Hot melt adhesive solutions are very popular, which is no wonder, as they are easy to use, reduce production costs, increase productivity, and minimise waste. The hot melt adhesive is based on resin, which is a solid material that turns into a liquid state when heated, making it much easier to spread. Let's find out what you need to know about these kinds of adhesives!

What is a hot melt adhesive?

The history of adhesives dates to ancient times and the first adhesive is thought to have been sealing wax, used to seal important documents, but it was also used to glue leather, letters, and paper. Over time, synthetic materials were introduced, the first being phenol-formaldehyde resin, which was mainly used in the woodworking industry. In the 1950s, epoxy resin became also widely used, which had excellent strength properties.

Hot melt adhesive is an easy-to-handle and effective adhesive, based on ethylene vinyl acetate, polyamide, and polyolefin copolymer. It is essential to know that adhesives based on polyurethane undergo a cross-linking process after pressing and cooling. The adhesive is available in several types and sizes. For example, in light yellow, brown, gold/yellow and transparent. It can be purchased in the shape of granules, cubes, and sticks. It can help to make glueing processes very quick and efficient.

The hot melt adhesives are suitable for quickly forming bonds between the glued elements. They require a special device called a glue gun. The function of the glue gun is to melt the loaded solid glue by increasing the temperature. The speed at which the adhesive bonds between the elements depends on the thermal conductivity of the surface materials to be bonded and the amount of adhesive.

Once the adhesive has been applied to the surface, it is advisable to apply light pressure on both sides until it dries, making the bond more secure. As the material cools it bonds the surfaces together.

In terms of bonding, it has the advantage of providing a very stable bond with good impact strength and, during the cooling process, it can be flexibly formed.

How does a glue gun work?

Glue guns are available in several designs. You can buy the simpler models from a simple DIY shop, but some are designed to stand up to industrial conditions. These guns are powered by electricity, and the adhesive can be dispensed by pressing and holding the appropriate button.

Some very small models fit into the palms easily. Their main function is to heat the glue, typically PVC-based, to between 100 and 150 degrees Celsius. These can melt only a small amount of glue at a time, so are suitable for small areas and delicate work.

There are also standard 50W guns, which require the insertion of an 11 mm glue stick, which is discharged in molten form through a 2 mm nozzle. Some models are supplied with several heads, i.e. the shape of the nozzle can be varied.

To choose the right glue gun, you need to think about what you want to use it for. For example, it is important to know what temperature it can be heated to, as this will determine what kind of stick can be used for glueing. This also affects the temperature of the melted material, which in turn affects how it solidifies and how adhesion develops.

It is important to get the appropriate glue stick for the gun because if you don't, the glue will not melt properly thus affecting the outcome.

If you want to buy a glue gun for hobby use, lower-priced models are available, but if you want to buy a glue gun for frequent and continuous use, it is advisable to buy a more advanced one.

Hot melted adhesives: areas of use

Hot melted adhesives loaded into a glue gun has several advantages, such as being very practical and easy to use, and can therefore be used in a wide range of situations where glueing cannot be avoided. It is widely used in the paper industry, packaging, woodworking, certain stages of furniture production, the hygiene industry, textiles, the automotive industry, and industrial-level printing.

These adhesives can also be applied to wood, veneer, cardboard, leather, fabric, plastic, polyester, steel, and aluminium.

Flanker has been at the service of various industries for more than 20 years. Have a look at our web catalogue!

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!

To make cable pulling easier, the wire pulling lubricant reduces the friction resistance you experience by up to 80%. Is there a need to use wire pulling lubricants instead of the former soapy solution? Let’s found out!

Applying wire pulling lubricants makes it easier to pull in the cables, avoiding them getting stuck and damaging the insulation surface. Its viscosity is gel-like and most importantly, it leaves behind minimal mess. It makes it much easier to replace cables and pull in a new one. Its ingredients are biodegradable materials that will not corrode pipes or insulation.

What's wrong with the traditional solutions?

There are traditional, cost-effective solutions to make cable pulling easier, such as oil sprays and various soaps. These fulfil the basic function of lubricating cables, in that they all make it easier to lay cables, but it's worth bearing in mind that these are only temporary solutions and can cause more trouble than good in the long run. Unlike wire pulling lubricants, these materials do not disappear completely but remain in the pipe, so if you need to replace a cable or want to pull in another strand, they can hinder the process. What's more, they can even damage the pipe and the insulation of the wires, which can lead directly to a blockage.

Advantages of professional wire pulling lubricants

Using a quality wire pulling lubricant can make the job faster and much more precise. It completely disappears from the pipe, so it does not make it difficult to replace cables later. It is available in a variety of pack sizes to suit your needs. The Flanker webshop offers 0.95 litre, 3.78 litre and 18.9 litre versions. This allows professionals to choose the right packaging for their specific use.

How to use the wire pulling lubricants?

It can be used for pulling into conduits and cable ducts. Especially recommended for communication, electrical, control, signal, and monitoring cables.

Its application is simple. All you need to do is apply the material directly to the cable and then pull it into the appropriate duct or conduit. If on completion of the operation, there is any dirt on the surface, it should be removed with a cleaning cloth, preferably until it has dried.

Avoid contact with natural stones such as granite or limestone. It is worth testing the material before use to ensure that it behaves properly and that we are using it correctly.

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.