Industrial rubber and plastics is hardly the most attention grabbing of subjects on the surface of it. Our associations with rubber are generally limited to the interactions we have with rubber in the course of our day to day lives and as these instances are neither multitudinous nor particularly remarkable: it is rare that you’ll ever encounter someone with a particular vociferous or well informed view of rubber, industrial rubber or its manufacture. There is however an incredibly interesting side to not just the manufacture of rubber but more so the array of often unseen applications to which it lends itself: in fact, industrial rubber is an incredibly important material in the facilitation of numerous processes, the results of which we take for granted.

Amongst the most common uses for industrial rubber is the manufacture of seals. Seals are on the whole relatively simple pieces of equipment which serve to help ensure that equipment is water or airtight as appropriate. Achieving a tight and reliable seal is imperative in a number of industries. In the food and drinks industry for instance, rubber seals are required for dosing machines, filling machines and as part of the canning process. Strong rubber seals are also instrumental in waste water treatment both in hydraulic systems and to prevent leakage at pipe joins- something which is particularly important when sewage is involved! In Steel and heavy industries, amongst the multiple applications of seals are test tube stoppers and large diameter seals for manufacturing.

As well as the somewhat obvious use of rubber in the manufacture of industrial seals, it is also used for items which are used directly by the end-user. From walking stick ferrules, to rubber foot pedals and doorstops- rubber is to be found in multitudinous guises throughout the home and is even more widely utilised in the construction of automobiles: the mats and pedals in the cabin wells, seals in the engine and all instances of rubber foam throughout the vehicle being just a sample of the uses.

Plastic is just as prevalent in industry and manufacture. PVC in particular is treated with plasticizers in order to improve flexibility and then used for such equipment as strip curtains, hoses and ducting. PVC hose used in conjunction with rubber seals is an absolutely essential component in numerous forms of industrial and agricultural machinery: not to mention the vital role it plays in the food and beverage industry and the myriad tasks this combination is used for in the consumer market. The uses of industrial rubber and plastic are so extensive and far reaching that it is harder to name an industry that doesn’t make use of them than to recall one that does. They may not be the most fascinating thing to discuss but are at the foundation of limitless process and objects which shape our modern society.

PVC is without doubt one of the most diversely used and useful types of plastic in modern manufacture. With applications spanning industries from industrial manufacture to agricultural and even food production, PVC is a material which lends itself to an incredible number of different uses. Thanks to its durability, flexibility and chemical resistance, polyvinyl chloride is found in clothing, flooring, inflatable structures, hosing and strip curtains alongside hundreds if not thousands of other items.

When used in clothing, the main strengths of PVC are its relatively low price in comparison to leather, rubber and latex, the fact that it is waterproof and that when suitably treated it very closely resembles leather. Due to these properties, the polymer is regularly found in jackets, bags, shoes and aprons. Despite the popularity of PVC clothing it is by no means the fashion industry which makes the most use of this popular material, that accolade falls to the manufacturing industry, which relies on PVC items for a number of roles.

PVC strip curtains are an absolute essential in any manufacturing or storage environment which requires closely controlled temperatures, containment of airborne particles or protection from pests. It is particularly useful in locations which experience a high level of motorised or pedestrian traffic and also helps to improve energy efficiency by making a positive impact on heat loss. Due to this series of useful traits and the low cost of PVC strip curtains, they are an ever popular addition to the majority of storage facilities- particularly those which are chilled for such purposes as food storage.

Of equal prevalence in industrial settings is PVC hose. This simple, unassuming item is used for myriad purposes, including but not limited to:

Water and fluid handling
Hydraulics
Food handling
Beverage lines
Coolant lines
Crop spraying
Chemical transfer

Due particularly to PVC’s chemical resilience, low cost and flexibility, PVC hose is incredibly versatile and widely used in a great number of processes and manufacturing techniques. It is equally adept at fulfilling sanitation and suction purposes in the home or business environment and as such is produced in vast quantities to satisfy the worldwide demand. As it does not corrode, is waterproof and with the use of plasticizers: is incredibly flexible, PVC hose is invaluable in all manner of plumbing applications, alongside its numerous other uses.

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PVC strip curtains are widely used in industrial and commercial applications. Their affordability, versatility and simplicity mean that although not quite at the cutting edge of technology, their usefulness cannot be played down.


What Are PVC Strip Curtains?

PVC is short for Polyvinyl chloride, which is a thermoplastic polymer derived from hydrogen and chlorine. As the final product is 57% chlorine, the manufacture of PVC uses less petroleum than that of most plastics. PVC in it’s rawest state is relatively stiff and brittle, as such, when used in such items as strip curtains; which demand flexibility; plasticizers are added. In addition to plasticizers, other additives such as UV barriers, pigments and flame retardants can be used to grant the material further beneficial properties. Even without specific additives, PVC is biologically and chemically resistant. As such, PVC strip curtains are ideal in environments in which they may come into contact with substances which are damaging to other plastics and metals.

In terms of the curtains themselves, they simply consist of strips of PVC material attached to a rugged rail. Strips are available in varying widths and lengths to suit different applications and can be used over small or large apertures.

Where Are PVC Strip Curtains Commonly Used?

PVC strip curtains are most prevalent in environments which feature high levels of pedestrian or motor traffic. Whilst they allow easy thoroughfare they also prevent excessive heat from being lost. They are equally useful in conjunction with chilled display cabinets or catering refrigeration units as they prevent temperature changes whilst allowing full visibility due to their transparency. Aside from the insulation benefits, PVC curtains also lower the risk of contamination of produce due to airborne pathogens and contain fumes and toxic particles in situations which necessitate their creation.

Major Benefits

As well as allowing easy passage, insulating and preventing contamination, PVC strip curtains also aid in energy efficiency. By minimising heat loss or temperature rises, they drastically impact upon excessive electricity consumption in temperature regulated areas. As a consequence of this, they help reduce a company or individual’s carbon footprint when appropriately implemented whilst also lowering fuel bills and improving energy efficiency.

To summarise, despite their simplicity, PVC strip curtains facilitate not only more efficient use of resources, but also provide solutions to problems which would otherwise have been addressed using more costly means. Their multitudinous benefits and applications make them an incredibly versatile tool in a wide-ranging array of situations and environments.

Environmental responsibility is something of a buzzword at present and rightly so, as the extent to which our activity has impacted upon the earth has only relatively recently come to light. With individuals looking to reduce their carbon footprint and government initiatives established to attempt to reduce motor vehicle usage, it has affected all aspects of life. Businesses, particularly those involved with the manufacturing sector have by no means escaped this concerted push to lower emissions and minimise energy consumption.

In order to meet specific regulations relating to emissions, many companies have had to change their practices and invest in new technology. The laws surrounding energy efficiency however are not as strict and given the cost of replacing all older equipment with new, more efficient machinery, many companies opt to stick with what they have and continue to pay higher fuel bills: as this is cheaper in the short-term than a complete equipment upgrade. Although this is the case in a sizeable percentage of manufacturing industries, some businesses are able to drastically reduce their energy consumption with the implementation of simple and eminently affordable solutions.

A prime example of a way to improve energy efficiency without substantial capital outlay can be found when considering ways to sustain temperature in temperature controlled areas. This requirement is widespread in not only the manufacturing industry but also warehousing of perishable goods and many other industries. One way to reduce energy bills is to invest in cutting edge ventilation and heating systems, which could realistically result in a hefty reduction in electricity consumption: but unfortunately would cost a great deal in the outset. A more affordable approach is the implementation of PVC strip curtains. Used as an alternative to conventional doors and as barriers between different areas, they allow ease of thoroughfare whilst preventing heat loss or temperature increases where appropriate: without using any power.

As well as insulating more effectively than alternative solutions, PVC strip curtains reduce temperature fluctuations: it is these fluctuations that cause peaks in power usage, as the cooling or heating equipment must initiate an intensive burst in order to get the temperature back within the required parameters following a drastic change in temperature: as would result from leaving a door open or similar.
The use of PVC strip curtains is simply a good example of the ways that companies can incorporate affordable low-tech solutions when trying to improve energy efficiency without denting their capital. Very often it is intelligent alterations rather than blind technological overhauls which are most effective for cutting costs and preserving the environment.

The energy saving benefit of PVC strip curtains as a result of their heat retention is well documented. The usefulness of this versatile and simple item extends far beyond the realms of environmental awareness and overhead slashing however. The strip curtain can be implemented in a wide range of circumstances and combats numerous inconveniences and dangers. The following are just a small selection of the benefits offered:

Pest Control

Strip doors provide a physical barrier which prevents the entrance of airborne insects and other contaminant organisms. Although easily moved by humans, the gapless barrier created by a PVC curtain is resilient and robust enough to not only stop insects from passing through but also birds and other small animals. Another benefit of the strip curtain is that due to its transparency and minimal light distortion, this protective function can be capitalised upon for the protection of display units, without compromising an observer’s view of the product itself.

Dust and Fume Containment

Although by no means an airtight seal, PVC barrier curtains are incredibly effective at containing dust and fumes. In conjunction with adequate ventilation, the spread of potentially hazardous airborne particles is drastically reduced when a PVC curtain is used across entrances and exits. This application is particularly beneficial in industrial environments which involve woodcutting, spray painting and other processes likely to generate irritants or fumes. The use of barrier curtains in toxic environments is imperative in some circumstances for the wellbeing of all involved.

Limitation of Sound Pollution

Either used alone or in conjunction with a conventional door, PVC door curtains not only insulate effectively against heat, but also insulate from sound. Admittedly not ideal as a replacement for a heavy duty door in night clubs and the like, door curtains offer discernable reductions in sound in industrial environments: without compromising accessibility. The dampening and reduction of volume is a welcome benefit which is unlikely to be the sole purpose for purchase, but a serious incentive to those already considering the product for its other attributes.

The true value of PVC strip curtains in industrial environments doesn’t necessarily reside in the individual advantages highlighted, but in the cumulative benefit of various functions in conjunction with one another. Other supplementary factors which apply to almost all circumstances include the cost efficiency of PVC strip doors, ease of pedestrian traffic and simplicity of assembly of the units. In short, PVC strip curtains are suitable in an expansive array of scenarios and the advantages are both multitudinous and diverse.

Established in 1979, Capital City Abrasives specialise in abrasive products and work closely with customers on a local, national and international level.

With an extensive range of products including: Cutting and grinding discs; grinding wheels; sandpapers; wire wheels; cup wheels; flap wheels; rolls; angle grinders, and a varied selection of power tools, they aim to help companies and individuals alike to get the job done.

By establishing partnerships with many large suppliers including Tyrolit, Klingspor, Hermes, Bahco, Dewalt, Ryobi, Black & Decker, Capital City Abrasives are perfectly poised to obtain products at the most competitive of prices. In addition, they pride themselves on customer service levels and guarantee a reliable and professional service all-round. Making them the ideal firm to suggest if looking for the necessary tools to fit a PVC strip curtain or undertake significantly bigger tasks.

Capital City is an active member of Link-up, the rail industry scheme and boast customers such as Network Rail; Balfour Beatty; Carillion Rail and Unipart Rail Logistics. Contracts of this size and importance pay testament to the reliability and quality of Capital City Abrasives.

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