Benefits of Rubber Baseboards

IQS Newsroom — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 14:59:39 +0000

Rubber Baseboard

Baseboards are not a wildly popular product, and most people do not even think about them on a regular basis. Most baseboards in commercial or industrial settings, if they exist at all, are manufactured from rubber, plastic, or synthetic rubber. One type of baseboard that can be extremely beneficial in commercial and industrial settings is the rubber baseboard. Rubber baseboards can provide many benefits to a factory or other commercial property, such as:
Cleanliness: rubber baseboards are extremely easy to clean. The rubber provides a non-porous surface that will not attract dirt, liquids, or other contaminants. A rubber baseboard is easy to wipe down with any cleaning liquid, and can withstand harsh cleaning chemicals without breaking down the rubber or causing it to peel away from the wall.
Ultimate wall protection: In industrial and commercial settings, the walls can take a beating. Any moving equipment, sharp objects, and even foot traffic can cause the walls to become scuffed, damaged, and broken. Rubber baseboards will prevent this from happening to the walls in your factory because the rubber acts as a cushion for the wall and will also help absorb any impacts, keeping the walls safe.
Durable and long-lasting: Rubber baseboards have a long lifespan. The baseboards are extremely durable and are resistant to abrasions and punctures. Rubber naturally has a long lifespan that will help it provide wall protection for many years before the rubber breaks down.
Chemical and sun resistant: Rubber can withstand much exposure to sunlight and chemicals. Chemicals and sun exposure that could cause discoloration or deterioration of other materials will not affect the appearance or function of rubber baseboards.
With all of these benefits, it is easy to see why so many medical centers, industrial factories, and commercial buildings choose rubber baseboards.

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The History of Neoprene

IQS Newsroom — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 14:53:19 +0000

Neoprene

Neoprene is a special kind of synthetic rubber that is manufactured through the processing of the material chloroprene. This rubber is a highly flexible and stable material, even when applied in a thin layer and bent repeatedly. For this reason, neoprene is often used as a rubber material for coatings and even clothing, such as wet suits and medical braces. The rubber is also used for fan belts, electrical insulation, liquid and sheet flashings, and many other applications.
This rubber is a fairly recent discovery, and it was not invented until the 1930s. The company DuPont purchased the patent for divinyl acetylene, which transforms into a firm elastic material after it is passed over sulfur dichloride. DuPont changed the materials in the process, reacting monovinyl acetylene with hydrogen chloride gas, which creates the compound chloroprene. The original name for this rubber was called DuPrene, but the material was not yet refined enough for commercial use. The product had a foul odor that turned many people off of the product. After a few tweaks, the company was able to remove the smell from the material and create an official manufacturing process for the rubber, which was then labeled Neoprene in 1937. The new name was also given to the material to signify that it was a material, not a finished product. By 1939, the material was quite popular, and the company was able to make over $300,000 from the sale of the material.
Since then, the rubber has gained in popularity and is used in many different industries all over the world. Without this flexible, synthetic rubber, many of the synthesized rubber products in use today would not exist. In the industrial world, the material is invaluable for creating gaskets, hoses, seals, and other important pieces in many manufacturing processes.

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The History of Blow Molding

IQS Newsroom — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:23:16 +0000

Plastic blow molding is the process of blowing air into a machine to change the shape of plastic. Often, blow molding is combined with the use of molds to create intricate shapes made with thin, hollow plastic pieces. Plastic blow molding did not exist until the late 1930s when a pair of inventors realized the potential for blow molding in the world of plastics.
In 1938, two inventors, Enoch Ferngren and William Kopitke, thought of a way to use the principles of glass blowing in the plastics industry. They created the first plastic blow molding machine and sold it to the Hartford Empire Company. Throughout the 1940s, plastic blow molding was still a new art, and not many companies used the machines because plastic was such a new material at the time.
It was not until the 1970s that plastic blow molding really took off. The invention of the plastic soda container was one of the first products to utilize the potential of plastic blow molding fully. Once this process was discovered, blow molding manufacturers popped up all over the United States and the world. Blow molding was used to quickly shape the bottles used for soda storage, including small individual serving bottles and the larger 2 and 3 liter bottles. In fact, soda plastic bottle production by blow molding manufacturers was so successful that the amount of plastic soda bottles in production grew from zero to over 10 billion in just 20 years.
Today, blow molded plastic has uses for many different plastic productions, including soda bottles, dairy containers, shampoo bottles, hoses, industrial drums, jars, and many other plastic objects and containers. The use of blow molding has not only cut down on the production time for many plastic products, but also plastic waste, due to the small amount of plastic waste created in the molding process.

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Fun Uses for Clear Plastic Tubing

IQS Newsroom — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:15:15 +0000

Plastic tubing has a variety of uses in hundreds of industries, from tubes used in automobiles, to factory uses, to packaging, and toy making. Although there are many boring uses for clear tubing, there are also several fun uses that make the tube-making industry a lot more interesting. The following interesting uses for clear tubing explores the fun side of manufacturing:
Bead containers: Beads often arrive in clear, plastic tubes so the customer can see exactly what he or she is purchasing. Walk into any store that sells beading materials, and you will see hundreds of clear tubes housing beads of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Some tubes are flexible, while others have stiff sides for durability.
Candy containers: Some candy is packaged into clear tubes as well. Often, novelty candies and holiday packaging is served in tubes, with a holiday-themed topper closing the top of the container. These tubes are ideal for adding to packages or giving as gifts because the clear packaging is more festive than traditional bagged candy.
Paint and clay tubes: Some clear tubes have flexible sides, ideal for holding paint or clay inside. The tubes usually have a nozzle on the end for dispensing the paint. The clear tubes allow the customer to identify the exact color of paint inside the package. The flexible sides allow the user to use the paint directly out of the tube.
Mail tubes: Sturdy plastic tubes have a variety of uses, but are commonly seen used in banks drive-thrus as mail tubes. It is always fun to watch the clear tubes shoot through the mail chutes back and forth inside the larger plastic tube controlling the path of the smaller plastic tube.
Toy containers: Perhaps the most exciting fun use for clear tubing is tubes used for toy containers. These containers have flexible sides and are clear so customers can see the toys inside. Often, these tubes are used with smaller toys, such as cars, army men, or animals.

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Is Medical Tubing Recyclable After Use?

IQS Newsroom — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:04:32 +0000

Earlier this year, I went with my roommate to start donating plasma in order to earn some extra income. It’s a daunting process the first time you go. You go through two hours of physicals and questionnaires before you can actually start donating. My roommate didn’t survive the process. He almost passed out during the survey; coincidentally right on the question “some people may faint during the process, do you have any questions?” to which he replied “yes” and found a nurse. That was the end of his plasma donating career, but I kept up with it. It only takes about an hour and is a fantastic place to read.
While donating I lay in an extremely comfortable chair while my arm is hooked up to a machine with a needle and plastic tubing. When I get bored of reading one of my trashy fantasy novels I often start philosophizing about two major recurring topics. The first topic is the potential zombie apocalypses. The way donating works, is they siphon blood from me, separate the plasma from it, then give the blood back along with some added chemical. It is a temporary replacement for the plasma and is suppose to keep my blood from clotting during the process. I’ve decided, and my roommate agrees, the zombie virus is within this chemical and apocalypse will ensue.
The second, more realistic, topic is about the medical tubing used during the donation process. A new set of plastic tubes are used every donation so donors don’t contact someone else’s blood. The tubes are deemed hazardous waste and disposed of accordingly. This must amount to a massive amount of plastic waste. The medical tubes can not be reused because they have remnants of donor blood inside. I’ve keep wondering if there is someway to recycle or reuse the tubes. It must be a very lucrative business for the donation center’s plastic tubing supplier or manufacturer, because they go through a lot of medical tubing. There must be some way, if there isn’t already, to break down and sterilize the plastic to make it back into tubing. They might already be doing this but it doesn’t seem like it. I guess the centers are more concerned with not spreading diseases than recycling the tubing.

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Concrete Vs. Plastic Septic Tanks

IQS Newsroom — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:56:14 +0000

Choosing a septic tank is a major decision for people without access to a municipal water system. Prior to deciding what to buy, there are environmental factors that have to be considered and assessed. The most obvious one is the size of the household. The number of people who will be using the septic system determines the size and location of the tank. One of the methods used is to make this decision is the number of bedrooms, which can vary from none to six with the per gallons needed ranging from 750 to over 1700. The next two factors, lot size, and slope, are very critical. Property that has a steep slope has to have piping that will determine the flow rate of the waste material. If the pipes have a drastic downward angle, waste will travel faster than the recommended two feet per second causing solid material to build up blocking the pipe and creating clogs. If the lot is small, there will be seepage and foul odors.

It is important to know the location of bodies of freshwater near the property. With the most sophisticated septic system, there is always the possibility of seepage and leaks that can get into the water table. This can lead to several very undesirable problems and angry neighbors. Every county has a set of regulations regarding the installation of septic tanks. The best way to ensure your compliance is to hire a licensed contractor who has a septic system installation certification. This single step can safeguard against any legal problems. Prior to installation, a soil sample is taken by the homeowner as well as an inspection of the property by the health department. The biggest concern in the process is the protection of any nearby groundwater. Having a licensed and experienced contractor relieves any possible unforeseen ordinance violations

Once approval has been given, the next step is to choose the type of tank to purchase. As new materials have developed, the number of types of tanks has rapidly increased and varies widely leading to more confusion, which increases the difficulty of the final choice. The selection of tanks includes steel, fiberglass, aerobic, concrete, plastic, and many others. Each has its advantages and needs to be considered carefully. The key is to decide on a tank that fits your budget, property, and family. When you are speaking to a contractor about septic tanks, their list always begins with the two most popular kinds – concrete and plastic. Concrete has been the choice for over two hundred years and was the first to be used in France. Early in the twentieth century, steel was thought to be perfect since it lasts longer and is more durable. What contractors did not consider when installing steel was the acidity of human waste and how easily steel can corrode. Since the 1960’s, plastic and concrete have been the most common materials for the construction of septic tanks. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic tank advantages

They are much less expensive to install.
They are lightweight.
The design of the plastic material is resistant to corrosion, which guarantees a long-lasting tank.
Installation does not require heavy equipment or special machinery.
They are watertight. Lids and connections fit very snuggly.
They are not affected by radical fluctuations in temperature.
It is very unlikely that they will be damaged by tree roots or land shifts, which adds to their longevity.
Recent designs include ribs, which increases the strength of the tank.
Additions such as lids and manhole extensions are very easy to install.

Plastic tank disadvantages

Installation is key to the success of a plastic tank. If not completed properly, the tank can shift and rise in wet weather depending on the type of soil.
Improper installation can lead to broken connections causing it to disconnect from the system.
Though the plastic material is very durable, it is susceptible to punctures during transport and installation. It must be handled carefully with special attention paid to any sharp obstacles.
As with any type of plastic, the material can crack and break. Monitoring and regular maintenance are essential.
Though plastic may seem to be a very attractive material for this type of usage, many states and counties do not allow plastic septic tank installation.

Concrete advantages

The main feature of this type of tank is its durability. Concrete can last for decades in all types of climates and conditions.
The sturdiness of concrete removes any worry regarding damage during installation.
Concrete tanks are resistant to temperature and climate changes.
Once a concrete tank is installed, it will require little to no maintenance.
Installation of concrete tanks is hassle-free and will be instantly approved in all cities, states, and counties.

Concrete disadvantages

Concrete is more costly to install, maintain, and repair.
The installation of the concrete is very time-consuming.
Heavy equipment and machinery are required when installing a concrete tank. The process may take several days.
Repairing a concrete tank is as complicated as its installation and must be completed by a trained professional, which can be expensive as well as time-consuming.
With concrete, there is the constant threat of cracking leading to seepage and contamination, which can be prevented with proper maintenance.The type of tank that you need will depend on your requirements. When installing a septic system, you are creating a mini-municipal waste control system. All care must be given to the health of your family as well as the protection of the environment. A properly sealed tank can prevent outside water from entering the system, which could upset the waste treatment process. Regardless of the brand, all tanks are required to be tested either hydrostatically or by vacuum testing guaranteeing that the tank will remain watertight over its lifetime of use. To protect yourself, it is important to choose a certified licensed septic tank contractor, contact the local health department, and decide on a tank that fits the needs of your family as well as concern for its environmental impact.

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Cleaning Rubber Rollers

IQS Newsroom — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 14:13:20 +0000

Rubber rollers have a variety of uses, from use for installing wallpaper and fiberglass to flattening materials in industrial factories. Rubber rollers have been used to apply stickers and labels, paint walls, lay concrete, and much more. Whatever use you use with your rubber roller, the rubber can become dirty and sticky over time. Use this simple cleaning method outlined below to help keep your roller in top condition for the next time you need to use it. One word of caution, if you use the roller around food or other consumable products, make sure that you use a food-safe cleaner that will not leave an unhealthy scum or chemical residue on your rollers.
Step 1: Finding rubber cleaner: Search for a rubber cleaner that will remove the type of dirt or residue on your rollers. If you have greasy rollers, use a de-greasing cleaner. If you have dry rollers, use a conditioning cleaner. If you want to use your rollers around food, make sure your cleaner is non-toxic. There are a variety of cleaners available, from spray cleaners to rub-on cleaners, to dunking washes.
Step 2: Initial cleaning: Cover the rollers in a thin layer of the cleaning liquid. Allow the liquid to sit for about 30 seconds. Use a brush to remove any stuck-on particles. Rinse the cleaner away with water.
Step 3: Final cleaning: Apply a second layer of cleaner and use a clean cloth to wipe the rubber clean. If the cloth comes away dirty, repeat the cleaning and wiping process until the cloth comes away clean.
Step 4: Conditioning: If you use a conditioning cleaner, follow the instructions on the container for keeping the rubber conditioned. Some cleaners may have you leave the conditioner in place for a few minutes before wiping it away.

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The History of Skateboard Wheels

IQS Newsroom — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 14:07:19 +0000

Skateboard wheels were first invented in the early 1900s. A few inventive children took old roller skate wheels and attached them to 2 by 4 boards. The original skateboard wheels were made from steel, and were very difficult to use, because the wheels had very little traction.
In the 1950s, the first commercial skateboards were manufactured, still with metal wheels. By the 1960s, manufacturers realized that metal wheels were not working for skateboards, so they tried making boards with clay wheels. However, the clay wheels were not much better than the metal wheels, and produced a fast, bumpy ride that was difficult to control.
It was not until the 1970s that skateboard manufacturers began to use polyurethane wheels for skateboards. The inventor of the skateboard polyurethane wheel was Frank Nasworthy, who noticed that urethane wheels preformed better on roller skates, and figured they would work better on skateboards as well. When polyurethane rollers manufacturers started to create urethane wheels for skateboards, the sport took off. In the mid to late 1970s, young people across the United States started skating on boards as its own sport, rather than just as a novelty activity. The first skateboarding tricks and official skating rules were also created in the 1970s.
By the 1980s, polyurethane rollers manufacturers were busy with the creation of wheels for skateboards, which was now an established sport. Since the 1980s, the construction of skateboard wheels have not changed much. Some modern polyurethane formulas provide better traction and resiliency than the original mixtures, but the construction remains essentially the same. Clear wheels actually provide better performance than colored wheels, because the pigments in the wheels allows for less urethane in the wheel. The greater concentration of urethane, the better performance the wheel will have both in flexibility and traction.

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Is Switching to Polyurethane Bushings Right for You?

IQS Newsroom — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:55:36 +0000

Polyurethane bushings are one alternative to automotive bushings made from synthetic or natural rubber. Polyurethane is usually harder than rubber, and offers different features and benefits than natural rubbers. If you are considering switching the bushing material in your automotive production, consider the potential benefits that polyurethane bushings can bring:
Reduced temperature shrinkage: Rubber bushings can shrink in cold weather, completely transforming the size and shape of the bushing. This can be a problem where consistent shock absorbency in a vehicle is necessary to maintain the high performance level of the vehicle.
Increased shock absorption: Polyurethane is better at absorbing shock than traditional rubbers. Rubber tends to reflect the shock back toward the source of the impact, while urethane can truly absorb the shock. This leads to improved shock resistance and performance in the vehicle.
Long-lasting life: Rubber will break down over time due to temperature changes, weather, sun exposure, and everyday usage. Polyurethane is more durable and is resistant to these factors more than rubber. Polyurethane tends to have a longer life than most rubbers.
Precision designs: Because of the unique properties of urethane, bushings made with polyurethane can have precise designs specifically formulated for different makes and models of vehicles. This is highly useful for a manufacturer of high-performance and high-end vehicles where the ultimate customization is a must.
Increased temperature resistance: Polyurethane is also resistant to changes in temperature. Rubber can shrink in the cold and expand in heat, or even melt under extreme temperatures. Polyurethane will not change size or shape under any differing weather conditions.
Cost: Some urethane bushings can cost much less than rubber bushings, simply because polyurethane is an inexpensive material. However, depending on the exact manufacturing process, some specialized bushings made from polyurethane may not provide any cost savings to the manufacturer.

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The History of the IV

IQS Newsroom — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 19:51:15 +0000

The IV and surgical latex tubing is a wonderful medical tool that has saved many lives. This past weekend, I witnessed the amazing power of IVs while my aunt was in the hospital. She was hooked up to many different varieties of tubes and IVs that kept her body functioning after surgery. While we watched her in the hospital, I wondered about the history of IVs. When was the first IV used? What were early IVs made of? What did hospitals use before surgical latex tubing?
The history of IVs and medical tubing goes further back than I imagined. The first injection into the blood stream occurred in 1656 when Sr. Christopher Wren injected opium into the bloodstream via a quill and bladder. However, it was not until 1935 that scientists and medical professionals perfected the theory behind IV solutions. Early medical professionals thought animal blood was safe to use inside humans, and that all human blood was alike. In 1935, the first slow drip IV was invented. Early IVs used surgical tubing made from rubber, which was sterilized between uses. It was not until 1945 that any form of plastic materials were used in hospital settings, and not until the 1970s that latex and other plastic use in the medical industry was widespread.
Today, IVs are an integral part of hospital therapy. According to Work Place Nurses, over 80 percent of all hospital patients receive some sort of IV treatment during their hospital stays. Today patients receive blood, saline, nutrients, and medicine through IVs. Hospitals can even use latex tubing to temporarily replace certain functions of the body until the body recovers, such as when a patient cannot digest or eliminate food due to trauma, surgery, or a coma. It truly amazes me how much the world of medicine has changed in just a few decades.

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