition to vibrating. As a result of this, a particularly good result can be achieved with it, for example on curved surfaces.

Belt sanders

As opposed to orbital sanding machines, sanding in this case is conducted by a belt stretched around two rotating cylinders. Sanding in belt sanders are done by a plastic pulley driven with a high speed, and we usually use it for metalworking. Their unique feature is the ability to quickly remove materials, especially when the aim is to fully remove the layer of paint or varnish from large, long surfaces. Belt sanders have a sanding frame that allows to conduct accurate surface sanding.

There are so-called eccentric sanding machines that make it possible to sand really large surfaces extremely fine, and multifunctional machines are also available, although these are mostly devices that need be mounted on tables. Eccentric sanding machines are also special from the aspect that they are excellent also for curved surfaces and they can be used to polish straight or convex surfaces made from various materials – wood, metal or plastic.

Accessories of sanding machines

No sanding machine can be used in itself! As we have seen, we need abrasives, sanding sheets, but brushes, abrasive tools, discs, wheels or polishing and buffing pads can also be found in the range of related products.