Connectors add to profile system's versatility

Two new low-cost versatile connectors are available for the comprehensive 40 series profile system.

Not very often does a product come along that is strong, more versatile, better aesthetically, easier to use and all this at a lower cost than the previous model, but MK reckons it has done just that with the new tension connectors for its 40 series profile.

The choice of connector when making any framework from aluminium extrusion is based on many factors such as strength, appearance, application, environment and cost.

Because profile systems are used in many different applications, there are many choices of connecting element available.

Most connecting systems involve machining or adapting the profile in some way, be it milling, drilling or tapping one or both of the profiles to be connected.

Some manufacturers offer connections that can be used "without machining", but often it is still necessary in reality to tap, insert or thread form profiles to achieve the connection.

Faced with tapping a profile and drilling it with a purpose made drill fixture, MK believes that the drilling option is easier, faster and less open to error, as long as it can be done without heavy fixed machinery.

There are two new versions of the connector, one for the standard and light profile versions, and another for the new extra light low cost profiles, commonly used in more simple applications such as machine guarding.

There are several key features to these new connectors.

The tension bolt part of the connector has parallel faces machined on either side.

This has two significant benefits.

One is that the connecting profiles cannot rotate once the connector is tightened.

Another is that a new profile can be added to an existing framework: just prefit the connector, slide it in the slot of the existing frame, rotate 90 degrees and tighten.

The connector is fitted with two rubber spacers.

On the connector barrel, the spacer locates the barrel in the correct position to accept the tension bolt.

The other spacer raises the head of the tension bolt for the connecting process.

The new connector also uses the same 10mm diameter hole that its predecessor used.

This means that existing users do not need to retool.

This 10mm drilling is so simple with the special low cost drill fixture available from MK that it can be done with a hand drill.

Many other connectors require heavy drilling or milling machines for this process.

The final benefit of the new connector is that once tightened, all slots remain fully useable.

It can be fitted in such a way that it does not interfere with infill materials, can avoid the need to notch infill panels and can also be completely covered where the connector needs to be hidden, for example in clean room applications.

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