The challenge
Expansion joint materials costs and technical requirements
The customer needed a material for expansion joints to match or exceed what was provided by a previous vendor. However, that previous vendor had a unique technology designed to fit the application needs. Versiv needed to ensure no drop in quality, while ensuring the material worked out cost-wise while matching or surpassing technical requirements. Furthermore, it was important to work around the unique technology provided by the previous vendor at the time, so a copy/paste solution was not an option.
Our partnered solution
Coated fabric materials that meet customer need
Versiv used a proprietary process to combine PTFE films with a lightly coated fabric on a special greige. We also used a filled film to match the colour requirements presented by this project. Lastly, we provided initial testing for mechanical properties under stress to ensure technical and mechanical demands were met.
The solution feature critical to quality is the perfect lamination provided; the material is flexible while being perfectly consolidated and dense. We achieved the solution needed by the customer through running the material through a process that applied constant pressure and very homogenous temperature distribution.
Results
Coated materials that surpass expectations
Versiv's expansion joint material aligns perfectly with the mechanical properties of the customer's previous vendor's material, ensuring a smooth transition. However, Versiv's offering boasts significant advantages:
- Enhanced Workability: The material offers superior flexibility compared to the previous solution, making installation, and handling easier.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Versiv's material delivers competitive pricing, potentially leading to cost savings for the customer.
- Futureproofing with ESD Potential: A key benefit is the potential to add electrostatic discharge (ESD) properties with minor modifications. This future-proofs the solution for potential future needs without requiring a complete material change.
Overall, Versiv provides a strong second-source option with improved workability, cost-efficiency, and the potential for future ESD functionality.
