Climatech - insulgen

When fixing insulation boards, sheets, lagging, blocks, mattresses, blankets, quilts, etc..., it is very important that a good mechanical joint is made with the surface to be insulated. Sometimes glue is used but there is a risk that the insulation media will delaminate and the resulting damage will reduce its effectiveness or cause condensation.
Consequently fastening systems which cater for various thickness and give a proper mechanical relationship between the insulated surface and the external face of the insulation are essential.
These more desirable systems normally consist of pins which pass through the insulation media and are fixed to the insulated surface by welding, rivetting, or by adhesives. Usually the insulation is held in place by a fastening clip or locking washer. This washer is of sufficient diameter to give a strong joint and to provide a bearing surface to spread the load so as not to damage the vapour barrier or retardant.
Whichever mechanical system is used it is important that they are positioned for best effect.
Around the edges of the insulation where the risk of delamination is more likely there should be more fixings. Other fixings should be distributed uniformly over the rest of the surface to comply with standards or to meet manufacturers recommendations or guidelines.
The Clim range of mechanical insulation fastening systems from Climatech offers the standard types to suit whichever application you prefer. Characteristics of each type are as follows.

These are easy to use and handle, ideal for site assembly and require no tools or machines. Suitable for steel or other smooth surfaces which should be clean and dry, free of dust, grease, oil or any other loose matter. Simply remove the release paper backing, place on the surface and impale the insulation over the pin. The locking clip/washer is then pressed on to the pin to complete the final mechanical joint. Bonding takes place immediately but full strength adherence is achieved after 24 hours.

System consists of a portable resistance welding gun used with compatible welding pins. This arragement is ideal for thin steel sheet although it requires a modest investment in the machine the pins are inexpensive. Simply place the pin in the magnetised tip of the welding gun. Adjust the timer to suit the metal thickness. Press the pin on the steel sheet and depress the trigger switch to perform the weld. Impale the insulation over the pin and then add the locking clip/washer to provide the finished mechanical joint.

Ideal for site use when insulating rough, irregular or porous surfaces. The perforated hanger base can be fixed by gluing, rivetting, screwing or even nailing. Use with the Neoprene adhesive allows for any surface irregularities to be smoothed. Surfaces should be clean and dry, free of dust, grease, oil or any other loose matter when using the adhesive. Fix the base in position, allowing 5 minutes for the glue to cure sufficiently to impale the insulation. Full strength adherence is achieved after 24 hours. Finally the locking clip/washer is placed on the pin to give a mechanical fixing. Again this is an economical method requiring no investment in tools or machines.

These systems give good high quality weld utilising either resistance welding or capacitance discharge techniques.
The FDF resistance system transforms power to produce a perfectly strong weld on sheet metal of various thicknesses. Sometimes there is a mark on the reverse of the sheet, typical of this type of "spot" welding. The machine is mounted on wheels making it mobile but the limitations of cable lengths make it more suitable for workshop use. Generally a heavier duty machine and welds.
The CDF capacitance discharge system has a simple and various voltage control which gives an "arc" weld without heat discolouration of the sheet. The machine is mobile and long cable lengths means they are more suitable for use on site. A lighter duty machine and welds.
Both systems utilise weldfasteners with the locking clip/washer already heading the pin so a mechanical joint is made by a single operation. Care is needed to correctly set up the machines for optimum operation whichever system is chosen. Although there is an investment in the welders the speed, quality, convenience and low cost of fasteners make these systems economical for volume insulation.