Preserving your health is important in the office environment too. Creating the right working conditions is essential: more and more people are now choosing ergonomic chairs, taking care of the positioning of the seating and desks, and ensuring that there is enough light and air in the office space. However, not much is said about how to protect your hands when sitting in front of your laptop. In this article, we'll talk about the importance of using a wrist-rest alongside your mouse pad.

The office desk layout

It's essential to find the right place on the desk for your office equipment, mouse, mouse pad, keyboard, or monitor. It is best to have the laptop keyboard so far away from your body that the arm is at a 90-degree angle.

It's not just your back and brain that get tired during long hours behind the laptop, but also your hands, which are constantly straining in a rigid position over the keyboard and mouse. Keeping the arm on the armrest and having a mouse wrist rest on the desk can help relieve muscle strain.

Beyond the office...

Using a wrist rest is also essential in a completely different area. Nowadays, leisure activities often involve several hours of gaming which has negative effects on the joints too. Among the so-called "Gamer" products, the wrist rest certainly plays an important role.  Mouse pad wrist-rests are particularly recommended for games that require monotonous, non-intense mouse movements. Preserving your hands in these situations is a must.

The mouse wrist-rest

With the help of a wrist-rest, you can avoid excessive fatigue of the hand or wrist or numbness and pain caused by poor circulation. The wrist-rest is usually made of elastic material, so it can mould to the wrist, take its shape, and helps keep the wrist and the back of the hand in a natural state.

The wrist-rest has a convex shape, and the filling material is typically silicone, gel or foam. It can be attached to a keyboard, mouse pad or stand-alone, and is available in a variety of patterns, transparent colours, and leather covers.

With wrist-rests against health issues

As the wrist muscles can work for up to 8-10 hours in a working day, they are subject to a lot of stress. If this situation persists over a long period, it is easy to develop tendonitis, ganglion, or even carpal tunnel syndrome.

By supporting the wrist, the wrist-rest helps to prevent the hand from being overloaded and developing the above-mentioned diseases. The computer is now an essential part of most office and home lives and its use cannot be reduced or excluded, but with little things like a wrist-rest, we can help to keep our health.

In addition to wrist-rests, Flanker offers a wide range of other accessories for home and office workstations. Examples include privacy films, anti-glare screen covers, notebook/laptop stands and precision mouse pads.

It's not uncommon for the displays of tablets, smartphones, and other touchscreen devices to be damaged. One careless move and you're in trouble - the screen is scratched or cracked. Fortunately, there is a solution - protective film can prevent some of the damage. Step by step, we show you how to apply the screen protector.

The screen protector film protects your display monitor from damage, moisture, bumps, and scratches. It is not worth saving money when it comes to screen protection, as electronic devices are becoming more and more expensive, and with a bit of investment, you can make a big difference in terms of screen life span. However, it is worth choosing carefully, because poorer quality comes with low prices.

Attaching the screen protector film

Installing a screen protector film may seem simple at first, but it requires a lot of attention. The first step is to find a quiet, light, and peaceful place where you can sit comfortably and put the phone down firmly. The desk should be clean, the surface smooth, and it's even better if you're wearing a top that doesn't touch the screen.

Once you have prepared the environment and washed your hands, you can apply the film. As well as the protective film, the packaging usually includes an anti-static wipe, so wipe the display thoroughly with this. Remove all dirt, dust, and stains with the wipe. The ideal outcome is a dust and water-free display, and when you turn it towards the light, you see nothing but a clean surface.

You must do the cleaning right before you put the film on, so you minimise the chance of getting dirt on the screen in the meantime. Remove the protective film and position it carefully over the smartphone. Once it's in place, place it on the screen, working your way down from the top, slowly and gently.

The application is the same for phones and monitors, but the latter is more problematic as it has a larger surface area.

The air bubbles

When applying the protective film, small air bubbles sometimes get trapped between the display monitor and the film. This can be avoided by dragging a card or similar, but not sharp, object across the air bubble with a firm motion, slowly pushing it towards the edge of the film until it disappears.

If the bubble is in the middle of the screen, you can still try this technique, but you may not succeed. The further away the unwanted bubble is from the edge, the harder it is to get. In this case, it is worth taking off the whole film, but be aware that doing so may damage the film and you may have to buy a new one. If you can deal with the presence of a small bubble, it may not be worth the risk.

Wet fitting

There are glass films that come with an adhesive. The process starts in the same way as for dry application, the display must be cleaned thoroughly. The difference is that you get a special spray for this application. This is then used to wet not only the display but also both sides of the protective film. Then the film is positioned and applied, and the water is removed and squeezed out between the two layers. Once the film is on top, you need to wait for it to dry completely, only then can you use the smartphone.

Data protection above all

The basic function of films protecting phones and tablets is to protect the devices from mechanical impact. But today, a simple film can do more than that. There are also so-called privacy films that prevent people standing next to you from reading what's on the screen.

These special films provide very effective protection for side views outside the 60-degree angle of view. In practice, this means that if you're on a bus, for example, and you're replying to company emails, the person sitting next to you won't be able to see it on the screen as you can, so they won't be able to access sensitive data and information.

These films are not only important for privacy but also protect the screen from dust and scratches. So, both your data and your device are safe.

Privacy films come in a variety of designs, just like normal protective films, you need to choose a different model depending on the type of smartphone you have. For example, there are films made specifically for the iPhone 6 Plus/6S Plus/7 Plus/8 Plus, but you can also find a protective film for the Google Pixel 3.

Click to get a protective film from Flanker for your phone and laptop monitor! 

Epoxy and resin are both adhesives used in various industries, but they are also often used for household and creative purposes. These materials have excellent bonding properties and can withstand temperature tests, physical stresses, and chemical exposures. Both are so-called plastic adhesives, but what are epoxy adhesives and what are resins?

What is epoxy resin?

Resin is a strong adhesive that can be bought in liquid or powder form. It takes a long time to dry, up to 8-10 hours. The higher the external temperature, the faster the resin can dry.

When using epoxy (or epoxi as it is often called) resin, two liquids (the resin and the cross-linking agent) must be mixed in the right proportions to create a material that cross-link and harden when it solidifies. It can then be easily sanded and drilled if required.

There are several types of epoxy resin, and you should choose between them based on the following factors: cure time, use-by time, bonding property, viscosity, UV resistance, chemical resistance, and scratch or wear resistance.

It provides a particularly strong bond, making it ideal for industrial applications. It is widely used for woodworking, wood panels, flooring and worktops. It can be used for garage flooring, decorative coatings for residential properties, various decorative objects, tables, jewellery, etc. Because it is waterproof and has excellent water resistance, it is also suitable for general purposes in places where water can cause problems, such as bathrooms.

What is epoxy adhesive?

Epoxy adhesives are the kings of their category. They can bond surfaces together so strongly that they are even used in the assembly of cars and aeroplanes. They are resistant to heat, chemicals and moisture.

Epoxy is a petroleum-based adhesive containing substances such as epochlorine, which is responsible for forming the hard layer. It dries quickly and, depending on the type, can take from a few to 30 minutes to become fully solid. Its price is higher due to these benefits.

 It is fairly easy to use, but there are a few things to bear in mind:

Before applying the adhesive, the surfaces should be degreased and thoroughly cleaned. Petrol and alcohol are the best solutions for this. After cleaning, it should be wiped dry so no moisture remains on the surface, as this is the only way the adhesive can dry properly. Once the area is prepared, the adhesive can be applied.

It is ideal for bonding wood, metal, ceramics, porcelain, concrete, polystyrene and plastic surfaces, for indoor and outdoor use, industrial use, but also for domestic use. They are available in two-component and one-component versions and a variety of colours, including blue, black, transparent and beige.

A wide range of epoxy adhesives can be found on Flanker's webshop. 3M™ Scotch Weld™ 7240 B/A epoxy adhesive, for example, is a two-component epoxy adhesive that is high-performance, flame retardant and should be mixed in a 2:1 ratio for use.

There are also adhesives available to meet specific needs. 3M™ Scotch-Weld 2216 epoxy adhesive is a high-strength adhesive that provides a strong bond while being extremely flexible, making it a good choice for applications where thermal expansion, shrinkage or even vibration are a concern.

Differences and similarities

Both epoxy adhesive and resin are suitable for forming strong bonds, but the former is slightly more durable. The most significant difference between the two types is the drying time, which is significantly shorter for epoxy adhesives, even though the adhesive components must be mixed before use.

Another important difference between epoxy adhesive and resin is the price. The former is more expensive than resin due to its superior properties. Therefore, when speed is less important and there is time to wait for the adhesive to dry, many people prefer resin. If, on the other hand, you need a quick and failproof solution, epoxy adhesive is the best choice.

Flanker is also an online store for builders, renovators, craftsmen and tradesmen. We have been in the market for almost 25 years, serving our customers and partners with quality materials and tools. Have a look around our webshop!

The use of rubber glue is very common nowadays. It is a bonding agent consisting of rubber and special solvents. The ratio of the main ingredients varies greatly depending on what the rubber glue is used for. In this post, we will list the ideal probabilities of use, and describe what to look out for when using rubber glue.

What is rubber glue?

Rubber glue is perfect for bonding a variety of surfaces together because once it dries, it becomes an elastic material that resembles rubber. Because of its elasticity, it can also be used on textiles, wood, glass, paper, metal, and other materials, depending on the type of adhesive.

What types of rubber glues are there?

There are many types of rubber glue, the most common of which are described below!

Natural rubber-based glue

In the case of natural rubber glue, the vulcanising agent is sulphur and is suitable for bonding the following materials: leather, paper, and fabric.

Nitrile

One of the main advantages of glue containing nitrile butadiene rubber is water resistance. It is used for materials such as glass, wood, metal, and ceramics.

Chloroprene

A crack-resistant solution, chloroprene glue is best suited for bonding metal, glass, wood, and plastic.

Silicone

Silicone rubber glues are limited in use and are best used for bonding rubber materials.

Styrene-butadiene

This type of glue is used in manufacturing, e.g. for the production of adhesive tapes, due to its low adhesive strength.

The type to be chosen depends on what is to be bonded and under what conditions. For example, if high temperatures are expected, it is worth choosing a type that can withstand them. Similarly, external effects can include vibration, shock, and other mechanical stresses.

The size of the layers to be fixed with the glue and the material they are made of are essential. Moreover, it is also worth paying attention to whether the adhesive comes in contact with food, as many types of rubber glue are highly toxic.

High-performance sealants and glues

For rubber and sealant, neoprene rubber and sealant glue is a reliable solution. It provides high bond strength and good heat resistance, and is waterproof, making it suitable for large surface area rubber coating applications, impact damping and more.

This category includes 3MTM 847 nitrile, which has a low viscosity, making it easier and more convenient to apply. It has good oil and heat resistance, making it excellent for sealing and rubber applications.

Use of rubber glue

Using rubber glue is fairly simple, but there are a few basic rules to follow.

The most important thing is to clean the surface thoroughly before using the glue. Any dirt that sticks will result in the glue not being able to work properly or if it does stick, it will not be as durable as it would be if the surface were clean. Special cleaning agents and solvents should be used to ensure a high level of cleaning.

In all cases, the instructions for use can be read on the box of the rubber glue. This should be studied carefully, and the instructions followed. This will avoid accidents and achieve the desired effect. Rubber glue must be only used under suitable conditions, away from open flames, as its ingredients are flammable.

Flanker, as a supplier of industrial materials, also offers rubber adhesives alongside many other raw materials used in construction and manufacturing. Learn more about the products we supply!