Using Traditional Solar Panel Fasteners Vs Solar Integrated Roofing

March 30, 2012

Traditional solar panel installation uses mounting racks and various fasteners to secure individual panels or blocks of panels to your roof. Solar integrated roofing, on the other hand, combines roofing materials with PV cells to provide an all-in-one solution. Faced with the choice between these two designs, consumers must weigh the pros and cons, consider the installation conditions and take into account their long term needs.

Traditional Mounting Using Solar Panel Fasteners

Clips, mounting brackets, nuts and bolts, U-channels and blocks are used to secure panel frames to the racks, as well as connect racks to your roof sheathing. This method requires a variety of building materials, including common roofing materials like tarpaper, flashing and shingles.

This method provides better conditions for system repairs. Your house will still be protected from rain and snow during panel repairs, and solar panels can be safely removed while roofing repairs are completed.

Expansions are simple and more affordable with traditional panel mounting. Solar integrated roofing should be designed to maximum capacity, since adding more PV cells requires large-scale renovations.

Innovative Solar Integrated Roofing

Fasteners are used to install solar integrated roofing, but alternative designs make this type of solar energy system more resistant to leaks and stability issues. Laminated products couple with roofing panels and are installed at specific angles to harvest the maximum amount of solar energy.

Single-ply products deliver an estimated lifespan of about 15 to 17 years, while thicker systems can be expected to last more than 30 years without replacement. Comparatively speaking, traditional solar panels tend to have a much longer lifespan, although shingles typically require replacement in 8 to 15 years.

Traditional panels tend to be more efficient than thin PV systems, based on the cell design and transmission of the harvested energy. This makes panel systems much more feasible for commercial and larger applications. Depending on the size of the residential system, traditional panels may be a better value.

Talk to your solar panel retailer and installation contractor about the different possibilities available in your area. Always insist on high quality solar panel fasteners and qualified installers, and weigh the benefits and disadvantages of both systems before making your investment.

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Understanding the Differences Between a Finished Hex Nut and Other Nuts

March 29, 2012

The finished hex nut is perhaps the most commonly used nut in the world today. Found in structural, machinery and automotive applications, hex nuts and heavy hex nuts couple with bolts to create a tight, secure joint. And the finished hex nut provides adequate strength for many different types of common applications.

But this nut style does not work in other conditions where a stronger, larger, taller or alternatively designed nut must be used. Think about the various styles of bolts and threaded fasteners available, and the wide range of atmospheric and load conditions present in different applications. Hex nuts cannot provide a “one size fits all” solution.

Look for these other types of nuts available through your fastener distributor:

•    Heavy Hex Nuts – made with a thicker wall, this type of nut can handle heavy loads, hence the name ‘heavy hex’
•    Thick Nuts – unlike heavy hex nuts, which are formed using a thicker wall, thick nuts are actually taller or higher than standard finished hex nuts to better distribute loads
•    Lock Nuts – this style of nut uses additional friction or simple resistance to avoid loosening and provide a more secure joint – you’ll find a wide selection of lock nuts available in several materials specifically suited for different applications
•    Jam Nuts – this simple style of thin nut is installed between a hex nut and joint material, allowing the stronger nut to handle the load

How Hex Nuts Cause Fastener Failure

Nuts are designed and manufactured to greater strengths than the bolts they are coupled with. You can use a nut designed with greater strength than the bolt, but substituting a weaker nut and stronger bolt results in fastener failure.

Always choose a nut finished to match the bolt. Hot dipped galvanized hex bolts used on structural applications need to be joined with hot dipped galvanized nuts, and correspondingly, with hot dipped galvanized washers. Using the proper combination of fasteners allows for a reliable fit designed to last for years, even under heavy loads and extreme conditions.

While the common finished hex nut experiences wide use across the construction, automotive and engineering industries, other types of nuts can be found in specific applications where the design advantages are realized.

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How Chinese Import Duties Will Affect the Solar Power Industry

March 28, 2012

OEMs, installers, distributors and consumers involved in the solar energy industry have strong opinions regarding the imposition of import duties on Chinese solar panels. This groundbreaking decision by the US government will affect the solar power industry in major ways, stretching from solar panel fastener distributors to importers, freight companies and retailers.

Duties to Be Levied

The American Department of Commerce investigated subsidy amounts received by Chinese solar panel manufacturers, and has since decided to levy duties equivalent to those subsidies. That means Chinese manufacturers such as Trina Solar and Suntech are facing a direct hit to their current bottom line.

Previous forecasts placed the potential levies at ten percent; the actual duties to be collected are under five percent.

Opposition Vs Support

Many retailers and distributors of these Chinese products claim the levies are unfair and will reduce the demand for PV panels at a time when renewable energy is not only preferable, but also necessary.

North American solar panel manufacturers disagree and welcome the levies, stating that those duties level the playing field in a competitive market. Domestic suppliers of OEM components, such as solar panel fasteners and mounting racks, should see demand increase if solar energy manufacturing shifts to North American soil. This will create jobs and boost the local economy, according to the supporters of the US Department of Commerce decision.

Some domestic companies may experience a reduction in business, particularly American polysilicon exporters selling to Chinese manufacturers. If the North American market cools off due to increased costs, companies that supply solar panel installers – such as fastener distributors and electrical suppliers – may also experience slower orders.

However, reducing the availability of imported solar panel systems may increase the demand for domestically made systems. Fastener distributors and electrical suppliers would continue to thrive in those market conditions.

Continuing Investigations

The Department of Commerce continues to keep a close eye on solar panel imports. Claims that businesses from China are selling solar energy systems below cost in the US market are being given careful attention, with the findings expected to be publicized in May of this year.

Whatever the findings of these continuing investigations, the duties now being levied to Chinese manufacturers will have an affect on the solar power industry. Fastener distributors, solar panel installers, industry retailers and consumers will keep a close eye out.

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Fastener Distributor FAQs | What is a 2H Hex Nut?

March 26, 2012

Hex nuts come in wide variety of styles, finishes and designs. High temperature applications and high-pressure conditions require the use of a 2H hex nut. This specially designed medium carbon steel fastener falls under the ASTM A194 standards, and should only be used in applications where the advantages are fully realized.

Typical 2H hex nut applications include:

•    pressure valves and vessels
•    pipelines
•    pressure controls
•    chemical, gasoline and oil storage systems
•    natural gas and steam storage
•    transmission of chemicals, gasoline, oil, steam and natural gas

The grade 2H designation signifies nut formation, including the method of heat treatment, quenching and temperature range required for tempering. All of the standard heavy hex nut shape and dimensions are similar to other grades, including the double chamfered, six-sided design.

Appropriate Substitutions

In certain applications a 2H hex nut can be used as an appropriate substitute, providing the required strength. Grade 2HM hex nuts are manufactured in a similar way, yet deliver lower levels of proof load stress and hardness. Often 2H nuts can be substituted for 2HM, although the reverse may not be true.

Grade DH hex nuts are formed from medium carbon steel materials and need to be heat treated and quenched. Because a 2h nut is tempered at a higher heat than other grades, namely C, DH and DH3, it could be considered stronger and used as a substitute. Galvanized 2H hex nuts can be used in place of Grade DH nuts in structural applications, but these fasteners are marked with an asterisk to indicate galvanization – a galvanized 2h hex nut should not be used in extreme temperatures or high-pressure applications.

Markings

The 2H hex nut bears a clear mark on the fastener face, indicating the grade (2H). Other markings are also found the same face, designating any plating or coatings applied to the fastener.

Heavy hex nuts come in a variety of grades suitable for any type of application. A 2H heavy hex nut is used in high temperatures and greater levels of pressure, with adequate strength and engineering to withstand extreme conditions. Ask your fastener distributor if this fastener will provide the reliability required for your specific application.

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Examining the Role of Industrial Fasteners | Tiny Components With Massive Influence

March 26, 2012

Industrial fasteners are used in a wide variety of products, from machinery to aircraft and vehicles, as well as building structures. These tiny components provide support, mobility and secure essential joints. Fastener failure can bring massive equipment to a standstill, while tall structures can be brought low when improper or inadequate fasteners are installed. Considering their size and cost, industrial fasteners exercise massive influence on a wide range of industries.

The Boeing Challenge of 2007

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft was in high demand back in 2007, when this innovative jetliner designed with a durable, lightweight airframe was capturing the attention of large airlines around the world.

Boeing was proud of the 787 Dreamliner’s success, but ran into a snag during the summer of 2008. When the composite airframes were being delivered to Boeing’s final assembly plant in Everett, only temporary fasteners were included. The materials management division rushed to source the permanent fasteners required to get the jetliners into the air.

A Boeing spokesperson expressed surprise about the challenges associated with sourcing industrial fasteners. The aircraft industry runs at high capacity in terms of components, including bolts, nuts, washers and various other fasteners used to assemble jetliners. This left Boeing waiting for essential, yet tiny parts, and holding up impressive, expensive orders due to unimpressive, cheap components.

How Companies Cope

Boeing made it through the crisis of 2007, and likely made changes to the fastener order process. Other businesses also learned from this situation and established a solid relationship with their fastener distributor to ensure shortages are expected and happen less frequently.

Specifications for industrial fasteners are included in product and building design, and many times affect reliability and stability. Substitutions are not always straightforward, although your fastener distributor is the best source for information on possible substitutes.

Quality is another important factor, and is affected by material and finishing. Discuss quality levels with your fastener distributor to ensure that products and structures are being fitted with the best possible industrial fasteners, ensuring that production and construction issues do not delay your project.

Ask Boeing employees that worked through the challenges in 2007 – industrial fasteners may be tiny, but in the scope of massive projects they play a major role.

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Discovering Innovative Components and Fasteners for Tomorrow’s Solar Energy Industry

March 25, 2012

OEM companies need to be on the leading edge of innovation and technology, especially in a fast-moving industry like solar energy. As consumer demand grows, the drive to create better solar energy fasteners, and more efficient, flexible components grows as well. All those involved in the industry need to work hard to keep up.

Innovative Fasteners

Solar panels and PV setups require fasteners for assembly and mounting. In the past, aluminum and stainless steel provided the highest levels of reliability and efficiency. These materials continue to dominate the solar power industry, with aluminum coming out as the clear leader in fastener design.

Aluminum provides a lightweight, corrosion-resistant design for PV panel clips, and mounting racks, as well as bolts, nuts and washers. Z clips, U channels and mounting blocks made from aluminum allow greater flexibility in terms of panel placement, all while providing security and durability consumers can count on.

Ground connectors need to be made from copper, according to current electrical codes. Other components in the solar panel system are made from stainless steel or galvanized steel, designed to resist corrosion in an exterior environment.

Adhesives are also being used in the assembly process, providing a smooth, reliable seal on the panels. Manufacturers look for durable adhesives made to withstand conditions solar panels are typically exposed to, such as heat, cold and moisture.

Innovative Components

Solar power technology is used in many applications, including residential and commercial panels. But paper-thin film PV materials are gaining ground in the industry, providing smart solutions for various applications. This flexible and adaptable material provides the technology of harvesting solar energy in a thin, bendable product perfect for application on small devices, cylinders and in solar integrated roofing products.

Flexible solar panels and travel solar chargers are perfect for mobile applications as well, and can be included in a whole solution system provided to high demand clients. OEMs are working hard to adapt solar energy into as many applications as possible, while continuing to follow the heart of this thriving industry – renewable, responsible energy made available to everyone.

Whether you’re looking at solar energy fasteners or components, innovation continues to provide solutions to tomorrow’s needs in this cutting edge industry.

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Your Fastener Distributor Knows How to Find Out the Torque Value of a Bolt

February 28, 2012

There will be instances when it’s essential to discover the torque value of a bolt, especially a bolt that has already been installed. Your fastener distributor will recommend using a torque gauge to read the bolt, but you must know when that reading is accurate.

To check how much torque has been applied to a bolt after it has been installed, use a torque gauge and note the reading when any of these three conditions exist:

A.    Often called the ‘Crack On’ method, note the reading when the socket starts to move beyond the tightened position in a clockwise direction.
B.    Often called the ‘Crack Off’ method, note the reading when the socket starts to move beyond the tightened position in a counter clockwise direction.
C.    Often called the ‘Marked Fastener’ method, you’ll initially need to mark both the socket and the joint material to create a point of reference. Back off the nut by 30 degrees and re-tighten to the mark, noting the reading at that match point.

The first two methods will not give as accurate a reading as the third, since static friction is present for both the Crack On and Crack Off methods. Your fastener distributor will likely recommend using the marked fastener method in order to obtain the greatest accuracy. There may be some discrepancy due to gasket creep.

When using any of the three methods above, it’s important to apply torque slowly and deliberately. This ensures that any dynamic effects are controlled and minimal.

Always be sure the bolt is held completely steady when checking the torque. Also, check torque levels before applying any paint or other forms of treatment, such as lubrication or heat. The sooner you check the torque value after installation, the more accurate reading you will obtain.

Your fastener distributor understands that precision and specifications are vital when dealing with equipment and machinery. They are ready to offer advice and direction about how to handle fasteners and fastener components, and how to check torque values after installation is only one of the many tidbits your fastener distributor has to offer.

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Why the Hex Lag Bolt is Essential in Modular Buildings

February 27, 2012

Modular buildings are designed for strength, and must meet the stringent standards laid out by national building codes. Standard wood screws are used for certain elements, but the hex lag bolt plays a major role and provides the stability required for modular buildings of all shapes and sizes.

What Are Hex Lag Bolts?

Lag bolts with a hex-shaped head are commonly used on wood projects. They are often formed with a gimlet point and may be fully threaded (often called hex lag screws) or formed with a shank.

Most often a hex lag bolt is used without a nut, although it’s certainly possible to use a washer and nut. Lag bolts provide great clamping force and resist loosening based on their design, even without a nut in place.

Most hex lag bolts are made from galvanized steel or zinc-plated steel, although stainless steel lags provide the optimum protection from corrosion. If used on the exterior of a modular building, a stainless steel or silicon bronze hex lag bolt should be specified for better corrosion resistance.

What Types of Modular Buildings Call For Hex Lags?

From small storage shed kits to larger modular garages and modular homes, a wide range of building designs calls for the use of hex lags.

You’ll find hex lag bolts in the floor framing, wall framing and essential joints. Standard wood screws often do not have the load capacity and are not available in the lengths required, so modular building manufacturers turn to hex lags.

You can also find a hex lag bolt or two in the roof structure of many modular homes and prefab sheds and garages. This style of bolt can be easily backed off and tightened to industry specifications and provides the long-term strength that building owners have come to expect.

As the modular building industry continues to expand, the demand for stronger, durable wood fasteners grows. The hex lag bolt is one of the most important common fasteners used on these buildings, and helps these structures meet safety and building standards across North America.

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Understanding What Solar Panel Fasteners Are Exposed To Daily

February 26, 2012

Solar panels must be designed and manufactured to meet stringent industry standards. But they must also be built to withstand extreme climate conditions every day. Understanding what your PV panel system and the solar panel fasteners used in that system are exposed to will help you to choose the optimum materials.

Sun and Heat

Obviously solar panels are subject to the sun, and all of the potential damage that comes with that exposure. UV rays have very little effect on metals and glass, but will certainly fade plastics and cause nearly any synthetic material to deteriorate over time. All fasteners used on the PV panels and within the mounting system must be able to withstand the full power of the sun for hours at a time.

Heat is another factor of sun exposure. Extreme heat can damage paint on solar panel frames and fasteners. Powder coating is the way to go when finishing your panel frames and solar panel fasteners, although in many cases aluminum provides an attractive finish that doesn’t need to be coated at all.

Any adhesives used in solar panels should also be resistant to sun and heat. Lower quality adhesives may lose bonding power under direct sun, but those graded for use with solar panels should be able to hold out.

Rain and Snow

Your PV panel system must be able to withstand moisture. Standing water may not be a problem, but the panel components will need to be strong enough to hold up against constant moisture. Snow can easily pile up around your panels and within the framing or mounting structures. All fasteners used in those areas should be made of stainless steel or aluminum to ensure that corrosion isn’t a problem.

Rain dries quickly, but blankets of snow produce moist conditions for months. Even top quality galvanized steel will rust out under those conditions, leaving stainless and aluminum as your only options for brackets, clips, grounding connectors, mounting blocks, clamps and base plates.

Ensure your solar panel system is durable and ready to take on nature by using quality made solar panel fasteners. Opt for aluminum fasteners or those made with stainless steel in order to withstand sun, heat, rain and snow for years.

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Understanding Common Abbreviations Your Fastener Distributor Uses

February 24, 2012

Your fastener distributor will offer advice and direction during the design, prototype and manufacturing stages. But you’re bound to come across an array of abbreviations during that communication, dealing with everything from the materials to fastener size, design and a range of other specifications.

Understanding these abbreviations is helpful for OEM staff.

General Abbreviations

ASTM – This designation indicates that the fastener follows a standard developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

DIN – This designation indicates that the fastener follows a metric standard developed by the Deutsches Instit fur Normung. These German standards are often used in the automotive industry.

Galv or Galvi – This abbreviation states that the fastener has been galvanized for greater strength.

BR – Stating that the fastener is made of brass.

CR – Stating that the fastener is made of chrome.

S/S – Stating that the fastener is made of stainless steel.

SBR – Stating that the fastener is made of silicon bronze.

Z – Stating that the fastener is made from zinc.

CL – Used for metric fasteners, this abbreviation states the class that the fastener falls under, which specifies the material and strength.

G – Used for US fasteners, this abbreviation states the grade that the fastener falls under.

NC – Used to indicate that the fastener is made with a National Coarse Thread.

NF – Used to indicate that the fastener is made with a National Fine Thread.

Types of Fasteners in Abbreviated Form

BT indicates a Bolt, and is often seen on drawings.

NT or &NT indicates that the fastener must include a Nut.

HHMB indicates a Hex Head Machine Bolt.

HX indicates a Hex fastener.

JMNT is used to indicate Jam Nuts.

LB is used to indicate Lag Bolts and is often followed by a weight measured in pounds.

MB is used to indicate Machine Bolts.

MS is used to indicate Machine Screws, while MSNT is used to indicate Machine Screw Nuts.

SMS indicates a Sheet Metal Screw.

SS indicates a Set Screw, although it may also be used to indicate stainless steel.

WS is used to indicate Wood Screw.

You’ll find common fastener abbreviations on drawings, in specifications and on purchase orders and invoices. Your fastener distributor will translate any terminology that seems confusing, but with knowledge of these abbreviations you should be well on the way to understanding.

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