In the never-ending search to achieve the perfect alignment for your hook and loop fastening application, a mated solution can provide advantages and benefits over the option of un-mated fastening components.
Generally speaking, a “mated” fastener consists of two parts – the hook and the loop – which are precisely aligned and pressed together forming a single unit prior to their application to the two surfaces that are being affixed. Mated fasteners are available as circles, strips, kiss cut on a roll, as separate cut pieces or as multiple-piece pads.
There are many hook and loop constructions available to match a designer’s engineering specs. Regardless of which one is determined to be the right choice, the use of a mated fastener configuration offers an outstanding way to reduce labor needed for assembly, improve efficiency of construction, and of course, achieve the most accurate alignment.
For example, to perfectly align the mated hook and loop part on an envelope, expose the adhesive on one side of the mated part and apply it to the envelope. Next, simply expose the adhesive on the second side, and fold the flap down on the adhesive to achieve perfect alignment!
Gleicher specializes in mated solutions. We can cut circles, strips, shapes of hook and/or loop parts in a roll, individual pieces or multiple-piece pads. Applications for mated hook and loop fasteners include presentation folders, sample cards, general industrial, medical devices, direct mail, point of purchase, and many more.
When it comes to the reclosable fastener itself, the strength of the bond depends on how well the hooks embed in the loops, how much surface area is in contact with the hooks, and the nature of the force pulling it apart. If hook and loop is used to bond two rigid surfaces, the bond is particularly strong because any force pulling the pieces apart is spread evenly across all hooks. Also, any force pushing the pieces together is disproportionately applied to engaging more hooks and loops.
Among some other important points to consider are where the product will be used – inside or outside. If the use is an exterior one, environmental considerations should include temperature range and moisture. Then, there is the question of what the mated fastener is being adhered to. Is the material metal, wood, plastic, or glass? Are the material surfaces the same or are they different? And finally, who will be assembling it? If your product is for consumers and assembled by the end user, that is something else to consider.
To get the answers to these questions and determine how a mated fastener solution can benefit you, it is important to review manufacturing design requirements early in your project (dimensions, tolerances, process, etc.) with an experienced converter like Gleicher.
And as industry leaders, Gleicher offers exclusive slitting and converting capabilities that produce reclosable fastening solutions for assembly and manufacturing that are more assembly-efficient and cost-effective.
If you have questions about mated fasters and would like to speak with one of our specialists about a mated fastening solution, please do not hesitate to call us at 800-233-2211 or email sales@gleicher.com.
