Polyurethane (PU) glue is a very versatile adhesive, making it a popular choice among our customers. What exactly is polyurethane adhesive, what types are there and when should it be used? Here are the most important things to know.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a generic term for materials that are held together by urethane, or carbamate bonds. This versatile polymer material can have different properties depending on the type of material, which makes it suitable for use in construction, furniture, and automotive applications. It is available in various forms, including coatings, foams, and adhesives. Let's find out what you need to know about polyurethane adhesive!

Polyurethane adhesive

Polyurethane adhesive is a synthetic, resin-based adhesive that hardens when it comes into contact with water. As soon as the adhesive is applied to the surface, it starts to expand and the excess can be easily removed with a knife. Achieving the final solid state, a permanent bond can take up to 1 hour, so the materials must be tightly pushed together.

This type of adhesive can be used at temperatures above +15 degrees Celsius. Should you try to use it colder than this, the adhesive's properties may change. It is worth knowing that polyurethane is antiseptic, which means that it prevents mold and fungi from growing.

Let's learn about the benefits of polyurethane adhesive!

It can be used to bond different materials

One of the huge advantages of this type of adhesive is that it can be used to bond different materials together. Whether it's wood, plastic, metal, or any other material, polyurethane adhesive provides a stable bond.

Waterproof and watertight

Although moisture is required for curing, once the adhesive has set, it is no longer damaged by water or precipitation. This is an extremely advantageous property, which allows it to be used outdoors and even as a gap-filling sealant.

Practical use

The characteristic of the adhesive is that it does not cure all at once, but takes about 20 minutes to harden. This is an advantage because, in this time interval, it is still possible to move the materials around and find the right position and setting. Overall, it takes 1 hour for the final bond to form, and this long bonding time should always be taken into account when applying the adhesive.

Gentle

The polyurethane adhesive does not damage the surface of the materials, does not leave marks, and does not bump up. This means that it can be used safely even when laying parquet or wooden floors. 

Weather resistant

Resistance is a very important property, and polyurethane adhesive is a leader in this respect. It is resistant to frost, air and heat, extreme temperatures, and substances such as petrol and oil.

What can it be used for?

As described above, polyurethane adhesive is a versatile option for bonding tasks.  It can be used to glue ceramics, stone slabs, marble, porcelain, and mosaics, and repair swimming pools, boats, and toys. It is suitable for fixing PVC edges, and panels on furniture or windows.

Used in the manufacture of sandwich panels, for fixing artificial grass and rubber mats. An excellent choice when different elements such as timber beams, plinth units, guttering, or plastic need to be joined together. It can also be used for furniture restoration, shoe repair, flooring, and car seals.

The characteristics of the adhesive

Polyurethane adhesive is composed of 10-15 elements, the ratio of which determines the final properties of the adhesive, such as viscosity, adhesion, and curing speed. Different colouring agents are used to give different colours to adhesives for different applications, e.g. amber and brown for wood adhesives, and black or grey for metal adhesives.

Types of polyurethane adhesive

There are two types of polyurethane adhesives: one-component and two-component. What do you need to know about them?

The one-component polyurethane adhesive

These adhesives typically form a flexible bond, adhering surfaces together with a resilient layer that resembles rubber. They are less harmful to health than other adhesives because they contain fewer harmful substances.

It has the advantage of being an environmentally friendly solution that absorbs vibrations, creating a flexible bond rather than a rigid one. The adhesives can be easily resealed and reused later. If they accidentally get on the skin, there is no need to worry, they can be easily removed.

These one-component adhesives are also commonly found in households, used for repairing shoes, and carving. Easy to use, all that is needed to start polymerisation is a little moisture provided by the air or the material to which it is applied.

The two-component polyurethane adhesive

This type of adhesive is made up of two components which, when they come together, start a chemical reaction and form a bond. The two components come in separate packages, so they must be mixed before use. Particular care must be taken to ensure that the correct proportions are used, as this is the only way to achieve a satisfactory result. The polymerisation is not triggered by the moisture but by the other component.

It is essential to be aware that the B component of two-component adhesives contains epoxy resin, which means that it can be harmful to health, for example by causing an allergic reaction.

It is a preferred adhesive for floor tiling, for example, as it can be used to correct minor substrate irregularities. It bonds quickly and creates a very strong adhesion. It is easy to work with and good value for money.

Using the adhesive

With a one-component adhesive, the material is ready to use, but with a two-component adhesive, you start by mixing the ingredients. It is a good idea to remove any dirt, dust, or grease from the material and then apply the adhesive in a thin layer. If you are working with paste, use a spatula to spread it.

The layer of glue mustn't be too thick, i.e. that it is applied thinly. If you are working with a porous surface, apply two coats, wait a few minutes after the first coat, and then apply the next coat.

For a certain period, about 20 minutes, the materials can still move, so when you have found the right fit, fix them. Once the joint is formed, trim off the excess with a knife.

Check out the Flanker range, where you can choose from a wide selection of adhesives!

Flex is a commonly used tool in construction and other industries, also known as an angle grinder. It is a small electric machine to which various cutting discs and grinding wheels can be attached. It is ideal for cutting, grinding, sanding, and cleaning various materials. Flex has no problem functioning when facing sheet metal, metal tubes, or metal bars. One of the most important parts of this nifty little machine is the cutting disc, which allows you to cut and machine as desired. In this article, we'll briefly summarise what you need to know about the angle grinder and why the cutting disc for flex is a must-have in every toolbox.

What is flex?

A flex or angle grinder is a small electric machine that can be used by attaching different discs. The popularity of the angle grinder is due to its versatility.

Although its name may suggest that it is designed for sanding corners, it is excellent for many other tasks. In addition to cutting, sanding, and polishing, it can also be used to create wall grooves for electrical wiring, for example. The tool is also excellent for cutting and grinding wood, metal, plastic, ceramics, paving stones, concrete, and other materials, with the right choice of discs.

Safety measures are also required when working with angle grinders. The use of protective equipment is recommended, and the workpiece must be properly secured. It is also important to use a handle and wear safety glasses to protect against chips and splinters.

What discs are available for flex?

There are many different types of discs for flex, which can be chosen to suit the task at hand. Some of them are:

Abrasive discs

This is the most used type of disc for flex. They can be used for sanding, cleaning surfaces, cleaning cuts, or preparing metal workpieces before welding. The hardness and smoothness of the abrasive discs are measured by grain size so that the appropriate discs can be selected based on the challenge ahead.

Cutting discs

Cutting discs are thinner and are used to cut metals more accurately. These discs are specially designed to ensure precise and efficient cutting.

Lamellar discs

These discs are used for finishing touches, allowing for finer machining than abrasive discs. They can be used to remove scratches, and damages, and to polish metal surfaces.

Wire Discs

As the name suggests, the main component of a wire disc is the wire, which is attached to a circular disc. There are different sizes and shapes to choose from, depending on exactly what you want to use the disc for. Thinner versions, for example, allow for a more delicate approach, while thicker ones, which have a coarser bristle, allow for very fast and efficient work.

Diamond cutting discs

Diamond, thanks to its hardness, is an excellent material for cutting. These cutting discs have a cutting flange which helps the cutting process itself. As a basic principle, the larger the rim, the more durable the disc. Crucially, diamond-cutting discs can be used for both wet-cutting and dry-cutting jobs. They are versatile, even granite can be worked with these discs.

Polishing pads

Polishing pads can be used to polish the material after the work is finished. They can be used to polish very gently, resulting in a shiny surface. It is important to note that polishing requires the right speed, so not all angle grinders can be used for polishing.

Cutting disc for flex: the most important things to know

Cutting discs can be used for cutting a variety of materials. They are characterised by the fact that they give off heat during the operation, which means that proper cooling must be ensured.

Cutting discs for flex are available in three versions: standard versions contain 19-22% industrial diamond grit, but there are also so-called economy and premium types. In the economy version, the diamond grit is 10-15%, in the premium version it is 25-30%.

It is essential to know that the design of the segments of the cutting blades depends on the material on which they will be used. If they are used exclusively on that material, they can achieve the highest cutting speed and the longest life. Accordingly, there are, for example, granite cutters, marble cutters, concrete cutters, and brick cutters.

Cutting discs can be used in different ways: some types are wet discs, there are dry discs, and so-called wet-dry discs, which allow mixed-use.

An important concept is segment height, which is something that slowly wears away with use. This means that eventually, it will no longer be suitable to do the cutting work. Equally important is the segment width, which is effectively the thickness of the carrier disc. As a basic rule, the power of the motor should be chosen in proportion to the width of the segment. If it is too thin, the cutting disc will be more easily damaged.

The size of the discs is related to the speed of the angle grinder. Smaller ones are most efficient at higher speeds, up to 10,000 to 15,000 rpm, while for larger ones a lower speed is recommended, for example, 2,800 rpm.

Flanker offers a wide range of industrial tools, tools, and parts. Click here to browse our webcatalogue!

Pneumatic tools are very efficient due to their unique functioning. Pneumatic sanders can be used to remove surface defects and unevenness effectively. In this article, we've gathered all the relevant information that you need to know about these tools.

What are pneumatic tools?

Pneumatic tools are air-powered. What this means in practice is that they build up an air system to which you can connect various special tools, such as a chisel, drill, angle grinder, stapler, impact wrench, or even a nail gun.

The great advantage of such air-based systems is that they can be installed on the columns at a much lower cost, to which various tools can then be easily attached.

Pneumatic disc sanders

A pneumatic disc sander is a tool that is commonly used to reduce and smooth the surface of various types of materials. The principle of operation is that the machine uses air pressure to generate the energy by which the grinding head rotates, causing the abrasive cloth, sanding disc, or sandpaper to perform a grinding or sanding motion.

These pneumatic sanders help to perform various sanding operations efficiently and effectively. Their use is advantageous as they are powerful and reliable thanks to the pneumatic power source.

Types of pneumatic sanders

Orbital sanders

Orbital grinders are very versatile tools, suitable for grinding and polishing surfaces of wood, metal, and other materials. Thanks to the rotary movement, smooth sanding can be achieved, whether it is for more vigorous or finer sanding.

Belt sanders

Belt sanders are longitudinal sanders, suitable for demanding and uniform sanding of larger workpiece surfaces. The performance of the machines and the quality of the sanding are determined by the grain size of the abrasive used.

Disc senders for covering angles

These special types of sanders can be used for a variety of applications. They are generally used for grinding and cutting surfaces of materials. Their compact, practical design and the different sizes of their discs allow them to handle almost any type of material.

Vibratory sanders

Vibratory sanders perform an irregular rotary motion, making them ideal for fine grinding of large surfaces. They are also used for grinding edges and corners. Their compact and lightweight design makes them convenient to use and ideal for places where access is limited.

Die grinders

Die grinders or sanders have different sizes and types of attachments, which allow the use of different grinding discs or cutting discs. The grinder can be used for grinding, smoothing, or cutting surfaces of metals, wood, or other materials. Pneumatic die grinders are widely used in various industries and trades, such as automotive, woodworking, engineering, and construction. In addition, the ergonomic design and light weight allow working for longer periods without fatigue.

Benefits of pneumatic sanders

Safety

In most cases, sanding tools are used in the work area, in the workshop, where dust can collect, liquids can spill or even conductive metals can be in the immediate environment. These are all sources of danger, especially when working with power tools. With a pneumatic sander, however, there is no need to worry about damaging the cord or accidentally cutting it, and the equipment itself does not pose any electrical hazard to the user.

Compact design

Pneumatic tools, including grinders, are typically preferred because they are compact and easy to use. They are strong, yet lightweight, thanks to the aluminum frame that houses a durable steel pneumatic motor and a composite handle for added comfort.

It is therefore much lighter, easier, and faster to work with, making the work much more efficient. For comparison, while an electric sander weighs just over 3kg and has a power output of 710W, a pneumatic sander weighs just under 2kg and has a power output of 1700W.

Efficiency

The main indicator of a sander is its material removal capacity, i.e. the time it takes to remove a given amount of material to be sanded. It is generally true for sanders that the best performance is achieved at a given power. Modern machines have an adjustable speed, so when you increase the speed, the airflow, the speed, and, of course, the speed of the abrasive increases.

Durability

Pneumatic grinders are very robust, they can withstand cutting, grinding, deburring, weld preparation, seam removal, and grinding. Electric grinders have several limitations, such as the fact that they cannot be used in humid environments and are significantly exposed to the negative effects of dust and abrasive particles in the air. Pneumatic devices, on the other hand, are more robust, can be used in humid environments and dust does not affect the engine. This makes their use more advantageous in foundries where extreme temperatures are encountered, in drilling rigs where water, salt, and cold are a challenge, and in windmill blade manufacturing where composite particles are a threat.

Trustworthiness

Pneumatic grinders are characterised by their tremendous durability, longevity, and reliability. Their simple design also means they are easy to service and maintain. Generally speaking, maintenance is required after 60-120 hours of operation, and the carbon brushes should be replaced at the very least. In the case of professional or industrial machines, the carbon brush should be replaced even less frequently, every 200 hours in the former case and every 2000 hours in the latter. With less servicing, the machine will be up and running for a shorter period, making it more cost-effective to operate.

Flanker's core values are reliability, cooperation, and dynamism. This is the spirit in which we work every day and strive to serve our customers with the highest possible quality. We have been in the market for more than 20 years, providing professional and complex solutions to industry players. Have a look around our web catalogue!

Foiling is an excellent way to quickly transform the appearance of objects, furniture, cars, and glass surfaces, at a low cost. It involves applying a very thin layer of film to the surface, which changes the appearance and even provides a degree of protection against externalities. Let's see what foiling tools to use and what the process looks like step by step!

What surface can you apply foil to?

Foiling is a popular application in industries such as interior design, automotive, and printing. Furniture wrapping is used to give wooden surfaces a new look without having to replace the entire piece of furniture. For example, a wooden cabinet that has lost its shine can be transformed with a new furniture foil coating, creating a fresh and modern look very effectively.

In the automotive industry, foiling is used to change the colour of a car without having to paint it. Vehicle wrapping is a popular option for those who want to personalise their car, hide scratches and dents or even protect it from minor surface damage. Wrapping is an excellent marketing tool: many people use vehicle wrapping to place advertising messages on the car, creating a moving ‘billboard’.

Foiling is also used on windows and glass surfaces. Just as in cars, glass can be used as an advertising medium, just think of a shop window, in which case the window film is a decorative element. But it's also an excellent choice if you want to restrict the view. Thanks to the window film, the space will not be dark, those inside will be able to see out, but those outside will not be able to see what is happening behind the window. You can apply the window film yourself, especially if the surface area is not too large.

The foiling tools

You will need a few tools to apply the film to the surface. Let's take a look at these and see what you need to know about them.

The foil

First, you'll need the foil itself. Foils come in different colours and patterns: some are plain, some have patterns, some are transparent and some are opaque. There's a wide range, so everyone can find a film to suit their taste.

Knifeless tape

The films are sold in a variety of forms, but most of them are rolled. This means that we have to cut it first. The knifeless tape technology has been developed to cut the foil without further tools, avoiding the tears and cuts that can occur due to the blade. In the case of knifeless tapes, a very strong tape is used to cut, using carrier tape.

Film cutter

Some knives are specially designed for cutting foil. They can be used to cut foil without crimping, and the safety blade ensures that no accidental cutting occurs.

Measuring tool

As mentioned above, in most cases the foil has to be cut to size. You will need a measuring tool, such as a ruler. It is advisable to measure accurately, otherwise, the result will not be what you expect.

Squeegee for smoothing

Once you've measured and cut the foil to the right size, you're ready to apply it! Apply the foil to the surface with a squeegee. This will help ensure a bubble-free finish. You can also use rollers of different sizes to achieve the same result.

Air-release tool

Despite your best efforts, air bubbles can remain. If you don't want to deal with them, you can use an air-release tool to easily remove the bubbles.

The process of foiling

The first step in applying the film is to clean the surface thoroughly. Care must be taken to remove dirt, grease, and fingerprints. This ensures that the film can adhere properly to the surface. The film is then cut to the size of the surface using the appropriate tools. Avoid the use of tools such as scissors or kitchen knives, which can tear the film if not used correctly.

If you can, don't do it alone, but ask for help.

Once the surface is clean and the film has been cut to size, apply it slowly and carefully, smoothing and pressing it onto the surface. To do this, use a flat object, preferably a trowel or a squeegee. Once the foil has been properly placed, smooth it over thoroughly so that there are no blisters or wrinkles. Take care to remove any air bubbles and make the surface smooth and uniform.

The advantage of foil is that it is not only easy to apply, but also easy to remove. If you want to give the surface a new look because you're bored or the film is damaged or worn, you can simply peel it off. To do this, you need to find a point where you can reach under the film with a pointed object and then pull in the opposite direction to remove the film. Be careful not to damage the base surface.

Using the foil is quick and easy. In some cases, you can do it yourself, for example, to wrap a small piece of furniture or a window, but in most cases, it is best to leave it to a professional with the right skills and tools.

Flanker has everything you need! Have a look at our web catalogue!