Should I use a Block and Tackle or a Differential Pulley?

We’re often asked whether to use a block and tackle or a differential pulley for a particular job. We’re also often asked whether rope will suffice or whether it needs to be chain. Generally the heavier the load, the more likely the better tool for the job is a differential pulley using chain.

Definitions:

Block and Tackle: A system of 2 or more pulleys with a rope or cable threaded between them, usually used to lift or pull loads. The pulleys are assembled together to form blocks and then blocks are paired so that one is fixed and one moves with the load.

Differential Pulleys: Also called “Weston differential pulley,” or “chain hoist”. A pulley used to manually lift very heavy objects like car engines. It is operated by pulling up on the slack section of a continuous chain that wraps around pulleys. The relative size of 2 connected pulleys determines the maximum weight that can be lifted by hand.

Example Block and Tackle and Differential Pulley Jobs. Click here: https://www.ronstanindustrial.com/should-i-use-a-block-and-tackle-or-a-differential-pulley/

The less friction in the equipment the more efficiently the block and tackle and differential pulley will work. For block and tackles we recommend Toulon roller balls and Toulon bushings on polished shafts. For differential pulleys we recommend steel ball bearings, either sealed or greased.

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All About Anodizing & Plating - The differences between plating and anodizing

The differences between plating and anodizing

Anodizing and plating are 2 different processes for applying a coating on metal.

	Plating	Anodizing
Purpose	Used to make something look good.	Used to protect a surface from oxidation or corrosion.
Method	Coating applied using a positive/negative application process to stick the material to the surface of the item being coated. Essentially the coating is applied on top of the product.	The item is submersed in a diluted sulphuric acid bath and a negative/positive charge applied to create an oxidising barrier on the surface of the object. Essentially it is an aluminum oxide layer. Anodizing uses the product’s chemical make up to apply the coating. For example with aluminum the surface of the metal reacts with oxygen causing aluminum oxide which is harder and stronger than the product.
Durability	Minimal.	Purpose is to provide durability. Coating adheres at a molecular level providing a much harder and more durable finish.
Where Used	Any metal, for example gold plating.	Only aluminum. Generally, the higher the grade of aluminum the better the finish quality.

Anodizing methods

	Hard Coating (Type III)	Clear Anodizing (Type II)	Chromic Anodizing (Type I)
Finish Type	Smooth finish.	Very smooth finish using thick coating.	Very smooth finish using thick coating.
Where Used	Ideal for products with tight tolerance parts which receive a lot of abrasion.	Good solution for exterior or interior parts exposed to weather and light abrasion. Widely used in medical field because finish allows easier sterilization.	Produced using environmentally damaging chemicals so not used by Ronstan.
Finish Thickness	Typically 0.001 to 0.003 inches thick.	Typically 0.0002 to 0.0006 inches thick.
Color	Black only.	Can be dyed to any color and is virtually fade resistant.
Cost	Most expensive method because takes longer and requires more energy to apply.	Less expensive than Hard Coating.	Unknown

Note: Sometimes Clear Anodizing is described as Architectural Anodizing. The difference is that a metallic dye is added to create a colorfast finished product. The dye uses chemicals that are damaging to the environment so it is rarely used and certainly not by Ronstan.

Structural Wire Rope Fittings – Ronstan Industrial

We manufacture a wide range of structural wire rope fittings, all of which are manufactured from high quality, corrosion resistant 316 Stainless Steel 316SS all are load rated:

Stainless Steel Turnbuckles 

·         Type 1 

• Load Rated to Wire sizes 1/8″ to 3/8″
• Easily adjusted by turning the unique coupling nut
• Toggles are designed with full universal movement
• Supplied complete with clevis pin assembly

·         Type 2

• Load Rated for Wire sizes 1/2″ to 1″
• Closed body design for great aesthetic appeal
• Easily adjusted by turning the unique coupling nut
• Toggles are designed with full universal movement
• Supplied complete with clevis pin assembly

·         Type 3

o    Load Rated for Wire sizes 28mm to 52mm

• Closed body design for great aesthetic appeal
• Specifically designed for larger diameter structural cables
• Components have metric threads and are manufactured to DIN Standards
• Only available as a completed cable assembly

• Stainless Steel Wire Rope Termination Fittings

·         Swage Toggle (For use with all turnbuckles)

• Allows movement in two planes
• Toggles match those on Ronstan Type 1 and Type 2 turnbuckles of the same wire diameter.
• Supplied complete with clevis pin assembly

·         Swage Eyes

• Load Rated for Wire sizes 1/2″ to 1″

·         Swage Fork

• Supplied complete with clevis pin assembly

·         Threaded Swage Terminals

• Threaded swage studs for 3/32″-1″ wire

We also do Cable Assembly for Structural or Other Applications this is available on a custom basis as needed specifically for larger projects.

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How Ronstan helps provide shade structures where you need it……

Shade Haven provide portable shade structures. The 40-foot wide shade cloth provides 1,200 square feet of shade that can be set up or put away in minutes.

Shade Haven was originally developed to provide movable shade for cattle and can now be found throughout the US on grazing dairy and beef farms and other diversified livestock farms. Founded in 2012 the products are now being used in 18 states and 3 countries in applications from rotational grazing systems to trade shows and music festivals.

One of the key components of each shade is the Ronstan Industrial track and roller

which is used in combination with ropes and pulleys to tighten the shade canopy frame. Click here for a demonstration.

It’s yet another demonstration of how Ronstan Industrial products are being successfully used in high quality industrial products.

Their success is shown by their extensive testimonials.

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Catenary Lighting

The definition of catenary is “a curve formed by a wire, rope, or chain hanging freely from 2 points that are not in the same vertical line.” Suspending your lighting across wires means you can have fewer obtrusive poles and can concentrate or dilute your lighting as you wish – for example you may want to highlight a statue and play down your refuse bins or light up a car parking area, but dim down a residential road that is near to a shopping centre. Catenary lighting can be used in a commercial and a domestic environment and the design ideas are endless.

Advantages of Catenary Lighting

Economics: Catenary lighting can be made to be very accurate meaning less lighting is required and reducing light pollution and energy consumption.

Space Definition: A catenary net over an open space can work well to define a specific space. The cables can be used for lighting and also for hanging art work. It’s an opportunity to create a feature outside space. Variable lighting levels will invite people into low traffic areas.

Increased space: Using catenary lighting means more space below as there are fewer poles and structural supports than in traditional lighting.

Improved security: More lighting in outside space means a safer environment and an area which can more widely be used.

Ronstan Tensile Architecture is a leader in the field of Catenary lighting. Have a look through at just some of the projects they have completed and get inspired. Imagine what you can do with catenary lighting if you are providing garden design or landscaping services or are looking at designing a flagship office space.

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Photo Credit: edtronics.com

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE: CEDAR RAPIDS CONVENTION CENTER

The pedestrian bridge at the Cedar Rapids Convention Center is the perfect solution for managing foot traffic flowing to and from the parking structure across the street.

The City of Cedar Rapids recognized the importance of providing a safe and accessible path for pedestrians, moving through high traffic areas in the city. A safe route needed to be created to link the Cedar Rapids Convention Center and Double Tree Hotel to the parking structure across the street. Referred to as the “Skywalk”, a smartly designed pedestrian bridge over the busy street proved to be the best solution for traffic management, and replaced a parking layout which was destroyed in a flood in 2008. 

                                     

Lead architect Gary Landhauser from Novak Design Group said part of the challenge here, was to design a utilitarian structure that looked like it fit into the downtown historical fabric of the city. The look of the garage was achieved by using decorative metal panels to frame the exterior, which also served to shield the view of the parked cars from the street. On the Skywalk, the galvanized steel rods, not only served to support the structure, but aesthetically also fit perfectly with the design goals of the garage itself. The Skywalk utilizes our ARS4 system and consists of (16) x 2” diameter rods with forks and (8) x 2-1/2” diameter.

Another connecting skywalk is slated for a future phase of this development.


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Enhance Your Next Project With Structural Rods

There is no limit to what can be achieved with the intelligent use of rods working together in tension. Glazed curtain walls, tensioned fabric roofs, and suspension bridges, all can depend on structural rods as the primary load carrying elements. The results are structures of unique depth and openness. There are many applications where structural rods can solve a design problem and provide visual enhancement.

The catwalk overlooking the lobby at the Hampton Circuit Courthouse in Hampton, VA is structurally supported using Ronstan ARS3 stainless steel rods. The distinct visual effect matches the overall design of the interior.  The Circuit Courthouse was completed in May 2016. The new building replaces a 139-year-old courthouse and brings a completely new design for user traffic flow. One of the most significant changes from the previous building is the inclusion of a space to welcome the general public through the front doors and into the lobby.


Visitors through the front door are greeted by a beautiful suspended catwalk overlooking the lobby. The walk, which appears like a bridge, acts as a transparent connection between two ends of the building. This suspended walkway, is structurally supported by 8 x 1-¼” diameter 316 stainless steel rod assemblies in 18-foot lengths. Aside from the structural purpose, the exposed rods fit perfectly into the design of the rest of the building which uses vertical and horizontal elements to define the space. The polished stainless steel material of the rods compliments the metal and glass railing components. The catwalk at the Hampton Circuit Court is a great example of how unique and lightweight design can be achieved using tensile architecture.

For the full article click here.

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