
Proctor Fabrication's Bollards
In this FAQ:
Stainless steel bollards imbedded in concrete (photo credit: archdaily.com)
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What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is a vast group of ferrous alloys that are highly resistant to rusting. Making it distinct from other iron alloys, stainless steel has a layer of durable passivation that preserves it from both moisture and air. This resistance from rust makes it an optimal choice for numerous applications.
Why stainless steel bollards?
There are many benefits to using stainless steel bollards. Benefits including:
• Anti-Corrosion: The chromium infusion in stainless steel’s makes it resistant to the inevitable erosion that deteriorates other alloys and metals. It is only in aggressive environments and harsh conditions that stainless steel will rust. To increase the resistance properties of stainless steel, simply add more chromium to the steel mixture. The more chromium present in the mixture, the stronger the resistance is.
• Durability: Stainless steel has one of the greatest lifespans of any metal alloy. This is thanks to its uniquely infused chromium compounds. These compounds not only fabricate stainless steel’s low surface friction, but also tarnish resistance, discoloration, temperature stability and UV-ray blocking capabilities.
• Climate Strength: Stainless steel can be in a variety of climates and environments. It can be in a freezing warehouse’s in Alaska or in front of a grocery store in Florida. Throughout these conditions, stainless steel will persist across humidities, sun exposures and thermostat settings.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is resistant to rust, cracking, abrasion, peeling and damage due to chemical exposure. Although it isn’t invulnerable, it is still extremely durable. Powder coating maintains color and gloss, goes on consistently, has great UV strength and is an environmentally friendly option compared to traditional liquid paint.
Powder coated bollard embedded in cement (photo credit: archiexpo.com)
Why Powder Coated Bollards?
Here are two primary benefits to using powder coated:
• Toughness: Powder coating has a hard finish that is stronger than conventional paint. Along with this, powder coating is capable of fabricating thicker layers that are thicker than other conventional liquid coatings, and does not sag or run.
• Environmental and cost friendly: This type of coating has no solvents and releases none or a small amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the atmosphere. So, to finish a powder coat, there is not a need to buy expensive pollution control equipment. Ultimately, this reduces the price of powder coating.
Pros and Cons of Stainless and Powder Coat
Stainless
Powder coated
Pros
• sleek, and elite look
• recycleable
• doesn't rust
Cons
• more expensive than PC
Pros
• cost efficient
• wider variety of colors
•environmentally friendly
Cons
• doesn't last as long as stainles
While both options have their own cons, ultimately, both are going to last for years, and serve well as vehicle and safety barriers.
Installation
Bollard installation can be performed with common power tools. We recommend installing them over 4-6 inches of cured concrete or asphalt. Baseplates are drilled to accept up to 3 quarter inch hardware, which depends on your application.
This is Proctor Fabrication's installation process: