There are industries where standing is a vital part of work. Workers must stand for long hours, which is quite stressful for the body. Discomfort and adverse effects can be prevented by using cushion matting. Let's find out what you need to know about these solutions!

Why is too much standing in one place bad for your body?

Standing puts a significant strain on your physical endurance, straining your spine, limbs, neck, back, and joints and can cause muscle pain.

If you stand still for a long time and do not move your legs, the blood-pumping function of the muscles is impaired, leading to swelling and oedema of the legs. Inadequate blood flow can lead to long-term circulatory problems, deterioration of heart function, inflamed blood vessels and dilated varicose veins.

Hard surfaces harm the general condition of the joints, and the bone structure, as the heel, is subjected to a shock-like impact. This is transmitted to the spine, the vertebrae, and the intervertebral disc, and can lead to lumbar strain, sciatica, pinching and even disc herniation.

All this can lead to reduced worker performance, decreased capacity to work and increased fatigue. This has an overall negative effect on work efficiency, which ultimately translates into lost revenue. The pursuit of health and the creation of a comfortable environment is therefore paramount.

What is anti-fatigue matting?

The secret of an anti-fatigue mat lies in its structure. Due to its elastic structure, it provides a slight instability that you don't feel, but it makes your muscles move. This ensures that circulation is unimpeded, not to mention the fact that it dissipates the energy generated when the heel hits the ground, cushioning the impact. Its anti-vibration effect helps prevent the resulting diseases.

How to choose the right anti-fatigue matting?

There are different types of anti-fatigue mats, depending on their resistance to wear and tear, their durability, their material, their thickness, and their softness. Finally, there are also significant differences in the price of the mats. It is important to note that in this case, a higher price typically goes hand in hand with better quality.

Wear and tear resistance of the anti-fatigue matting

One of the most important considerations when selecting is the extent of wear resistance of the material. In this respect, it is not worth saving money, as a carpet chosen for inappropriate use will deteriorate in a much shorter time.

The ideal structure of the anti-fatigue matting

The thickness of the mat itself and the way the layers are constructed are essential. Anti-fatigue matting can be made of rubber, PVC, special types of foam, and chambered-structured, all of which influence how resilient they are and how high their density is. The best ease of standing is achieved if the matting is resilient but not soft. This can be easily checked by pressing your finger into the carpet. It is best if the surface is easy to press into, but the material quickly returns to its original shape, with no finger mark left. Approximately 9 mm is the limit, below which you should not buy the mat.

The perfect size of the anti-fatigue matting

It's important not to skimp on the size of the carpet, as this can undermine your efforts. If the carpet is too short and/or too narrow, workers can easily step off the mat. In most cases, a width of 90 cm is satisfactory, but on rare occasions, when there is minimal movement, 60 cm is sufficient.

The shape of the anti-fatigue mats

To prevent accidents, mats must fit well and have a good grip. If this is not the case, the risk of tripping increases. The mats can be bought in fixed sizes and rolls, and some mats are made up of interlocking sheets.

The edges and surfaces of the anti-fatigue mats

The edge of the mats is suitable if it is slightly sloping so that the shoes do not get stuck. There is also an alternative solution if the edge of the carpet is not so shaped, as additional elements are available to seal the edge of each mat properly. As regards the surface, the slip-resistance aspect should be a priority: the anti-slip surface should never be sacrificed.

Design options

Both perforated and full mats have their advantages. The former is recommended if there is a possibility of liquid flowing under the carpet, as the material does not stop underneath, but flows out. Cleanability is also important, as well as whether the carpet is intended for indoor or outdoor use. If the carpet is resistant to chemicals and oils, it is also suitable for special applications.

Wondering what kind of anti-fatigue mats Flanker has to offer? Visit our website for more!

Tape is one of the most important parts of the packaging. It ensures that the box remains sealed for as long as it is needed, for example until it is delivered to the address you specify. What do I need to know about adhesive tapes and how does the tape dispenser work? That's what this article is about!

The adhesive tape

Tape ensures that the box gets from point A to point B sealed. Choosing the right adhesive is essential for correct box sealing, as is the amount of adhesive that is applied to the surface of the box. This depends mainly on the weight of the package, the stress the tape must withstand, how long the box must be kept closed and the environmental conditions.

A huge advantage of this type of tape is that it is self-adhesive, making it quick and convenient to use. It can be used in many ways, for sealing small, large, light, and heavy packages. The most popular types are:

• PVC-based adhesive tape: even heavy packages can be sealed thanks to its high adhesion, and the tape will not tear if damaged.
• Polypropylene tape: has excellent sealing performance and tear resistance.
• Acrylic adhesive tapes: characterised by a wide range of quality, with high-quality tapes generally commanding higher prices.
• Hotmelt adhesive tape: a good value-for-money choice, with excellent adhesion to the surface as a self-adhesive.

Use of the tape dispenser

A tape dispenser allows tapes to be applied more easily and accurately, using blades to optimise the amount of tape. There are several types of dispensers such as manual, mechanical, semi-automatic or automatic.

Tape dispensers can also be characterised by the size of tape they can hold. They can be 9 mm, 25 mm, 38 mm, 48 mm, 50 mm or even 75 mm wide, or 50 metres, 60 metres, 66 metres, 100 metres, 130 metres and 150 metres long.

Here are some products from the Flanker range!

3M™ H-180 Sealing Tape Dispenser

This is a handheld tape dispenser made with a pistol grip, making it easy and convenient to use and removing the removable tape is just a simple motion. It takes just a few moments to tack, roll, buff, and tear.

Scotch® H150 Low Noise Box Sealer Tape Dispenser

This is a hand-held, pistol grip, roll tape dispenser equipped with a noise reduction device so you don't have to worry about the activity of taping boxes making too much noise. A very durable and robust construction that is easy to load, so using and threading the tape dispenser is a breeze.

Scotch® M920 Definite Length Dispenser

The M920 Tape Dispenser provides uniform and automatic dispensing from 1.25 cm up to 10 cm.

3M™ AccuGlide™ II Taping Head

The tape applicator head used on box sealing machines applies minimal force while sealing the box perfectly. Thanks to the open tape path and low-profile side plate, the cutting process is easy and very fast. The tension of the tape is ensured by the brake, which also prevents the tape from being overstretched during use.

Glueing techniques

Several glueing techniques can be used for boxes. Let's look at the most used solutions:

• L-seal: There is a so-called L-seal, which is mostly used to seal smaller, lighter packages, as it closes the box at only two points and not the entire length of the opening.
• U-seal: It is also suitable for sealing lighter and heavier boxes, even for long periods. The U-seal extends the full length of the box opening and swivels onto the side of the carton.
• U + L seal: a combination of the two previous versions, which can be used to seal even heavy boxes for long periods.
• H closure: the H closure is recommended for particularly harsh conditions and consists of reinforcing the box with a fibreglass strip.

Expertise and quality are the hallmarks of Flanker's products, which serve 8 industries. Look at our web catalogue!

There are many dangers of welding. It is a risky activity that requires great precision, as even the smallest mistake or error can ruin the whole job. Care is essential not only for the result but also for safety. Work safety rules and welding protective equipment ensure that both the person doing the work and the environment are completely safe. What is the right clothing for welding and what is good quality welding protective equipment? Let’s find out.

What are the protective gears for welding?

In the following, we will look at what protective gear is available for those who want to ensure safety and protect their body during welding. Here's what you need to know about welding protective equipment!

The shield

The shield is a fundamental protection equipment. There are also so-called hand shields and head shields, which offer excellent protection for the face. However, they do not obstruct vision, as they usually have a field of vision of 90x110 cm and a light filtering insert. Special products are available that darken in response to light or magnetic effects, and accessories such as cover plates can also be purchased.

The apron

The apron is not sufficient protection on its own but works well as an additional layer of protection. The apron provides comfortable and non-restrictive movement, and it works well with arm protectors and welding hoods.

The suit

The coveralls or boilersuits are a great piece of clothing, loose-fitting garments covering the whole body except for the head, hands and feet. They are comfortable, and highly practical. Boilersuits protect the body from external influences and are comfortable to wear in colder weather, as an undergarment can easily fit under them. Workwear should always be chosen according to the activity and the conditions, so if you are not working indoors, you should consider the hot sun, rain, wind, or moisture levels. A hat, for example, can be a useful protection against the sun in summer and the wind and cold in winter. There are also the so-called welding drapes, which protect against sparks.

The shoes

Protective shoes are considered the most fundamental protective gear in most industry zones. The reason for this is that inappropriate footwear can cause serious musculoskeletal problems, not to mention accidents. It is important that the sole of the shoe does not slip, that it grips well and that it supports the foot properly. When it comes to protective shoes and boots, it is advisable to choose those with laces, which are more comfortable to wear, and are water-repellent. Welding can be done in welding boots, which provide full protection against external influences.

The glove

Speaking of limbs, it's not just the feet that need protecting, but the hands too! It is advisable to use several types of gloves during the work process: gripping, moving objects, and smaller and more delicate movements are easier to perform with cut-resistant gloves, while during welding, it is more advisable to wear leather gloves. The former is more comfortable to wear, the skin breathes more easily, and has excellent abrasion resistance and grip, while the latter is safer and provides better protection against heat.

Protection for the lungs

In some cases, respiratory protection equipment, such as masks or welding helmets with air respirators, may be needed to protect against harmful chemicals and fumes that can escape from welded materials. The negative effects of the gases released can be counteracted by using half masks with appropriate filter inserts and fresh air shields. Respiratory protection can even be fitted with earplugs using various accessories. 

Protecting the eyes

During welding, it is advisable to think about eye protection. Work safety accessories such as eye shields protect against harmful infrared and ultraviolet rays and protect the face from the heat. The welding conditions will determine the intensity of protection needed for the eyes.

What are the characteristics of good welding protective equipment?

There are many different types of protective equipment available for welding, listed above. Nevertheless, many people think that wearing a shield and maybe an apron is sufficient. However, the aim should be to enclose the body as much as possible, thus protecting it from the effects of the crackling spark.

As far as welding clothing is concerned, it is important that the material is suitable and that the seams are strong. Flame-resistant workwear is a basic requirement, as is protection against radiant heat and resistance to splashing materials such as molten metal. The fabric and seams must withstand the appropriate tensile strength and have excellent electrostatic properties.

Safety is a key consideration when choosing welding suits. You should not skimp on accessories and clothing, as your health and working ability may be at stake.

A good quality adhesive tape can save you a lot of trouble. But not all adhesives are of the same quality, some are weaker, and some are stronger. You must choose the right one depending on what you want to use it for. Filament tape provides a particularly strong bond. Let's see what you need to know about it!

What determines the strength of the adhesive tape?

The stability of the adhesive tape, and its tensile strength, depends essentially on the adhesive and the substrate. A particularly strong bond can be formed with the right combination.

The carrier material can be of different types. PVC is excellent for sealing large and heavy boxes with thick walls, while polypropylene-based adhesives are more suitable for sealing the mouths of lighter, moderately heavy objects. In addition to these, paper and even fibreglass can be used. There are also several different types of adhesive. For example, the adhesive can be acrylate, hot melt, rubber, or solvent.

Applications of filament tape

The adhesive tape ensures that the desired surfaces adhere to each other. For example, it is ideal for sealing paper boxes so that the packages can reach their destination safely. Not only does filament tape play an important role in packaging, but it can also be used to secure cargo.

We show you what kind of filament tapes Flanker offers.

3M Tartan™ Filament Tape 8953

This filament tape is the most suitable for bundling and palletising, as it is extremely resistant, does not wear, does not age and is not affected by moisture. The reinforcement is provided by glass fibres, which means that after application it does not loosen its hold even in extreme temperatures during transport and storage.

Scotch™ Film Strapping Tape 8898

This tape has the advantage of being effective on a wide range of surfaces but is particularly recommended for household appliances. Whether it's plastic or glass, Scotch tape provides a strong, non-stretching grip thanks to the polypropylene backing and self-adhesive synthetic adhesive.

Scotch™ Filament Tape Clean Removal 8915B

High-strength glass fibre is added to Scotch's adhesive tape, making it ideal for holding parts together during the manufacturing process or even during transport. It is resistant to moisture and external influences and will not wear or deteriorate. When it is no longer needed, it can be easily removed and leaves no marks on the surface.

Scotch™ Bi-Directional Filament Tape 8959

A double-reinforced adhesive that provides exceptional bonding. This sealant tape resists abrasion, and moisture, and will not allow the box to split in the middle along the closure, either longitudinally or transversely.

Closing the box is simple and very secure with the use of filament tape. There is no need to worry about the glue coming loose or tearing, as the technology is resistant to various external influences.

Flanker has been serving the printing, paper, packaging, automotive and electronics industries for over 20 years. Look at our web catalogue and choose the quality products you like!