Sparks Electrical News March 2021

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

11

One-component silicone gel for the protection of electrical installations

What makes PressGel unique is its non-toxic self- sealing properties, which can be removed after instal- lation. For our South African climate, the UV-stabilised gel is a must for any installation. When planning a DIY project at home or an indus- trial installation, things don’t always go as planned and are often delayed, but PressGel’s unlimited shelf-life means you one less expiry date to worry about. Product features include: • Ready to use transparent silicone gel in cartridge. • Highly adhesive and non-dripping. • IP68 in combination with appropriate junction box. • Re-closable cartridge for multiple use. • Non-toxic. • Halogen-free and socyanate-free. • For electrical installation up to 1 kV (1000 V). • Operating temperature: -60 °C to +200 °C PressGel is the ideal solution for insulation and seal- ing cable connections in junction boxes. Due to its protective properties it ensures additional safety.

PressGel, a newly launched product from Heller- mannTyton, is a transparent easy to use one-compo- nent silicone gel to protect electrical insulation. Cur- rently, electrical connections, inside empty enclosures or junction boxes are exposed to the risk of short circuit, oxidation and corrosion, which may over time cause irreparable damages. By using PressGel you can prevent many of the environmental hazards such as vibration, water ingress, insects and dust which can result in installation failures. “PressGel is particularly suitable for use in overhead installations with ‘upside down’ components even in humid environments,” explains Lee Vermeulen, Key Account Manager – Network Products at Heller- mannTyton. “It is ready to use, highly adhesive and non-dripping. It has no cure time, mixing requirements and will stay elastic after application”. The PressGel cartridge can be used with any standard cartridge mastic gun. PressGel covers a range of applications from DIY projects such as protecting CCTV cameras or outdoor lighting from insects and/or rain to industrial applica- tions such as mining, where an IP68 rating is required to protect electrical installations.

Enquiries: www.hellermanntyton.co.za

A ‘cutting-edge’ collaboration

Make an impact

L eading distributor of cutting consum- ables and capital equipment, South African company First Cut, has en- joyed a relationship spanning over four dec- ades with Starrett, a renowned global manu- facturer of industrial blades and metrology equipment. This cutting-edge collaboration and synergy is based on many areas of commonality – with the outstanding fea- tures being a mutual focus on delivering the very highest quality in all areas of manufac- turing, product and customer service. “Our long-standing relationship with Starrett is built on our mutual dedication to produce and distribute only the finest qual- ity cutting and measuring blades and tools, to ensure the highest levels of customer satisfaction,” comments First Cut’s Director responsible for the consumables division, Gary Willis. “Starrett’s precision product ranges are renowned for their accuracy and perfor- mance – meeting national and international standards – which resonates perfectly with First Cut’s focus on quality in all that we do and offer – and with the rigorous selection of partners with whom we choose to col- laborate,” Willis explains. As Starrett’s long-standing South African representative and distributor, First Cut of- fers a selection of tools which are manufac- tured to optimum standards and workman- ship by Starrett in Brazil. This vast range of premium products includes precision tools, force measurement and material testing, saws and hand tools. In respect of blades, Starrett manufac- tures saw blades, among other products. These range from very large band saw blades to conventional DIY hacksaw blades. All are produced from the finest materials, and in compliance with the strictest Europe- an and other international safety and quality standards. “Starrett’s innovative approach and di- versified cutting technology portfolio has a

cally has been gratifying. “Today, South African support for Star- rett is stronger than ever, which is a great endorsement to First Cut too. As their long- standing local partner, we know it is im- portant to buy into the Starrett operational ethos; and to ensure that we mirror this in our own operation. We have been compli- mented as really standing out as one of Starrett’s incountry partners with real syn- ergy and buyin,” Willis remarks. He adds: “This demand for Starrett prod- ucts is therefore as a result not only of a shared operational ethos; but as a direct result of First Cut’s quality of service, strong customer focus and excellent reputation within the local market. Our South African customers know what to expect from us, as both parties meet stringent standards in all areas of produc- tion and the customer-interface. It is the pre- mium end of the market that we deliver into, as our product durability and quality offer a longer life – which ultimately makes them a far more cost-effective choice over cheaper products on the market.” Starrett’s sound reputation and strong representation by South Africa’s foremost leader in cutting technology, First Cut, will ensure that together, they continue to cut a swathe through any opposition and remain at the edge of technological advancement within the sector.

place in a variety of industries, including be- ing particularly indispensable in the metal- working and meat sectors – where its preci- sion-ground stainless steel band saw blades are manufactured flawlessly, to cut with thin kerf precision. Additionally, demand for their products includes sectors such as electron- ics, aerospace, general manufacturing, as well as within the energy sector,” Willis adds. With ongoing research and development, Starrett has also developed a comprehen- sive range of bi-metal band saw blades that – without the expense of carbide-tips - are the best solution for cutting various ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Designed for heavy-duty cutting appli- cations, the Primalloy saw provides greater operating life and better heat and wear re- sistance through alloying cobalt and vana- dium, while the Intenss (Powerband M42) has a high-speed steel cutting edge welded to a fatigue-resistant alloy steel backing. The blades are resistant to heat, abrasion and shock, for faster cutting speeds of a wide range of materials. Furthermore, the bi-met- al band saw blades are cost-effective, and suit all cutting requirements for any model of machine. Willis furthermore points out that the Brazil facility has served as a catalyst for the signifi- cant growth in Starrett’s blading and measur- ing equipment offerings - due to their invest- ment in improvedmanufacturing capabilities; and also expanding on, and strengthening their range of conventional cutting and measuring equipment.

Festool’s new robust, long-lasting Cordless 18-volt impact drivers will stand the test of time. Three new mod- els are now available: the TID 18-Basic, TID 18 C 3,1-PLUS and TID 18 C 3,1- SET T18. These compact powerhouse impact drivers offer an impressive service life thanks to their extremely robust ham- mer mechanism. The perfect combina- tion of the new generation brushless EC- TEC motor and the battery pack ensure maximum performance and endurance. In addition to this, the TID 18 with 1/4” tool holder turns the screw without straining your wrist – thanks to the new tangential hammer mechanism with no strength sapping back torque. The ma- chines weight of just 960 grams also allows you to work for longer without becoming tired. The robust, long-lasting quality com- ponents are fully covered thanks to the comprehensive support provided by Festool Service. The maximum power is thanks to the extremely powerful, brushless, long-lasting, latest generation EC-TEC motor with three speed levels, 180 Nm torque and additional T-mode specifically for self-tapping screws. A first is the safe, kickback-free tangential hammer mechanism which protects your wrist. Tangential action is best de- scribed as a spanner on a nut with a hammer taping away on the end of the

spanner pushing the nut tighter. The ergonomic compact design and light weight enables you to work accu- rately and for longer without any fatigue, even in hard-to-reach areas. The flexible battery system applications with high power needs, is the 4.0 Ah Li-HighPow- er Compact battery pack, providing the ideal powerful, compact, and lightweight solution. For even less weight, opt for the 3.1 Ah Compact battery pack for light screw joints. The units offer extremely strong performance and ensures that work is tailored to the material with three speed settings. The innovative T-mode detects the transition between sheet metal and wood and automatically adapts the speed. A convenient tool-free 1/4” holder, integrated bit storage, opti- mum LED illumination of the work area, belt clip for attachment on both sides, all packed in the professional mobile Fes- tool Systainers (mobile storage box).

Enquiries: www.vermontsales.co.za

Enquiries: www.firstcut.co.za

Leveraging their strong, dec- ades-long relationship with First Cut, the company has devel- oped a solid market presence in South Africa. He comments that along with Brazil, Starrett sees South Africa as one of its largest international growth prospects, pointing out that that continued customer loyalty lo-

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MARCH 2021