Dura Profile Assembly Guide

 

Assembly methods used with conventional materials can also be used with Dura Profile. The most common connections are made by using a combination of mechanical fasteners with high quality adhesives.

 

In almost all cases Dura Profile can be fabricated as easily as other materials. The selection of the appropriate method will depend on the:

 

 

Mechanical Fasteners

 

Bolting

 

This is the most common method of jointing Dura Profile. Stainless steel nuts and bolts are used, with washers larger than usual to reduce local compressive stresses. It is good practice for the bolt to be a tight fit in the hole as this substantially reduces local stresses. The minimum edge distance for bolt-holes is 3.33 x the bolt diameter. In certain circumstances fibreglass nuts, bolts & washers can be specified to suit some chemical environments.

 

Screwed Connections

 

Stainless steel self tapping screws can also be used successfully in many applications involving mechanical connections when highstrength fasteners are not required. Self-tapping screws may also be used in combination with adhesives.

 

Riveted Connections

 

Stainless steel and aluminium riveting is a very effective method of joining Dura Profile. Pop-rivets are commonly used in conjunction with back washers to help distribute and minimise local stresses. The assembly should be designed so that the rivets are not in tension.

 

Captive Inserts

 

Captive inserts are a fast, blind-fixing system suitable for use with all materials. They are of particular use when there is no reverse access and can be installed at any stage of fabrication.

 

Adhesives

Adhesives distribute stress more evenly and are used successfully to join Dura Profile and for sealing joints and surfaces. Exceptional bonds can be obtained as long as the joint is designed to avoid excessive peeling stresses, the surfaces are properly prepared and the correct adhesive is used. Epoxies and toughened acrylics are suitable for use with Dura Profile.

 

Preparation

 

To achieve an optimum bond, the surfaces must be degreased with a suitable solvent. The bonding areas must be abraded until the surface gloss is removed, then cleaned of dust and degreased again. The adhesive should be mixed and applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The bond area should be clamped or mechanically fastened to maintain bond pressure and to ensure that there is no movement until the adhesive has fully cured.

 

Assembly Methods

Almost all assembly methods used for wood, aluminium, steel or other materials can be adopted to assemble Dura Profile.

 

The following techniques should be followed:

 

Punches work better with a slight sheer edge. Router bits should be diamond-coated. Drilling speeds should take hole size and thickness into consideration. Solvents, such as methylene chloride or acetone should be used to prepare surface for bonding or coating. Lag screws (lag bolts) are not recommended for fastening Dura Profile. Counter support is necessary when drilling hollow profiles. A medium coarse grinding wheel is preferable to the finer grades.

 

Technical Data