Epoxy resin is a synthetic plastic that starts in a liquid state and solidifies when its components encounter each other, initiating a process called cross-linking. The material possesses similar properties to natural plant resins but differs significantly in their chemical characteristics. It has a wide range of applications, primarily in the industrial sector. What is epoxy resin and what are its beneficial properties? We have discussed them in this article.

What material is epoxy resin?

Epoxy resin is an artificially produced material consisting of organic giant molecules. Before use, it is a liquid plastic, but it transforms into a solid state under specific environmental conditions. The base material can be epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, phenol, or urea. 

There are fundamentally two types: one-component and two-component variations. The former is made up of a single type of plastic, meaning it does not require an additional component for the cross-linking process. The material hardens either through a physical effect or through exposure to oxygen. The two-component epoxy resin consists of a base component and a cross-linking agent. The latter triggers the chemical reaction that solidifies the material. Therefore, if the two components are not mixed, cross-linking will not occur.

When selecting the appropriate epoxy resin, factors such as viscosity, adhesion and bonding ability, heat resistance, UV resistance, chemical resistance, adhesion time, and shrinkage should be considered.

Now that we have learned what epoxy resin is, let's explore its advantageous and disadvantageous properties!

Advantages of epoxy resin

Epoxy resin possesses numerous advantageous properties that make it a popular material. Let's discuss the most important ones!

Durability and resiliency

One of the greatest advantages of epoxy resin is its exceptional durability, flexibility, impact resistance, and resilience. It does not break or chip easily and can withstand external physical impacts. Epoxy resin is so strong that it maintains its quality over many years of use.

Chemical resistance

There are special types of epoxy resin that are completely resistant to powerful cleaning agents, chemicals, acids, and alkalis. Examples include epoxy resin and vinyl ester materials. It is important to note that the quality of the application significantly influences this property.

Water resistance

When exposed to moisture, a material must resist water. Epoxy resin does not encounter any problems with moisture, as it does not cause any damage to its structure. This means that epoxy resin can be used to create waterproof coatings and outdoor applications.

UV resistance

Sunlight and UV radiation can easily damage materials, weaken their structure, and fade their colour. However, this is not the case with epoxy resin. It is UV-resistant, maintaining its quality even under intense sunlight.

Versatile application

Epoxy resin is an incredibly versatile material due to its strong adhesion to surfaces. It works well as a flooring material, protective coating, for creating various decorative objects, and tables, and even as an adhesive.

Disadvantages of epoxy resin

In addition to its advantages, epoxy resin has a few disadvantages worth considering. Firstly, it is not the most affordable solution, and if not handled by the right professional, the result may fall short of expectations. Various tools and dispensers aid in the application of epoxy resin.

Despite its resistance to many effects, scratches are its enemy. Epoxy resin can be easily scratched, which compromises its aesthetic appearance. The phenomenon of volumetric shrinkage must also be considered when using epoxy resin. Various types of contamination become visible on its surface, so frequent cleaning is necessary to avoid a spotty floor.

Installing epoxy resin

One of the most common applications of epoxy resin is in the production of flooring. It is particularly popular in industrial environments due to its advantageous properties, such as its ability to withstand heavy wear and resistance to external influences.

Creating epoxy resin flooring requires the appropriate expertise, so it is essential to entrust the job to a professional. The process of resin coating is complex and involves several steps. First, the surface is sanded and roughened using sandblasting. It is then cleaned, and any potential flaws are repaired. These steps are necessary to ensure proper adhesion of the resin and the primer to the surface. Once the groundwork is prepared, the pouring process can begin, which can be challenging to execute well, neatly, and evenly.

Epoxy resin is primarily used in artistic and craft activities for modeling and casting objects of various shapes. It can also be used to create molds, allowing the production of multiple shapes repeatedly. Beautiful jewellery and decorative objects can be made from this material.

In commercial and household applications, epoxy resin is used to make food storage containers, bags, and candy molds, as well as equipment and furniture. Epoxy resin also finds its place in cosmetic products, such as hair styling products, where it can transform hair styling into a form of sculpting.

Flanker is a supplier for industrial players. Look at our web catalogue and explore our product range!

A tack pad is a kind of dusting cloth that can be used to clean surfaces perfectly. Due to the unique properties of the material, it removes not only larger bits of dirt but also smaller ones. It is easy to use and can be used anywhere, anytime. Let's see what you need to know about it!

Traditional dusting cloths are suitable for removing dust from the surface of tools and materials during dusting. There are different types of dust wipes, some wet, some dry, some microfibres and so on. They are excellent tools for simple cleaning, where the aim is to minimise the amount of dust. However, if the aim is to remove all the dust, then a tack pad is the best choice. Let's see why and how easy it is to use a tack pad!

What is a tack pad?

Tack pads are made of a special non-woven fibre structure, which makes even the smallest dust particles stick. This is particularly important in situations where even minimal dirt can cause problems, such as painting, filming, and varnishing. If the dust removal is not perfect, the coating will peel off over time and will not be durable.

The advantage of the pad’s dust-binding properties is due to the structure of the material and the impregnating agent, which is wax-free, completely silicone and never dries out. It can do what a simple dust cloth cannot. If you wipe the surface with a traditional dust cloth, some of the dust particles will fall back after wiping, so the cleaning can never be 100%. However, the tack pad is coated with a sticky substance, which prevents the dirt from being carried back to the surface.

The biggest advantage of the tack pad is that it ensures perfect dust-free cleaning. It does all this without leaving any adhesive, smudge marks or other traces before painting or varnishing.

It is mostly used in industrial and laboratory environments, in situations where total cleanliness is essential. There are both conventional and wet versions.

Use of a tack pad

The use of a tack pad is very easy and simple. All you need to do is unfold the material and gently wipe the surface. It is important not to press the cloth on the surface, as this may leave traces of the wipe.

It is very practical to store the cloth in wall containers. They can be used to store both new, unused tissues and those that have been used but are not yet ready to be thrown away. You don't have to throw them away after a single use, they can be used several times and will still be dry and soft.

What materials can it be used on?

This type of dust wipe is universally applicable. It perfectly removes dust, lint, and dirt particles from the surface of the material, as well as residues left after sanding. It can be used on metal and plastic surfaces and where there is glass fibre in the material.

Have a look at the Flanker website where you will find everything you need for your industrial activities. With 20 years of experience, our company offers professional solutions for the packaging, printing, paper, automotive and electronics industries! Go to the web catalogue.

Films are practical solutions when you want to give a new look to a surface or protect it from external influences. Many different types of surfaces can be covered with films, from graphic films that are a great design element, to car films, glass films, and even plastic films. The film is an excellent and quick solution, but sometimes you want to get rid of it. Why would anyone want to remove a film? How is it done on the car or a glass surface? We have investigated this issue.

People might put a film on their car, window glass, or other surfaces for many reasons. Most often, this layer serves an aesthetic function, but in some cases, it also protects against minor damage and dirt. In the case of window film, for example, the film is very often applied to protect the view. In addition to the practical reasons, it is worth mentioning that graphic films are an excellent marketing tool and a popular choice for companies. Everyone has seen cars decorated with a company logo or a shop window or glass surface made more attractive.

However, over time, films can become damaged or tired, so there is no choice but to remove them. 

What are the reasons for film removal?

In most cases, removing the film is necessary because of minor damages on the surface or because the chosen colour is out-of-date. 

Films are typically subject to harsh external influences, sunlight, intense heat, UV, excessively low temperatures, scratching, and other mechanical damage, all of which can deteriorate their general condition. Worn, scratched, or bubbled films are not a pretty sight.

Removal can also be triggered if it becomes apparent over time that the film, such as car film, does not meet legal requirements and should be disposed of as soon as possible. And yes, it may also happen that the film must be removed because something was wrong with the application.

Let's see how to remove the film from your car, glass, or plastic window!

Removing films from cars

There are two ways to remove film applied on the car, one of which is to ask a professional for help, and the other is to do it yourself. For those who choose the latter option, the following steps should be followed with care:

• Firstly, find a point where you can open or break the film. It is advisable to use a tool that can reach under the film without damaging the surface, such as a very sharp and thin blade. If we are lucky, we can pull it off in large chunks. If it doesn't give way so easily, you can use a hair dryer or a heat gun to help melt the glue. If the film burns into it, it's much harder to remove, so it's better to seek the help of a professional rather than use homemade methods.
• The next step is to remove the adhesive. For this, the use of special solvents or heating solutions is advised.
• Finally, clean the surface and make sure that all the adhesive and film residues are gone.

When cleaning, it is advisable to use materials and solvents specifically designed for this purpose. For example, the 3M Film Removal System is a good choice for removing graphic films, and the 3M Scotchcal Film Remover is the best choice for removing vinyl from acrylic enamel surfaces.

Film removal from window glass

Remove film from window glass following the same steps. Start by picking it up at the corner with the use of a sharp and thin tool, with special attention to avoiding damaging the surface. Once the film is off, remove the adhesive residue as described above and finally wipe the glass clean.

Removing film from plastic windows

A common question is how to remove the film from a plastic window. The purpose of the film on a plastic window is to protect the surface from external influences during transport and installation. Scrapers, erasers, heat, alcohol, and special solvents can be used to remove the film.

Expertise. Quality, Flexibility.

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When using a notebook, you can hold your body in a position that can have a particularly bad effect on your body: it can cause back, neck, arms, and hand problems. These health hazards are caused by sitting in front of the laptop without a break, or in a cramped, inappropriate position. What is the correct posture and how should we position the computer when working on it for long periods? How can a notebook riser help improve body positioning? That's what this blog post is about.

The notebook and ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science that deals with the relationship between technological devices and humans, specifically how the devices around us can create an environment that is both mentally and physically appropriate.

From an ergonomic perspective, the laptop you buy is important. Consideration should be given to the design of the keyboard, touchpad, connecting elements, the weight of the devices, and the size of the screen. These are basic things if you want to work in healthy and suitable conditions.

Once you have the perfect laptop, the next step is to choose a notebook riser and workstation. But what exactly is a laptop riser for? Let's find out!

What does a notebook riser do?

A laptop riser allows the notebook to be placed at the right height, at eye level, so that the user doesn't have to hunch over the device. This feature protects us from back, shoulder, and neck pain.

It is best to use the notebook riser at the desk, but if this is not possible, an additional stand should always be purchased. A stand can help to create the right conditions when sitting on a sofa or armchair. On the one hand, this is necessary because, on a textile, such as a blanket, or your lap, the computers can overheat more easily because of lack of ventilation.

On the other hand, by elevating the laptop, we can work in a healthier position, avoiding poor posture and spinal problems. Most notebook risers can be customised, so everyone can adjust the height and angle of inclination to suit their physical abilities and circumstances.

What is a good laptop riser?

A good laptop riser is adjustable in height and has a non-slip surface. The 3M™ Notebook riser is one of these. There is also a version that not only raises the screen to an ergonomic position but can also be used as a laptop stand.

When choosing a laptop riser, you should consider its load capacity and the available height settings. The more adjustment options you have, the more likely you are to find a position that is comfortable for you. In general, risers are stable and universal in design, so they can easily fit most laptops.

The risers are very often equipped with extra features. For example, a cooling fan to keep things cool and prevent overheating, USB ports to make everyday work more convenient, models with built-in storage, and some with cable organisers. So it depends on your usage habits which stand you should choose.

Beyond the notebook riser

A notebook riser can help a lot in creating a healthy working environment, but beyond that, there are a few things to look out for. The height of the desk must be adjustable, as is the height of the chair, and it's good to be able to adjust the backrest and armrest. There are adjustable monitor stands that can be used when working at a desk. A mouse pad with wrist rests helps to reduce hand fatigue and hand pain when typing.

When using a laptop, it's also good to think about the health of the eyes and make sure that unauthorised people can't look at the screen. That's what the privacy filter is for, to prevent people from reading what's on the screen from the side.

Flanker offers tools for both office and home use. Click to see what workstation accessories are available in our web catalogue!