At Fortaps, we specialise mainly in the manufacture of ferrule, end caps and adjustable feet. This includes a diversity of ferrule alternatives, which allows each customer, depending on their sector, to have access to a product that meets their needs and objectives. On this occasion, we will talk in particular about the resistance and durability of outdoor ferrule and the characteristics that they must meet in order to be placed in outdoor environments.
Functions of outdoor ferrule
Outdoor ferrule have a variety of uses. Nowadays, as a consequence of the benefits they offer, plastic ferrule are becoming more and more common in outdoor applications. As for their applications, they can be found on traffic signs as well as on fence posts. They can also be found on billboards, among other diverse alternatives.
Among their different uses, we can highlight that the main purpose of the ferrule we manufacture at Fortaps is to act as plugs to protect metal pipes from corrosion. In this way, they prevent excessive wear that could affect their useful life. At the same time, they prevent cuts, injuries or accidents that people may suffer from contact.
The characteristics that outdoor ferrule must meet
Understanding the above mentioned, there are certain characteristics that the ferrule must fulfil in order to be able to develop their role. These characteristics, which are fulfilled by the Fortaps’ ferrule, are the following:
Correct fit and support
The first thing that the ferrule must comply with for their placement in outdoor installations is to have a good adaptation and fastening to the tube or pole on which they are going to be placed. Otherwise, the ferrule may end up moving, coming off or breaking.
To provide an answer to this, Fortaps, thanks to our more than 25 years of experience in the design of injection moulds, allows us to manufacture ferrule that are conceived, down to the last detail, to be able to fulfil their function properly. This includes their attachment to pipes or poles.
One thing we at Fortaps do in this regard is to incorporate flexible fins and inner ribs. In this way, we make sure that the ferrule are perfectly fixed to the tube.
Resistant material
We have previously discussed that outdoor ferrule must be able to protect pipes and poles from corrosion generated by environmental agents. In this sense, the second characteristic that all good outdoor ferrule must meet is to be resistant to weathering, even in extreme climates.
To achieve this, Fortaps injects our ferrule only in high quality virgin materials, especially low density polyethylene (PELD). The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of this material are certified for outdoor use, even in areas with extreme climatic conditions. What you get, then, is a plastic that does not shrink or expand, while at the same time it does not crack, which could make it brittle.
Despite the above, for installations that are placed in areas with really extreme climates, at Fortaps we are able to manufacture ferrule by adding a photo-stabilizing anti-UV additive that is specially designed to prevent the photo degradation of the plastic. It is also important to highlight the sustainability of Fortaps polyethylene, which comes from two different and complementary points such as the work processes with minimal energy consumption machinery and the material.
Quality dye
Finally, when we talk about quality dye, in the case of ferrule placed outdoors, we are referring to a dye that does not weaken the physical structure of the plastic.
Dyes are used because the virgin polyethylene used in these installations is a naturally translucent material. Therefore, it must be dyed in order to increase the material’s resistance to light.
At Fortaps we use pigments in the form of polyethylene-based master batches. This type of pigment allows us to ensure mass dyeing.
The design of Fortaps’ ferrule
Now that we have seen the characteristics that outdoor ferrule must meet, we want to tell you how Fortaps ferrule are designed. They are the result of a three-phase process: design, manufacturing and material selection.
These phases can be found in the tube dimensions, whether they are used for aluminum, steel or galvanized tubes (80×40, 40, 40, 50 or 60 mm, among others), or in other less frequent options (150×50, 100×50, 130, 140 and 150 mm).
In view of the above, we can highlight that the ferrule that we manufacture at Fortaps are perfectly adapted to outdoor installations. They are capable of protecting pipes made of different materials, even in areas with extreme weather conditions. If you need outdoor ferrule, do not hesitate, contact us.
