Ribbed for multiple uses
At Fortaps, we have an increasing number of customers in the photovoltaic sector who are demanding the manufacture of our ferrules. This is because we are a company with more than 25 years of experience in the technical plastic injection sector, having developed as an international company and with the aim of obtaining the highest quality and excellence in our products. Today we will talk about ferrules in photovoltaic plant structures.
In addition, we have extensive experience in the installation of solar panels, as it aligns with our commitment to the environment and our environmental management system.
Components of photovoltaic systems
In order to function properly, photovoltaic systems have components of high technological value. These range from the wiring system to inverters, photovoltaic modules, batteries and monitoring systems, among others.
However, the fact remains that the whole of this technological value rests on a metal structure which acts as a load-bearing structure. The elements of this metal structure must, for their part, meet and correspond to the same requirements.
Taking this into account, both manufacturers and installers of photovoltaic panels are currently undergoing a major development due to the trend towards sustainability. Therefore, they are offering larger and more numerous installations.
The most important of these are the “solar gardens“, which have metal tube supporting structures that need to withstand the elements: gusts of rain and wind, extreme temperatures that may occur in the area where they are installed, etc.
Installation of the solar panel supports
In order to function properly, solar panel mounts tend to be anchored to the ground using large metal tube structures, i.e. 100, 120, 140 and 200 mm. This is to avoid some common and detrimental effects such as galloping or fluttering.
Fluttering is the aeroelastic instability generated by the wind and is characterised by large amplitude oscillations in structures. This, in turn, ends up producing a movement that can end up causing problems. Thus, the structures and the supported photovoltaic panels can be affected and end up “flying”.
At Fortaps, with our experience, we are well aware of this effect and how detrimental it can be to structures and facilities in general. We know this because our facilities are located adjacent to an airport. This means that they are in areas that are not very sheltered from the wind, as there are no tall buildings around them. That is why the solar roof of our manufacturing plant has been designed according to a casuistry that consists of a photovoltaic self-consumption installation, such as the one we realised with Wingreen mounted with a customised type of structure.
Fortaps ferrules to protect metal tubes in photovoltaic plant structures
Understanding the above aspects, manufacturers and installers are increasingly looking for effective tools to protect metal tube ends from the negative effects of moisture and corrosion caused by climatic exposure.
Faced with the need for these companies to protect metal tubes and thus guarantee the safety of supporting structures, installers are increasingly relying on Fortaps and the ferrules that we manufacture in-house.
Why use ferrules to protect metal tubes and structures in photovoltaic plant structures?
In order to understand this better, it is necessary to refer to the purpose of the ferrules. They ultimately aim to reduce the execution time of the structures, as well as the costs involved. This, without losing sight of the strict compliance with safety requirements.
In addition, the ferrules that we manufacture at Fortaps are characterised by their reliability, being able to replace the metal plates and caps that are welded to the end of the tubes.
Finally, these ferrules are manufactured from certified virgin materials and are highly weather-resistant for use in open spaces. They are resistant to environmental corrosion and also to the negative effects of UV exposure. All this has an impact on the durability and service life of the overall installation.
Solutions for the photovoltaic sector by Fortaps
In view of the above-mentioned aspects, we at Fortaps respond to the demands of customers in the photovoltaic sector by developing ferrules for special metal profiles. Here we include specialised ferrules that can be branded with the logo and company colours of the individual customer, in order to achieve a structure that reflects the personality of the brand.
To achieve this, at Fortaps we constantly work in collaboration between our technical department and the technical department of each individual customer. On our website you can find all the information you need to know about how our ferrules work and the benefits they can bring you.
Ribbed for multiple uses
At Fortaps, we are specialized manufacturers of ferrules, stops, and leveling feet, among other products. However, among them, rectangular ferrules are one of our most outstanding products.
In this blog article, we will explain what our wide range of ferrules consists of, in terms of size, including custom manufacturing, and features in order to meet all market needs.
Features of Fortaps Rectangular ferrules
First of all, we should begin by explaining what a ferrule is. Ferrules are pieces that are intended to extend the life of objects in which they are inserted, such as furniture, but also serve as protection for those elements placed outdoors. Thus, indoors they are used with furniture whose feet are metal tubes, whether they are chairs, tables or similar, while outdoors they can be:
- Fence posts.
- Fences and enclosures.
- Road signs, such as traffic signals, horizontal and temporary signs, safety rails or toll gantries.
- Sports equipment, such as goals, bleachers and locker rooms.
To meet all these purposes, the Fortaps catalog has a total of 120 references. All of them are available in both black and white, with identical conditions and prices.
To know all the references and the characteristics of each one of them, you can access from our website to the section of Fortaps rectangular ferrules.
The Fortaps virtual assistant is available to the public for a quick and efficient search for the right ferrule you need. Telephone assistance is also available.
Fortaps ferrules manufacturing process and materials
In 1996, we opened our company as a manufacturer of ferrules and since then we have been expanding our experience and our portfolio of customers, which now totals more than 8,000.
For them, we personally take care of the manufacturing of their orders, always within our facilities, to ensure that we maintain the appropriate quality standards that we always work with, in addition to compliance with the laws in force.
We have an exhaustive control in the manufacturing process, we even design and manufacture our own molds with calibrated steels. Our vision has led us to the need to orient our processes to continuous improvement. We apply the latest technologies in computerized mechanization and automation.
The materials used are low-density polyethylene or PELD, which is virgin, recyclable, reusable and 100% clean. In addition to its low environmental impact, it is able to withstand adverse weather conditions, whether temperature, rain or humidity. Hence, one of its main uses is for traffic signs and signage.
When it comes to manufacturing rectangular ferrules and their incorporated sizes, we are guided by the demand of our customers. In this way, we can ensure that we always have available stock of the parts they need for their usual consumption.
Inventory management and shipping
One of the main advantages that we offer to Fortaps customers who require rectangular ferrules, is that they do not need to invest in space for the storage of their parts, since we are the ones who take care of this part of the chain. In this way, they also save the investment and time involved in stock management.
Those who benefit from this system is not only the face-to-face trade, but it is also an interesting proposal for e-commerce and dropshipping. When our customers need a new order of their rectangular ferrules, it is not necessary to wait for their manufacture, since, as we have indicated, we always keep available stocks of the most demanded pieces.
Once an order is confirmed, the stock is ready for shipment, so delivery takes place within 24 hours in Spain, provided the order is placed before noon, and between 48 and 72 hours for the rest of Europe.
If you wish to place an order for rectangular ferrules with Fortaps and you are not sure which sizes you need, you can consult the detailed technical information with a 3D model and a supporting .igs file in each technical data sheet on our website.
And if you need more information, just contact Fortaps. We will be happy to answer your request or answer any questions you may have.
Ribbed for multiple uses
Ribbed inserts in hotel furniture are of vital importance, as, even though these are spaces where there is a high influx of people, it is necessary to maintain a climate of calm and harmony. This is achieved by these small parts, but do you know all its features?
What are the uses of hotel furniture ribbed inserts?
To understand the importance of ribbed inserts in hotel furniture, we must pay attention to the utilities or benefits that they have or, in other words, the benefits to be gained from its placement. Let’s look at them below:
Minimising noise
A hotel includes different spaces that go beyond the rooms, as its purpose also includes events of various kinds and not only accommodation. For example, we cand find bars and restaurants, reception room, conference and training rooms, etcetera.
In all these spaces, to be able to pay attention to the activity and to improve the quality of the environment, ribbed inserts on hotel furniture contribute to the reduction of noise when chairs or tables are being dragged.
On the other hand, you should pay attention to type of material used in the soil. In these rooms, tiles are often used for hygiene reasons, which results in high noise levels and impairs acoustics. In these cases, the material must be adapted to achieve the desired result, such as rubber. It reduces noise and rubber has anti-skid properties.
At FORTAPS, we use virgin rubber, due to it offers an extra advantage, it does not leave marks on the floor.
In the case of other materials, like wood, suitable material would be low density polyethylene, it makes it easier for the furniture to slide without noise or scratches.
Increase durability
The influx of people in a hotel is high and this means a continuous wear and tear on all the elements available to the hotel. In order to extend its lifetime and avoid new investment, ribbed inserts keep the base in good conditions.
But that’s not all, when virgin materials are used for the production in FORTAPS; guarantee offered with regard to wear, and tear is higher. Another plus point is that when they are made of good quality, they are always kept in the same place when furniture is moved; even when they are bulky and heavy, such as beds and bunk beds.
Better hygiene
The use of virgin materials has another added benefit for the use of ribbed inserts in hotel furniture; the static electricity they produce is very low. It means that the amount of dust and dirt will accumulate is less than with other materials. Not only cleaning is facilitated, but the space is kept at a higher level of hygiene for a longer period of time.
Versatility
Finally, hotel furniture ribbed inserts offer different possibilities for use in the hotel industry, as they are suitable for all types of materials and purposes. For example, made of wood or metal, or for parts that go indoors or outdoors.
At FORTAPS, we are specialists in the manufacture of ribbed inserts and we know how to identify the needs that are required in each space. We also offer advice on the choice of ribbed inserts for hotel furniture, because, thanks to our long experience, we can see beyond the aesthetics or the main use of the product and we can cover all the problems that can arise from choosing the wrong ribbed inserts. Contact us for more information.
Ribbed for multiple uses
Ribbed inserts are those pieces that are placed in the lower part of the furniture to reduce the acoustic nuisance caused by its displacement, as well as to improve its conservation. Their use is very extensive and covers any type of space, from private to public. On this occasion, we focus on school ribbed inserts and the aspects that should be considered when choosing them.
The importance of school ribbed inserts
Ribbed inserts for schools and educational centres are intended for use in different spaces, and not only in classrooms. The aim is to create a climate that combines discipline with spontaneity, but in order to maintain a respectful and peaceful environment, controlling the noise produced by the furniture is essential for this purpose.
In addition to the classroom, this need is increased in spaces such as libraries and study rooms. Noise from the shuffling of chairs and tables can be enough to cause discomfort and deconcentrate students, at the same time breaking the harmony that characterises them.
Other places where school ribbed inserts are practical are the spaces with a high influx of people, such as school canteens or school coffee shops. In both, the movement is constant, as are the inputs and outputs.
How to choose school ribbed inserts?
In all of the above-mentioned locations, school ribbed inserts reduce the noise generated by furniture dragging, it can be very high as minors do not have the awareness of adults. Moreover, due to furniture is in constant use, it is interesting to increase its lifetime; so that they last longer and in good condition.
Thirdly, all areas of educational establishments become dirty quickly, but thanks to virgin materials that can be used in the manufacture of ribbed inserts, dust and dirt accumulation on furniture are reduced.
However, how to choose the right school ribbed inserts? You must pay attention to the following aspects:
Noise level
As we have mentioned, each area of a school or educational establishment has its own needs. The level of silence required in a library is not the same as that required in a canteen. It is important to be able to assess specific needs, so that the school ribbed inserts that are chosen meet the expectations and are suitable for these needs.
Type of ground
The second factor to consider when choosing the ribbed inserts is the type of floor in each space. There are notable differences between tile or wooden floors, for example; not only in the level of noise they can generate, it also depends on the damage the furniture can cause.
Another common type of paving in schools is the linóleum, which is not only environmentally friendly and antibacterial, but also dust and static electricity repellent. The latter is a feature that is also shared by ribbed inserts made from virgin materials., such as those produced at FORTAPS. Depending on the type of floor, the part that best suits your requirements will be chosen.
Durability of furniture
The third aspect we mentioned at the beginning is the importance of extending the lifetime or durability of the furniture. However, in order to be able to adjust to these three factors and achieve the expected results, it is necessary to have manufacturers specialised in the production of ribbed inserts.
At FORTAPS, we have been working with this product for more than two decades for different sectors and we adapt to each client’s needs. We hope that you have learned more about the features of the recommended school ribbed inserts. For more information for your school, here you can find different ways to contact us.
Ribbed for multiple uses
Every home, there is a sound that anyone can be familiar with, it is the sound of furniture dragging on the floor. As well as being annoying, it damages the underside of those, but fortunately there is a solution: anti-noise ear tips or anti-noise ear plugs. If you don’t know them, we tell you their features!
¿What are ribbed inserts and anti-noise caps?
Ribbed inserts or anti-noise caps are small parts which are manufactured of plastic or rubber. These are used to cover the underside of furniture, especially tables and chairs, as they are light and can be easily rolled.
There are different types, considering its form, can be round, square or rectangular, and also vary in the material of the furniture or the surface for which they are intended. Needs of each are variable, since, to give an example, a parquet floor is not the same as a ceramic tile.
In any case, ribbed inserts and caps have three purposes: avoid leaving scratches on the floor, which is particularly important in tubular metal furniture; protecting furniture legs against frictional wear and, thirdly, to reduce noise when moving them. That way, there are specific anti-noise ribbed inserts and caps for this purpose.
Features of ribbed inserts and anti-noise caps for furniture
Anti-noise ribbed inserts, also known as as anti-noise caps, must comply, therefore, with a number of features to make them suitable.
Adaptation to type of floor
As we already mentioned when we talked about scratches on the floor, anti-noise ribbed inserts must be adapted to the type of pavement on which they are to be used. In addition to the types mentioned, also the hardness of anti-noise caps varies.
Fit to furniture
In addition to valuing the floor, you must look at the legs of the furniture. To ensure that ribbed inserts and caps are effective, it is imperative that they are firmly aligned with those. If they are larger than the legs, it will be impossible to adjust them, and if they are too small, they will not be able to fulfil their tasks. The material it is made of is also relevant.
Resistance
If it is a piece of furniture that is continually in motion, such as meeting rooms in an office or in the hotel and catering industry, anti-noise caps will face a more pronounced tear than if they were noise protection plugs for a dwelling.
This means that you will have to consider the level of use that the furniture will be put to when choosing a particular hardness of table and chair end caps. One of the most resistant is polyethylene, which can be either high or low density.
Aesthetics in accordance with the space
Although the purpose of the anti-noise caps is not aesthetical, the piece is visible and depending on the colours of the furniture and from the floor, it will be more or less conspicuous. This means that in addition to its effectiveness with noise, you should also choose a model that does not clash with the furniture, in terms of aesthetics and maintenance of the decorative style. For this purpose, it is recommended to choose colours that match the colours of the furniture.
If you are looking for anti-noise ribbed inserts or anti-noise caps, we invite you to take a look at the products from FORTAPS. We have a long history in the sector and we adapt to all needs. You can check our catalogue or contact us for more information.
Ribbed for multiple uses
Natural rubber is the one that is extracted from the latex produced by certain plants, commonly known as rubber trees. Its processing has been carried out for centuries, and it is an ecological process, so much so that even today rubber is considered a 100% ecological material, being the only natural rubber on the market.
What is rubber?
Rubber derives from the processing of latex, which is obtained by sectioning the bark of a typical Amazon tree, the Hevea brasiliensis. It is an elastomer, that is, a polymeric material of natural or synthetic origin that is characterized by its great elasticity. This last quality consists of the ability to significantly deform when an external force is applied and return to its original shape.
Currently, much of the use of natural rubber has been replaced by synthetic rubbers, produced through industrial processes that allow products to be manufactured with the same performance, but at a much lower cost.
History of natural rubber
Production was, for years, the only prerogative of the Amazon basin, source of so much wealth, and this was one of the reasons why many Europeans speculated with Brazilian plantations.
Natural rubber was already known in Europe in the mid-19th century, but it only came from plantations in South America. Plantations were not started until the 20th century also in Southeast Asia, where the humid climate was favourable.
The invention of vulcanization, which is usually attributed to the American Charles Goodyear and dates to 1844, helped spread its use. In fact, latex is unusable without this process because:
- It is sticky when exposed to the sun and breaks down at high temperatures.
- It is very brittle at low temperatures.
- Turns brown and coagulates when stored in air.
Thus, until a few decades ago, it was the only rubbery and elastic material on the market.
Liquid rubber processing
After harvesting, the liquid rubber is filtered, diluted with water and mixed with a series of substances to improve mechanical and abrasion resistance, in particular carbon black (which is why the colour of rubber products is usually black) . If black colour is to be avoided, white additives such as precipitated silica, clay or precipitated gypsum are used.
These chemical treatments modify its structure, making it resistant and elastic, since it is initially a material that is very sensitive both to changes in temperature and to light:
- Softens with heat.
- Hardens in the cold.
- Colour changes when exposed to direct light.
Vulcanization
To stabilize natural rubber and make it more resistant, a process called sulphur vulcanization is carried out, a process introduced in 1840 and that we use in the manufacture of our rubber ferrules.
The processing costs of natural rubber are high, which is why, over the years, the consumer products industry has increasingly chosen to use synthetic rubber as an environmentally friendly substitute for natural rubber.
However, we must not forget that synthetic rubbers are made from petroleum and are not environmentally friendly. In contrast, rubber is a completely biodegradable natural material at the end of its life cycle.
Biodegradable rubber
Natural latex is itself biodegradable and safe for the environment, but the substances it is treated with, such as ammonia, tetramethyl disulphide and zinc oxide, as a preservative against bacterial spoilage, make it difficult to recycle.
In fact, wastewater treatment plant operators report that latex is one of many harmful materials that are not affected by the biological treatment system.
Therefore, the resulting products are difficult to recycle. Now, no technique has been found to reuse it while preserving all its qualities. However, it can be used to make fewer elastic products with lower purity requirements. For example, flexible end caps made from recycled bitumen are more flexible at low temperatures and more resistant at high temperatures than normal bitumen.
In addition, it can also be used as fuel in cement factories and in some thermal power plants, and the “powder” made from recycled rubber granules. Among which the tires used, are applied to improve the appearance, flexibility, and stability of artificial grass sports fields.
At FORTAPS we use vulcanized rubber that gives our ferrules that characteristic black color. In addition, we make the customized pieces, in the same way that we do with the plastic caps. Consult our catalogue, and you will be able to choose the most suitable ferrules for your product. And do not hesitate to contact us for any query or clarification.
