One of the major factors to consider during construction projects is filling of joints between tiles and other building materials. Most builders and contractors use backer rods and sealants to fill such gaps and achieve a good surface finish. The gap is first of all cleaned before installation of the backer rod. The main function of the backer rod is to reduce the use of sealants and to form a strong foundation for the application of sealants. The type of backer rod used depends on factors such as the environment, size of crack to be filled, type of joint and type of sealant used among other factors.

There are two major types of backer rods used in construction projects. These are the soft rods and closed cell rods. Soft rods are also referred to as the open cell type due to their internal microstructure that is made up of open cells. Closed cell rods on the other hand are made up of millions of tiny closed cells that are resistant to water, air and other fluids. The two structures are responsible for a number of properties found in both the open cell and closed cell versions. These properties are meant to suit different applications in different environments.

Closed cell backer rods are known for their rigidity and resistance to various fluids. For this reason, they are used in external environments where the moisture content is high. They are used whenever the builder requires forming an airtight seal that is resistant to water and air. They are usually supplied in smaller diameters than open cell rods and are generally meant for smaller gaps and cracks. Due to their rigid nature, they are harder to install in irregular and rugged cracks. They are generally used to fill cracks that have a uniform width.

Soft backer rods on the other hand are known for their flexibility and ease of installation. Their open cell structure enables them to bend and compress easily into joints during installation. Therefore, they can be used in virtually all sizes and types of joints. However, they are permeable to water and air hence are most appropriate for internal environments where moisture content is low. They are generally supplied in larger diameters than closed cell rods and are most appropriate for filling large gaps before application of a sealant. Their flexible nature allows them to fit easily into gaps with a varying width since large diameters can be forced into the narrow sections. Depending on the specific task at hand, one can use the two types interchangeably to achieve an airtight seal. 

Filling of joints during construction projects is a very sensitive task that requires maximum professionalism. The seal applied between building materials should be stable in order to obtain a strong joint and a good surface finish over a long period of time. For this reason, most builders use an appropriate type of backer rod before applying sealants to achieve an airtight joint. The rods are used to form a suitable foundation for sealants and prevent them from penetrating deep into the crack. They not only form a good foundation but also ensure that three-sided bonding does not occur between the sealant and the sides of the joint.

It is quite important to understand some of the properties of a backer rod before using it for construction projects. Basically, there are two versions of rods used to fill all types of joints in constructions. These are the closed cell rods and open cell soft rods. Each of the mentioned types has specific properties that are meant for specific types of joints in various environments. Nevertheless, each one of them is used to form a suitable base for the application of sealants. Some of the specific properties of each type are discussed briefly in the rest of the article.

The open cell backer rod is generally flexible, expandable and pliable in nature. This is due to its internal structure that is made up of open cells. The open cells also make it vulnerable to air and moisture hence making it inappropriate for sealing outdoor joints. It can only be used to fill indoor joints that are free from moisture and other fluids. Because open cell rods are soft and pliable, they can be used to fill numerous types of joints. They are generally easier to install since they can easily conform to complex rugged joints and are easier to use than closed cell versions.

One may wonder how the closed cell rod is used if at all open cell rods are suitable for all types of cracks. Closed cell backer rod is used to fill joints that are found in outdoor environments. This is because it is resistant to water, air, and other fluids that may be either neutral or corrosive in nature. Its structure consists of millions of closed cells that are responsible for the airtight nature. However, they are rigid and are supplied in smaller diameters than soft rods hence appropriate for small joints.  

Most people never understand the importance of polyethylene foam until they come across a detailed explanation on some of its properties and uses. For those who do not have a clue of some of the uses of polyethylene, then this is the right article to enlighten them. Polyethylene is basically a type of foam that is manufactured by melting recycled polymers collected from plastic waste. The polymers are mixed in specific proportions in order to come up with the polyethylene structure. Generally, polyethylene is known for its cushioning properties and flexibility among other properties. It is widely used for packaging and transportation of goods due to these features.

The manufacturing process of polyethylene foam greatly determines the kind of application in which it is employed. For instance, foam that is used to transport electronics is different from foam that is used to package pipes and other plumbing materials. The main trick behind their differences is the use of various additives that are responsible for properties such as insulation, rigidity, flexibility and pliability. The manufacturers melt various polymers in specific proportions and spice them up with the relevant additives to give them specific properties. The fact that additives are included in the primary ingredients means that the end product comes out with a uniform structure.

Polyethylene foam has a couple of features that make it appropriate for packaging of goods. One of the major features is that polyethylene has shock absorbing properties. This means that it can provide proper cushioning for fragile goods as they are transported over a rugged terrain. It is able to yield slightly when exposed to external pressure and retract once the external pressure is withdrawn. This explains why it has shock absorbing properties.

Polyethylene foam is also known for its anti-static properties. It can withstand and prevent accumulation of charges due to rubbing of parts during transportation. Therefore, it can be used to transport goods such as electronics that are vulnerable to electric charges. Above all, polyethylene has good insulation properties. It can protect goods from being damaged due to exposure to excess heat from the surrounding environment. Various additives are included in its primary ingredients so as to alter this property. When it comes to cost of production, polyethylene is very cheap as compared to other forms of cushioning such as rubber. This is because it is manufactured from recycled polymers that are readily available in urban set-up. These are some of the features that make polyethylene the best material for packaging and transportation of goods.  

Next time you need to replace old screens or loosened screens on your door or window frames and then you should ensure that you have the basic procedure for the same in order to avoid making mistakes. You will not only need to replace the screen but also the foam screening spline in case the old one is worn out. First of all, you have to start by removing the old screen from the doorframe. This may require you to unscrew the door from its frame so that you can work on a flat surface. Removal of the screen is basically done by removing the screening spline from its channel on the doorframe. The screen can then be pulled off carefully from the channel after the spline has been removed.

Once the old screen and foam screening spline are removed from the old doorframe, replacements have to be done from a trusted supplier. You may replace your old screen either with the same version or with a completely new type depending on your personal preference. If at all you didn’t know the common types of screens that you should expect once you go shopping, then here is a simplified list for you: outdoor patio screens, transparent advantage screens, solar screens, fiberglass screens and aluminum screens.

Depending on the type of screen that you buy, you can either choose a black or grey colored foam screening spline since they only come in those two colors. The black colored types are best suit for charcoal screens while the grey colored ones are best suit for bright colored screens. You should be very careful about the diameter of screening spline before doing your final shopping. Ensure that you measure the width of channel of your old door accurately using a reliable measuring instrument. You may use a pair of Vanier calipers so as to get the most accurate results.

A foam screening spline is basically meant to fit into the existing groove on the doorframe and hold the screen firmly to the frame. It is expandable hence, it can compress easily into the existing groove. For this reason, you should ensure that you buy a larger diameter than the size of the channel so as to ensure that you get a tight grip at the end of the process. The other tools that you may find important when replacing your old screen include a pair of scissors, cutting knife, screwdrivers and a screening tool. You should consider using a screening tool for the installation of the screening spline for the best results.

Plastic can be molded or machined in order to create plastic components. In many instances, injection molding is not the best choice for the fabrication of plastic products. Plastic Machining is more cost effective for smaller quantities and it has greater design flexibility. In plastic molding, the creation of molds is costly but it is a cost effective way to produce a high volume of plastic components. In Plastic Machining, only certain tools can cut them safely and reliably and it is important to make the right choices for plastic materials so as to prevent waste. There are many applications that can benefit from machined plastic and a design engineer can choose among six common and available materials.

Common materials for machined plastics components

-        Acrylic – is one of the least expensive plastic materials that can be used for aesthetic purposes due to its clarity. Acrylic has the properties of being able to transmit 92% of light and looks as clear as window glass. Acrylic is also fairly hard and scratch resistant but it can suffer from brittle failure and limited chemical resistance to strong solvents. Stress cracking of acrylic can be avoided through proper Plastic Machining.

-        Polycarbonate or Lexan – has strong impact resistance during Plastic Machining. This resistance is different from stress cracking resistance since like other amorphous plastic materials, polycarbonate does not tolerate steady state stress well. Polycarbonate has better chemical resistance than acrylic although it has lower scratch resistance. Since it is slightly softer, it has the toughness that will not suffer from brittle failure.

-        Polysulfone – is plastic that is used for hot liquid applications because it has higher continuous service temperature than polycarbonate and acrylic. This makes polysulfone more expensive however, it has better performance

Important tips in Plastic Machining

When machining plastic, it is important to take into account various factors like the right kind of blade, blade speed, friction, bite-angle, tooth-counts, fume production and pressure. The general rule when working with plastic is to use as little force as possible particularly when working with brittle plastics like acrylic. When cutting plastic, it is essential to feed slowly, avoid friction and side forces and choose the right blade. Once melting starts, you should either slow down or completely stop. If you will allow melting to continue, it will eventually ruin the power tool. Melting also leads to hazardous fumes that can compromise the health of the operator.

Drilling is a process in Plastic Machining where slow to medium speed is used with only a slight downward pressure. The drilling bits should be specifically made for plastic with that shallow bite angle that prevents the drill bit from digging into the plastic material. Once the bit gets stuck, it can bit off a piece of the plastic sheet material. The processes of milling and lathing in Plastic Machining need to follow speed and feed rate guidelines. When making use of a laser cutter, it is important to take into account the effect of laser radius since it can cost secondary material loss outside of the beam area. Fume production is also a concern that has to be considered during laser cutting of plastic material other than acrylic.

One of the most effective methods to advertise a brand name is through the use of Custom Plastic displays. Plastic is easy to cut and fabricate which makes it an ideal material for storeroom displays. Plastic generally has good moisture resistance, high impact resistance and tensile strength. Polystyrene which is one of the most widely used type of plastic offers excellent clarity and stiffness making it a highly desirable material for Custom Plastic displays. Polystyrene is naturally transparent but it can be transformed into a variety of colors through colorants which makes it ideal to be used for jewelry displays, shoe displays, glass display cases and table displays that will enhance customer experience.

Importance of Custom Plastic displays in the commercial industry

The inherent features of plastic that includes ease of cleaning, light weight and durability makes it an efficient and economical choice for commercial industries. Commercial establishments that sell food products well as health care products benefit from the chemical inertness and cleanability of plastic because consumers are ensured of hygienic conditions. Cleanliness and hygiene are two of the most important features that customers look for in food establishments so as to ensure their health and safety. On the other hand, banks, hotels and retail stores that use plastic brochure holders, ad frames, business card displays and literature displays benefit from its characteristics of transparency and durability. Plastic leaflet holders are effective ways to promote goods and services as it offers consumers access to information in an efficient and cost effective manner.  

Creative innovations in Custom Plastic displays

Creative innovations from the plastic industry have led to the design and manufacture of Custom Plastic displays for clothing stores, high-end boutiques, salons and grocery chains. These plastic displays aim to catch the attention of consumers from the most intricate to the most intensive free-standing presentation arrangements.  Custom Plastic displays are essential tools to a business’ sales and marketing strategy because it directs the customer’s attention to the products that are being promoted. Displays have a tangible impact on sales results from people whose purpose in visiting a store is just to window shop. When a product is carefully displayed to show all its attributes and important characteristics, a customer would find it difficult to resist the item. Businesses must always consider the appropriate solutions to achieve the best impact on their targeted audience and this can be achieved through creative and artistic arrangements of products in the Custom Plastic Displays.

Custom Plastic displays in the form of signage

Outdoor signage aims to amplify the brand image of a store and its products. Since plastic is easy to cut and fabricate, it becomes a durable and unique custom plastic signage that will catch the attention of passerby and motorists. A plastic signage in order to be effective as an advertising tool should include the business logo and brand. Although most outdoor advertisements today are high tech like 3D and neon signs, the old-fashioned look for plastic signage still provides the best first impression for the business and maintains its competitive edge.

Different processes are applied to the surface of plastic so as to bind them together and prevent separation. High quality industrial adhesive is known as an effective material bonding material but when used on plastic it is slow to cure. Surface cleaning and joint preparation is essential prior to the application of adhesives in order to ensure bonding. Mechanical fasteners can join two plastic components quickly but they cannot provide a leak tight joint and localized stresses can cause them to pull free from the plastic material. Plastic Welding is used to produce bonded joints with mechanical properties that approach those of the parent material; however, Plastic Welding is limited only to thermoplastic polymers because these materials do not soften when heat is applied.

What is a thermoplastic polymer?

A thermoplastic polymer is a type of plastic that becomes soft when heat is applied and turns into a smooth hard finish when cooled with significant structural strength. In order to meet specific applications, thermoplastic polymer can be mixed with other components like plasticizers that will keep the material flexible even at very low temperature. Thermoplastic polymers can be heated and cooled repeatedly which make them an ideal material for Plastic Welding.

Plastic Welding processes

Ultrasonic welding – is a method of Plastic Welding that makes use of high frequency mechanical vibrations to form a joint. The parts are assembled and held together under pressure between the oscillating horn and immobile anvil before it is subjected to ultrasonic vibrations of frequency up to 20 to 40 KHz at right angles to the contact area. A good quality weld is generated from alternating frequency stresses at the joint interface. However, the drawback of this type of Plastic Welding is its expensive price which makes it applicable to large volume production runs so that the investment can be recovered.

Friction welding – is based on the principle used when welding metals where one of the substrates is fixed while the other is rotated with a controlled angular velocity. When the parts are pressed together, frictional heat causes the polymers to heat and a weld is created when cooled. The advantages of friction welding are high quality weld and the simplicity and reproducibility of the Plastic Welding process. However, friction welding is only suitable for applications in which one of the components is circular and requires no angular alignment.

Vibration welding – is also called as linear friction welding wherein two thermoplastic parts are rubbed together under pressure and at a suitable frequency and amplitude until enough heat is generated to melt the polymer. After the vibrations are stopped the parts are aligned and the molten polymer is allowed to solidify to create a strong weld. This Plastic Welding process can weld a number of components simultaneously with simplicity of tooling that is suitable for applications in the automobile and appliance industry.

Hot plate welding – is the simplest welding process for mass production. A heated plate is clamped between the surfaces to be joined until they soften. When the plate is withdrawn the surfaces are brought together under controlled pressure for a specific period. The fused surfaces are allowed to cool to form a weld.

Industries today rely heavily on precision sheet metal fabrication processes for their products that include tanks, ventilation systems, hoods, cabinets and storage systems. The needs of industries vary yet the same common techniques are used in precision sheet metal fabrication so that sheet metal can be formed into various shapes and designs. Precision sheet metal fabrication relies on advanced technology of computer numerical control (CNC) machines and CAD/CAM software to achieve the exact specifications required by the customer.

CNC machines in precision sheet metal fabrication

CNC machines are computers that are programmed to perform specific tasks according to the exact specifications of the customer without high capital expenditure on dies and stamping processes. CNC machines have gained popularity due to their ability to produce precise parts while reducing the cost of labor. High volume production is not required in order to justify the use of the CNC machines since it can range from as little as 10 sets to as much as 100 sets. In the CNC machine, tooling is mounted on a turret that is mounted on the upper part of the press which has a range of capacity from 10 tons to 100 tons.

A turret lathe is used for repetitive production of duplicated parts in precision sheet metal fabrication. It allows for multiple cutting operations to be performed in easy rapid succession without the need for the operator to set up tasks in between operations or control the tool path. The turret travels on lead screws and computer controlled as they travel on the x and y direction. Alternatively the work piece travels on the lead screws and move relative to the fixed turret. The tooling is located over the sheet metal, the punch is activated and performs the required operation after which the turret is indexed to the next location on the work piece. After the first stage of operation is completed wherein the tooling is deployed over the entire work piece, the second stage is rotated into place and the process is repeated until all the tooling positions of the turret has been deployed.

Advantages of the turret lathe in precision sheet metal fabrication

-        The use of the turret lathe provides for more flexibility because it can produce many different configurations of parts due to the modular nature of the tooling that is employed. In certain circumstances when the punches and dies are already available, they can be mixed and matched to create different configurations.

-        Since most of the tooling is already available the lead time in creating tooling is reduced or totally non-existent. After the CNC machine has been programmed, all that needs to be done is schedule the work order in production.

-        Depending on the complexities of parts required, quantities can be economically made into thousands with simple outer contours and normal size holes. However, when the required parts are complex and involve irregular outer contours and large holes, a longer cycle time might be required and a dedicated tooling can be justified in small production runs.

A broad range of fabrication equipment and capabilities are provided for industries and their applications through advanced technology in precision sheet metal fabrication.

The accuracy resulting from the process of custom metal fabrication Toronto is critical to many industries that require precise gauges and instruments like the aerospace industry. Accuracy and precision must be achieved in the navigational systems, landing gears, aircraft engines and instrument panels. In the medical industry, surgical instruments and devices require extreme accuracy since any failure can compromise human life. These important devices would not be possible without custom metal fabrication Toronto that specializes in the various processes of cutting, stamping, forming, welding and finishing.

Importance of advanced technology in custom metal fabrication

Advanced technology in custom metal fabrication Toronto means the improvement of processes and products through innovative and cutting edge technology so that it will remain competitive in the industry. Advanced technology when applied to custom metal fabrication improves techniques in product design and production to add value to the manufacturing sector. Innovative products are produced that ensures reliability and affordability. In custom metal fabrication Toronto, advanced technology is found in laser and plasma cutting, CNC metal bending and automated welding services that can create custom subassemblies of piping, plates and structural parts.

Laser and plasma cutting in custom metal fabrication Toronto

Laser cutting is advanced technology used in cutting metal from flat sheet materials to structural and piping metals. Laser cuts the material by melting, burning or blowing it away in a process of simulated emission manifested in the form of a low divergence beam that can be manipulated with various reflective surfaces. Precision in laser cutting is higher than that of typical industrial cutting tools because it creates cleaner, burr-free cuts with quicker production time and minimal operator intervention.

The popularity of plasma cutting in custom metal fabrication grew due to its ability to contour cuts steel plates with the highest speed in the industry. Plasma cutting is the best process to improve productivity inasmuch as it reduces cost by increasing the life of the consumables parts in the torch and by improving the cut edge angularity while minimizing dross formation. The platform of the plasma torch relies on CNC that controls torch motion.

Automation in the welding process

Welding is the process of joining materials during product assembly. The type of welding used is usually dependent upon part materials, joint strength, leak tight requirements and other customer requirements. Ultrasonic welding is widely used for both metal and plastic applications wherein precision is required like in medical devices. The process involves high frequency sound waves and pressure to bond metals together with less energy than conventional welding. Conventional welding usually requires heating other metals as a bonding agent like lead solder in electrical connections. An open flame should reach high temperature to melt metal surfaces together which can be an expensive manufacturing process.

Resistance welding is used in metal to metal joining applications where weld integrity must be validated. Laser welding is primarily employed in custom metal fabrication Toronto and precision metal fabrication for metal joining operations. This is an electromechanical process used to assemble metallic parts without the need for consumables like brazing materials, solder or welding rods.   

The elevator control system is the most vital part of any elevator and it needs to be well maintained if it is to give you good service over a long period of time. The elevator controls are often handled by elevator users in quite a rough fashion as it a result of which it is only but natural for these to get damaged sooner than usual. There are some useful tips which you can consider in order to be able to repair and maintain such a control system in a successful manner.

Dust on a Regular Basis

The elevator control system is one that has to be dusted on a regular basis. You need to do this for at least two to three times in a week. By dusting the control system on a frequent basis you will be able to prevent dirt particles from settling on it too often.

Never Allow System to Contract Water

You need to ensure that the control system does not ever come into contact with water. If it does then the control system will be permanently damaged. You will not be able to get it repaired. You will have to buy a new one in place of it.

Handle as Gently as Possible

The control system of an elevator should always be handled in a gentle manner rather than with a lot of force. If you have children in your home or building then you need to tell them not to fiddle with the elevator controls and let adults handle them instead.

Sign up for Professional Maintenance Services

There are good professional repair services which you can sign up for in order to make sure that your elevator control system keeps functioning well for a long time to come. The repair professionals for elevators will make it a point to visit your building on a regular basis and see if the elevator is working fine. There are times, particularly in cases of an emergency, when you can get these professionals to come over in the weekend as well and take a look at your elevator. There are usually no additional charges that you have to pay for this.

Use Elevator on a Frequent Basis

You need to ensure that the elevator in your home is used on a regular basis if you want the elevator control system to be working well for a good number of years. If the elevator is completely unused then the control system might just become weak from disuse.

Lubricate the Control System Often

You can consider the idea of keeping the elevator control system lubricated in order to be able to operate it in a flexible manner. There are specific lubricants available for sale online and elsewhere for this purpose. These are not too expensive to buy and are a good investment to make.

Thus, there are quite a few tips which you need to keep in mind when it comes to maintenance and repair of your elevator control system.