The main purpose of screws is to hold together and bond the mating surfaces. However, over time, the threads of the screws can loosen, and wear out due to weight and force. By using thread-locking adhesives, we can prevent the loosening of the screw joints. This material contributes to ensuring that the screw does not come off due to vibration or impact. Let's see what you need to know about threadlockers!

What is a threadlocker?

A threadlocker is a liquid substance that fills the gaps in the screw threads, ensuring that the screw cannot loosen due to movement, vibration, or wear and that the bond remains intact. The application of this one-component adhesive is simple, without creating mess or contamination, and its effect is long-lasting. Due to these properties, it is widely used in various industries.

The bonding time for the adhesive ranges from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the characteristics of the surfaces, but it may take 12 to 24 hours to reach full strength.

What are the advantages of threadlockers?

Threadlockers have numerous advantages that make their use worthwhile. Here are the most important ones:

• Applicable to any thread: It doesn't matter what type of thread it is; the adhesive spreads in the thread, fills it, and creates a secure bond and seal. This is a great convenience for professionals as they don't need to deal with specialized seals, and the same solution can be applied in every situation. The versatility also leads to lower inventory costs.
• Prevents corrosion: By permanently securing the connection, the adhesive prevents corrosion from damaging the metal.
• Bonds to all surfaces: Threadlockers can bond to any surface, even passive surfaces such as aluminum, coated surfaces, or stainless steel.
• Can be used on slightly contaminated surfaces: The adhesive can create a proper bond without the need for a perfectly clean surface. If there is mild contamination on the material, the adhesive can still exert its effect and create a secure bond.
• Creates a vibration-resistant bond: Some elements are subject to significant vibration. In these cases, screws can easily loosen if they are not secured with adhesive in the thread. Typical examples are screws in pumps, presses, and gearboxes.
• Can be assembled with hand tools: Despite creating a strong bond, the components can be easily disassembled using the appropriate hand tools.
• Clean application: The adhesive is typically equipped with a suitable-sized dispenser, making it easy to use anywhere, anytime. Its use does not involve excessive mess or dirt; only a few drops are needed to reinforce the screw joint.

Applications of threadlockers

Adhesives of this type can be used in various industries wherever screw reinforcement is needed. Typical examples include automotive manufacturing where resonance caused by the engine or engine block can loosen screws holding the vehicle's components, such as those in the suspension system. The adhesive prevents the screws securing vehicle parts from loosening, preventing them from falling off and causing damage to other parts of the car. Noisy and moving components can cause wear, exposing the car to unexpected malfunctions.

Threadlockers from Flanker

For over two decades, Flanker has been providing comprehensive solutions for industrial players. Our product range includes structural adhesives, including threadlockers and screw-locking adhesives such as 3MTM Scotch-WeldTM TL70 Threadlocker, which is a one-component, high-strength adhesive that ensures a durable bond. A classic threadlocker is the medium-strength 3MTM Scotch-WeldTM TL42, which allows fasteners to withstand vibrations, impacts, and corrosion. Another variation is the 3MTM Scotch-WeldTM TL62, which provides rapid curing. Take a look at the Flanker website!

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!

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.

Discover the Flanker 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.