New accessories expand item aluminium frame building system

First, a Cover Profile 8 k/Al is available to fill the groove in Line 8 profiles. Similar to the aluminium strip that is already popular, the plastic version is quick and easy to cut to length, and the aluminium foil finish gives the appearance of an aluminium cover strip.

Conversely, if you are familiar with the plastic end caps that are used to finish the ends of cut profiles, there are now zinc end caps that are secured with countersunk screws - and the holes do not need to be tapped. The Caps 8 can be specified in a 'white aluminium' finish or black, and the come in three sizes: 40x40, 40x80 and 80x80mm.

Another new product is the item Latch that secures doors and hatches in position. When the door is closed, a 'click' provides audible confirmation that the sprung latch has caught. The ergonomic latch requires little force to open, and the grey colouring blends well with aluminium profiles. Two variants are offered for use with Lien 6 and Lien 8 profiles, respectively.

New fixings are said to reduce the time required to assemble frameworks. The Universal Fastening Sets with Double T-Slot Nuts provide for very fast friction connections with both single- and double-height profiles.

A different type of fastener has been introduced for concealed fixing of wood or plastic panels. The item Expansion Insert m5x8 is a threaded brass insert that is simply pushed into a blind hole 6.5mm diameter, then a pin is used to expand the legs whose serrations grip the inside of the hole. M5 screws then fasten the panel securely.

If you have large or heavy doors, the new Hinge 8 40 Zn could prove very useful. Offered in 'white aluminium' or black, the hinges open to 180 degrees and can be mounted on the face or end of profiles, and can be used left- or right-handed.

Aluminium profiles are sometimes used for carrying compressed air and item has therefore launched a Pneumatic Connecting Plate 8 80x40 G3/8. As its name suggests, this fixes to the end of a Profile 8 80x40, together with the appropriate item seal, enabling a pneumatic connection to be made via the G3/8 thread.

Numerous products have been added to the item Work Bench System. New products include the Groove Plate Profile 8 400x14 that provides a vertical surface with ten grooves in one side and nine on the other, suitable for attaching various tool holders and other equipment. Various new tool holding attachments enable pens, hammers, screwdrivers, spanners and other tools to be hung from Line 8 T-slots. For worktops, there are new plastic coated, high-pressure laminate and ESD panels to suit differing requirements. Other new components include pulleys and associated hardware for suspending tools in line with Karakuri applications (low-cost semi-automation using gravity, leverage and manual effort).

Thanks to the eight grooves around the circumference of the Profile Tube D30-45 heavy-duty connections can be made at angles of 90 and 45 degrees. This heavy-duty profile also features a greater wall thickness to improve strength and stiffness. Any length can be ordered, up to a maximum of 6m. To complement these profiles, a new Ball Joint Transverse Fastener D30 enables tubes to joined at any angle, so are very useful for tasks such as bracing struts. If a joint needs to be made at 45 degrees, the alternative is to use a Fastener D33-45 internal. Other new components for use with the D30 round profiles can be used for creating conveyors, installing infill panels and making smooth jointed corners.

For more information about any of the new products mentioned above, go to www.mbsitem.co.uk.