Insulation Insights Spring 2015

Fastening Systems – Available Fastening Systems for Firwin Removable Insulation Blankets

Firwin’s removable insulation blankets are most often fastened with stainless steel lacing wire, which is supplied standard with most insulation blanket orders. However, from time to time, we get requests for alternative fastening systems. Reasons may vary, but often involve applications that require quick or frequent installation and/or removal of the insulation blankets.

In addition to stainless steel lacing wire, Firwin insulation blankets are also available in straps, snaps, springs, and Velcro. Each has it advantages and disadvantages, and some options are better suited for certain applications. “We find that stainless steel lacing wire works best”, says Paul Herman, Firwin’s president. “But for certain applications, where speedy installation is key, or where the client will be removing the blankets frequently to do maintenance, we will recommend alternatives”.

Firwin recently developed a new spring fastening system to meet the needs of one of its clients. “One of our larger OEM clients was finding that the traditional method of installing insulation blankets – using stainless steel lacing wire wrapped around stainless steel capstan rivets – was proving to be too time consuming”, said Paul Herman, Firwin’s president. “They were looking for a fastening method that would allow them to install the blankets quicker, reduce their labor costs, and speed up their assembly line.”

Firwin Corp’s R & D department came up with a proprietary spring fastener that would allow for quick installation, while at the same time still provide a tight fit for the insulation blanket. “We have made spring fasteners available to our customers in the past”, notes Brett Herman, Firwin’s V.P. of Sales & Customer Service. “However, we used to find that the spring fasteners available “off the shelf” just did not provide the proper fit that insulation blankets require. We knew that if we were to provide spring fasteners as a legitimate option, we would have to design one ourselves”, added Brett. Firwin’s R & D department, working with a local spring manufacturer, did just that. The new spring fasteners snap on and off with ease, and maintain their integrity over time and at high temperatures.

While certain fastening options, such as Velcro, are not appropriate for high temperature applications, the choice of fastening can often come down to personal preference.

The chart below outlines the pros and cons of the various fastening systems that Firwin offers.