Connecting block for construction profiles

Plastic connection block – for secure plate mounting

Made of PMMA copolymer ✓ Shock and vibration absorbing ✓ For 8mm slot width ✓

Our transparent plastic connecting blocks are used to easily attach panels to construction profiles and are available in two sizes for profiles with an edge width of 30mm or 40mm and an 8mm groove. The plate fastener is simply screwed into the groove with a hammer and can be combined with all construction profiles, regardless of whether they are I-type profiles with rounded corners or the B-type in an angular design. The square nut with an internal thread of size M6 integrated in the plastic block is used to hold the threaded screws that are used for plate mounting.

The connecting blocks are made of a PMMA copolymer that is characterised by very good vibration damping, so that even sensitive sheet materials such as glass or acrylic glass can be used to clad structures with construction profiles. The block is manufactured using the injection moulding process, so that the hammer, which is inserted into the profile groove, is firmly attached to the connection block and thus does not represent a weak point in the construction, thereby also allowing higher loads.

NOTE: To mount panels with the connection blocks, threaded screws with a thread diameter of 6mm are required. These are not included in the scope of delivery. The length of the screw depends on the thickness of the panels to be mounted.

Properties of our connection blocks for plate elements

Our connection block is made of high-quality PMMA copolymer. In simple terms, this is a transparent acrylic glass, which is somewhat softer and therefore less brittle due to the mixture with another polymer. This significantly reduces the risk of breakage and significantly mitigates shocks and vibrations, so that the connection block simultaneously acts as a kind of shock absorber. This makes the plate fasteners very suitable for mounting glass plates or plastic glazing. Acrylic glass is inherently UV-resistant, so the disc holders can also be used for outdoor plate mounting without weathering or UV radiation affecting the durability and resilience of the small plastic cube.

The connecting block, which is injection moulded in one piece, has a hammer on one side that can be easily and securely attached to the profile by screwing it into the profile groove. This is designed for construction profiles with an 8mm groove width, so that the connection blocks can be used for our 30mm and 40mm profiles, but not with the 20mm profile, as this has a groove width of 6mm. The connectors for panel mounting can also be combined with all other profile systems. Here, both the groove width and the depth of the groove webs must be taken into account. The larger connecting block is suitable for construction profiles with an 8mm groove and 4mm thick groove webs, which is common for 40x40mm profiles. The more compact uniblock, on the other hand, is suitable for aluminium profiles with 2mm thick grooves. This applies to our 30mm construction profiles. These specifications may differ for profiles from other manufacturers, so the dimensions should be checked in advance to ensure that the plate connector is securely held.

NOTE: The plastic uniblock has a square nut made of nickel-plated carbon steel inside. The size of the internal thread is 6mm and is identical for both versions.

Specific data of the transparent plate connectors

• Connecting block for 30x30mm, groove 8: Dimensions (WxLxH): approx. 17x20x20mm, Ø thread: M6, groove width: 8mm, groove depth: 6mm, weight: 10g
• Connecting block for 40x40mm, groove 8: Dimensions (WxLxH): approx. 24x18x22mm, Ø thread: M6, groove width: 8mm, groove depth: 10mm, weight: 14g

Mounting and use of plates with connection blocks

Installing panels with the connecting blocks is very easy, because they are simply inserted into the open groove of the construction profile at the desired location. To do this, the panel fasteners are inserted into the groove with what is known as a hammer and turned 90 degrees. The direction of rotation is determined by personal preference and the thickness of the panels to be attached, because the hammer is not centred on the connection block, but is offset to the side. The exact position of the panel fastener can be changed at any time so that it perfectly matches the mounting holes of the panel.

WARNING: Depending on the weight of the surface elements, the number of plate fastenings with connecting blocks must be increased to ensure sufficient load-bearing capacity.

To screw the cladding panels together, M6 threaded screws are required, which are screwed into the internal thread of the connection block. Depending on the material and panel thickness, the design of the screws must be varied with regard to the head diameter and thread length. The bolts pass through the hole in the plate and are screwed into the thread of the square nut in the connector. This nut, made of nickel-plated carbon steel, can be moved a few millimetres towards or away from the profile within the connection block to ensure the ideal position for the bolt and to ensure that the bolt can be screwed in straight.

TIP: When installing vertical panels, it can be helpful to secure the topmost connection block with a slot nut and grub screw to prevent it from slipping. This is particularly advantageous when using larger or heavier panels, to ensure that they do not slide down over time.

The connecting blocks absorb shocks and vibrations, making them an excellent choice for enclosures for machines and industrial plants that are subject to high mechanical stress. At the same time, the panel fastenings serve to protect against panel breakouts due to the movement of the construction, as well as to protect against occupational accidents, because moving device parts are covered by panels and reaching into them is prevented. Whether opaque panels made of aluminium or HPL are used, or transparent plastic panels that allow an unobstructed view of the machine's movements, is irrelevant. Thanks to the simple screw fastening, the cladding can be easily removed and reattached during maintenance and repair work.

The plastic connection blocks are not only well suited for covering constructions in mechanical and plant engineering, but also for countless applications in the DIY sector. For example, construction profiles can be used to create individual shelves in just a few simple steps. These can be turned into a display case by adding side elements with panels made of real glass or transparent plastic such as acrylic glass or polycarbonate. Windbreaks, privacy screens or partition walls are also very easy to construct using the connection blocks and can be easily adapted or dismantled as required.

Examples of the use of connection blocks for plate mounting

• The connecting blocks for plate mounting are ideal for materials with a higher coefficient of thermal expansion
• The PMMA plastic plate fasteners are also suitable for cladding in restraint-free installation
• The connecting blocks have a shock- and vibration-absorbing effect, making them ideal for mounting glass plates
• The connection blocks are also perfect for protective covers on machines with high mechanical loads
• A display case can be created using the transparent panel fasteners and shelves made of construction profiles

Technical data of the transparent connection blocks

• Material: PMMA copolymer
• Colour: Transparent
• Depth: Approx. 20mm resp. 18mm
• Height: Approx. 20mm resp. 22mm
• Width: Approx. 17mm resp. 24mm
• Ø Thread: M6
• Weight: 10g resp. 14g
• UV-resistance: Excellent
• Weather resistance: Excellent
• Corrosion resistance: Excellent