The universe of VELCRO® Brand hook and loop choices is so extensive, it’s not unusual for customers to turn to us for answers to even the most seemingly straightforward fastening questions. At Gleicher, whether we recommend and convert a molded, woven, or knit fastener, every query is treated with the same level of attention and importance. We listen closely to our customers and ask questions that will get to the right fastening solution.
Getting there depends on the who, what, when, where, and why (The Five W’s) of your specific application. Here is a quick look at some of the basic questions that get our conversation with you started.
THE WHO: Will it be applied by someone involved in the manufacturing process of the part or product? Will it be a manual or mechanical application of the fastener? Will there be an end user who interacts directly with the fastener?
THE WHAT: The focus is on the purpose of the closure and its functionality in making the product perform properly. For example, will the fastener be concealed and used to permanently attach an access panel in an industrial application? Or will it be used to secure the cables inside a medical device? Are there compliance and regulatory standards to be met?
THE WHEN: First, the application. At what point in the manufacturing process will the fastener be applied? Second, the use. What is the length of time the fastener is projected to be in use? Days? Weeks? Months? Years?
THE WHERE: Inside or outside? That is a good question to start with. What about environmental conditions? Vibration, high temperatures, moisture, and humidity all have considerable influence on closure performance. And then there is the question of the materials being fastened. The same? Or dissimilar, like glass and plastic? Rigid or flexible?
THE WHY: Is the fastening solution a substitute for screw attachment? Is it to protect the contents of a package or streamline a manufacturing process and increase production.
These are just a few of the many questions that lead to the right fastening solutions. Let’s take a brief look at a few of the different types of closures that make up the VELCRO® Brand catalog of woven, knitted, and molded fastener solutions.
VELCRO® Brand Molded Hook Tape is made from a continuous injection molding process. When engaged with a mating nylon (or polyester) loop tape, it can offer superior strength over traditional woven hook. There are several attachment choices, including sew on pressure sensitive adhesives, heat activation, solvent activation, and others.
VELCRO® Brand Woven Nylon Hook and Loop Tapes offer a variety of hook options including heavy to lighter duty and maximum to low cycle (opening and closing). Although nylon is the most common, VELCRO® Brand Woven Hook and Loop Tapes are also made from polyester, Nomex®, and steel.
VELCRO® Brand Knitted Loop Fabrics are made from nylon. They are ideally suited for applications requiring high softness and variable cycle life in a wide range of industries. These types of fabrics provide infinite engagement possibilities. They are compatible with woven hook and mushroom tapes as well as High Technology Hook tapes, and suitable for many applications where strong to low bonding is required.
Low Profile VELCRO ® Brand Hook and Loop offer a fastener that is up to 50% thinner than traditional hook and loop tape. For example, a Hook 830 (the bristly side) and Loop 3610 (the soft side) Closure System offers a low-profile closure, eliminating the bulkiness associated with a more traditional hook and woven loop systems. When the hook and loop are mated together, this system offers a strong engagement and is thinner than traditional hook and loop. It is ideal for applications where concealing the fastener is required.
We have only begun to scratch the surface of the questions and the countless fasteners available.
To find the right VELCRO® Brand Hook and Loop Fastener for your application, call and have a conversation with a knowledgeable Gleicher adhesive and fastener expert. We are a leader in years of experience, and capabilities for converting VELCRO® Brand products. Whatever your specifications call for, we have a converting solution just for you.
You can reach us with your questions and specifications at 908-233-2211 or email sales@gleicher.com.
