There are special cases where it is advisable and mandatory to fit a vehicle with a reflective material, i.e. some form of reflective sheeting or reflective films. In this post, we have collected information on when it is necessary to use this technology.

What is reflective sheeting?

A reflective film is a special car decoration material that is used as a decorative element on the windows and bodywork. However, the aesthetic function of such a sticker is not the primary concern, its function of increasing visibility when stuck on the vehicle is also important.

This type of car decoration is phosphorescent, fluorescent, reflective, and light-reflective, making the vehicle visible and noticeable in the dark. Most often the classic white and red sign is used, but it can also be used to display letters, telephone numbers and other useful information. The aim is to increase visibility and safety.

Reflective sheeting or reflective films can be of different basic colours: white, yellow, red and  blue. The self-adhesive versions are very easy to apply to cars. There is no fuss, just a few simple movements and the vehicle is visible in the dark. This increases safety even in poor visibility conditions.

For which vehicles is reflective film a good choice?

Reflective sheeting is used to draw attention to public service vehicles, such as police cars and ambulances. The other large group is vehicles that need to be approached with due care, such as a trailer.

Let's look at the vehicles for which you should fit reflective sheeting.

Ambulance

Ambulances and blood carrier ambulances must be marked with reflective material so that they are visible in the dark and can be seen from a distance by other drivers to be able to provide them with a clear path.

Police vehicles

The main vehicle used by police forces responsible for public safety is the police car itself, which typically carries blue, yellow, and red colours with standard letters. Special sheeting on the car draws attention to the vehicle.

Fire trucks

Like ambulances and police vehicles, fire trucks have priority in traffic when using their distinctive signals. To ensure that they can be seen at night, in rain, fog or snow, they sound an audible warning when approaching at high speed and have reflective sheeting on the front, rear and sides. For fire trucks, white and yellow foils are usually used.

Trailers

Trailers are part of the traffic and should be brought to the attention of other drivers. It is a good idea to mark the dimensions of the vehicle with reflective sheeting, i.e. stickers on the sides and rear of the vehicle. This is in line with the principle of the Highway Code that vehicles that are too large should be marked. On this basis, it may also be advisable to affix such reflective strips to motorhomes, caravans and motor coaches which, because of their size, deserve to be distinguished.

Vehicles carrying dangerous loads

It is particularly important to display appropriate markings on vehicles carrying dangerous goods or materials. In the event of an accident, it can be vital to be able to see clearly and unambiguously in all situations, even at night, if the car is carrying any dangerous substances. Reflective sheeting can prevent accidents with serious catastrophic consequences.

Patrol service

In addition to police officers, patrol vehicles should also be equipped with such sheeting. The design and colours of these vehicles are determined by the company's branding, but the aim is to ensure that they are visible in low visibility conditions.

The use of reflective materials is essential for safety. It is not only about the safety of the passengers in the distinguished car, but also about the safety of other drivers on the road. Flanker offers a range of solutions to address the issue of reflection.

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Nowadays fasteners are essential parts of everyday life. The products rapidly gained popularity thanks to their practicality and simplicity. Depending on the types, the use may vastly differ. Fasteners are used as essential tools in many fields from textile to industrial application. Let's see what you need to know about the product!

The invention of the reclosable fastener

The inventor of the reclosable fastener, Georges de Mestral, was inspired by nature and especially by the thistle. In 1941, after a hunting trip, he was picking thistles stuck in his trousers and his dog's fur. He observed how these plants could stick so strongly and cling to the fabric with so many hooks. In 1951, after refining the idea he finally patented his invention which he called the ‘Velcron’. Over the past 70 years, the concept of reclosable fastener has not changed. On the other hand, technology, materials, and the fields of applications have expanded considerably.

Where should fasteners be used?

The question may arise in which cases a fastener is the best choice. In general, a fastener is recommended when it is important to fix two elements firmly while keeping easy removal optional. Typical examples could be various panels, advertising tools, information boards, instrumental panel elements and so on. It is important to emphasize that fasteners are very durable and weatherproof so they can be used outdoors too.

Which types of fasteners exist?

Fasteners can be categorised in several ways. The main differential characteristics are the ways of attachment to the surface. The first group are the so-called sewable fasteners which can be easily fixed with a needle and thread. These are mostly used for textiles.

Another major group of fasteners are the self-adhesive ones. In this case, the backs of the two strips are self-adhesive as they are coated with adhesive material which allows them to be attached to many surfaces. They are mostly used when the substrate is a non-sewable surface such as wood or plastic.

What is a self-adhesive fastener?

The main difference between a self-adhesive fastener and a plain fastener is the strong glue strip. It is easier to apply the self-adhesive fastener because the strip and the other side do not require sewing. This way, the product provides a dismountable and lockable, high-strength fastening method that makes it ideal for industrial applications.

The 3M™ Dual Lock™ industrial fasteners, for example, provide twelve times stronger adhesion than any classic loop-clamp fastening method due to the mushroom-shaped spikes that interlock the two parts of the fastener. In a previous post we described this technology.

The advantages of self-adhesive fastener

The self-adhesive fastener has several advantages compared to other fastening methods. Let's have a look at them!

No-drill bonding

Fasteners are equipped with mechanical fixing mechanisms. A big advantage of them is that there is no need to drill or damage the surfaces. Because of their nature, fasteners can bond surfaces together without any screw. Similarly, a self-adhesive fastener can also be of great service when the classic fastener cannot be sewn.

Easy installation

Applying the self-adhesive fasteners is child's play. No tools or complex measurements are needed, just the removal of the protective film on the back of the self-adhesive fasteners.

A solution for every need

It matters what kind of surfaces you want to bond and how strong adhesion you need. That's why there are many types of self-adhesive fasteners. For example, some are transparent, some have a rubber-based adhesive back, and some have a low-profile size.

Discreet design

Self-adhesive fasteners can be discreetly used to bond surfaces. There is no trace of the fastening until dismantle. Not to mention, if the fastener is transparent, then the colour of the underlying surface is also visible, making the fastener less noticeable.

Self-adhesive industrial fasteners provide strong bonding. They are an excellent choice to attach different types of surfaces, especially when it is important to have a bonding that is quick to create, easy to dismantle and yet still strong. Check out what Flanker has to offer!

The evolution of the construction industry can be monitored through the innovation of technologies and building materials. Insulation and waterproofing can now be achieved with easy-to-use, high-quality materials such as self-adhesive sealing tape. Let's look at what you need to know about it.

What is the self-adhesive sealing tape for?

Sealing tapes can be used to solve several problems, such as covering cracks, providing a seal, forming a waterproof layer in the kitchen or the bathroom, and solving the problem of insulation. It is a composite material that, thanks to its mesh structure, provides strong adhesion.

Thanks to the fact that it's waterproof, it easily prevents leaks, so it's an ideal solution for any room with regular moisture. It is suitable for sealing any bath, shower, and sink. This is particularly important as water leaking under the surfaces can cause significant deterioration over time, yielding high maintenance costs. On the one hand, this is an aesthetic issue too, as it will stain, discolour, and make surfaces unattractive. Let’s not forget about health issues too, given the wet environment can be a breeding ground for bacteria and pathogens. Therefore, sealing such gaps, joints and seams is essential.

As we see, water is an enemy in this sense, which can cause serious problems in both residential and industrial buildings. The importance of this area is demonstrated by the fact that various manufacturing companies are coming up with more efficient products from time to time. Whereas in the past, solutions such as cement bonding and various types of metal sheeting were used to resolve such problems, today, easy-to-use self-adhesive sealing tapes provide the optimal answer.

There are two types of sealing tapes: one-sided and two-sided. The latter is used when two surfaces are to be bonded together. Another grouping distinguishes between the types according to their use, i.e. there are sealing tapes specifically for doors and windows and universal sealing tapes.

The sealing tapes are not only used in the construction industry but also in the automotive industry, for example for repairing boats and sealing car seats. They are also used to insulate pipes and in households for various repairs.

 How to clean it?

Cleaning self-adhesive sealing tape is very easy, all you need is a damp cloth or a rag and some water. By applying simple swiping moves, you can make the tape surface look new.

That's how you use it!

There are only a few steps to follow when applying self-adhesive tapes. First, measure the section where you want to apply the tape. It's worth measuring accurately to ensure that the result is aesthetically pleasing. Then the optimal length should be cut off.

Before applying the tape, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned and wiped dry. Once this is done, you can put paste the tape. Remove the protective film from the tape, then apply sealant along the marking and press it onto the surface.

Why is self-adhesive sealing tape a good choice?

The self-adhesive sealing tape has several advantages over other sealants, making it the best choice for a wide variety of situations. Let's see what its most important advantages are!

Adheres well to a wide range of surfaces

The gap to be sealed can be on any type of surface. Time, improper use of materials, and external influences can damage the material, and sealing tape is a great solution to cover them. It's also a good idea to use self-adhesive sealant if you want to make the joint between the surfaces waterproof and hard-wearing. A typical example would be the water seal between the sink and the surrounding kitchen worktop. These sealing tapes are great for adhering to metal, wood, and plastic.

Easy to stick

Various sealants can be used to resolve the problem of water sealing, but most of them are cumbersome, require expertise, are expensive and are easy to mess up. In contrast, applying a flexible, self-adhesive sealant tape, as shown above, is child's play. Thanks to the self-adhesive design, the time required to make the seal can be reduced very significantly.

Universal use

There are many types of sealing tapes, so everyone is sure to find the one that suits them best. For example, some are specifically designed for outdoor use, so they can withstand direct sunlight, extreme weather conditions and high humidity. There is also a flexible seal designed to seal joints and openings. This is usually transparent and is available in both narrower and wider versions.

Sealing and waterproofing are very important steps that should not be spared. If not performed well, serious financial damage can be expected. It is much easier to prevent than to repair. All you need to do is use self-adhesive sealing tapes and you can prevent damage from various types of soaking.

Flanker offers a wide range of products used in the construction industry, including self-adhesive sealing tapes. Browse our webshop and vote for quality materials and tools!

The disc sander, or flex, is a real all-rounder in the workshop. It can be equipped with a wide range of accessories which makes it useful for many tasks such as sanding, cutting or polishing. There are several versions of abrasive discs. Let's see which one to use when!

How should you choose a disc sander?

There was a time in Hungary when almost all disc sanders were made by the German company ‘Flex’. Thanks to that, this type of grinder is most commonly referred to as a ”flex” in general. The disc sander can be translated as ‘corner sander’ in Hungarian, however, it is not suitable for grinding corners. It is called so because it is the opposite of a straight-shaft grinder. While in a straight-shaft grinder the motor and the disc are on the same horizontal, in a disc sander the motor and the disc are at right angles. Today there are several types of products, so it's a good idea to get further information before purchasing.

The higher the speed of the device, the stronger it is. This strength is often essential, but sometimes, for example, when it comes to polishing, it can be too much and damage the surfaces. Should you often encounter such cases then opt for a grinder with an adjustable speed. They are a bit more expensive, but if the high speed could damage the machine or the material, there is no other choice.

Grinders are single-handed below 150 mm and double-handed above that. This is because the power of the latter is quite high so two hands are needed to hold them safely.

There are both wired and battery-powered grinders. It is understood that the battery-powered versions allow for much more freedom and these products are easier and more comfortable to move around with. However, you should be aware that with frequent use, the batteries will lose capacity over time, so they will run for a shorter and shorter time.

With grinders, particular attention must be paid to safety. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a model with a soft start. The reason for this is that when you switch the device on, it only gradually increases the speed which is safer and more efficient in terms of power consumption. Some models also have special sensors so that should the machine overload or overheat, it will automatically switch off and can only be restarted when it has cooled down.

Finally, as far as different types are concerned, there are also grinders specifically designed for DIY and also professional use. These can differ in price and performance because it does matter whether you use a disc sander once every six months or several times a day.

Abrasive discs for the disc sander

You can start the planned work when you attached the disc to the machine. Discs for disc sanders have different types depending on whether you want to use them for various surfaces such as wood, metal, plastic, ceramic, iron, paving stone, concrete or simply for polishing.

The basic accessories for the grinder are the cutting disc and the sander disc. Their diameter and material vary according to the surface but their thickness may also vary within this range. While the cutting disc is 2.5-3 mm, the sander disc is 4-6 mm thick. They are usually colour-coded to indicate what they are for: blue for cutting metal, red for grinding metal and green for grinding stone. If you are grinding with a plastic disc, you ought to use sander discs or fibre sheets of different grit sizes which can be attached with a gum disc or fastener. This is the abrasive disc that is also used in different colours: red is suitable for sanding metal and wood, and grey is for sanding stone.

Today, there are also so-called diamond-grinding discs that take the cutting process to a new level as they are very powerful, have a high capacity, and can even cut stone building materials.

Usually, the discs also have numbers and sometimes warning labels on them. These provide information on the outside diameter of the disc, the thickness, the diameter of the centre hole and the speed of rotation.

 How to use the disc sander

Using a disc sander is not difficult but there are some basic rules to follow. For example, it's important not to remove the protective cover on the machine which is fitted for safety reasons: it protects the user during cutting and other dangerous operations. It is also important to hold the disc sander with two hands and fix the material/workpiece with a clamp. Moreover, if the machine is used as a saw, it is essential to wear safety goggles.

Mistakes can arise, especially when the machine is used as a saw (i.e. cutting) and full force is applied. However, this is not the best way as it can damage the material and the disc too. It is better to let the machine do its work under its weight and not to force anything.

 Accessories for disc sanders

There are now several accessories available for disc sanders. Once the grinding disc is removed, the new adapter can be easily attached. Some accessories can be used to turn the grinder into a circular cutter, a hole drill or even a handsaw.