Positional Couplers From Hy-Ten Extends Frictional Welded Coupler Ranges for Concrete Reinforcement

Hy-Ten, a pioneer in the UK in the use of friction welded coupler technology for structural reinforcement of concrete, has extended the technique to embrace a new positional coupler range. Fully tested and certified by CARES, the certification authority for reinforcement steels, the couplers are available now.

Director Richard Webster commented, “Friction welded couplers were added to our range just 12 months ago. Engineers and contractors have enthusiastically accepted the concept so we have extended the application into areas where reinforcement bars are immovable. The new couplers permit secure interconnection using a sleeve with dual threading to bring the reinforcement bars securely together.”

The new system will greatly speed site construction times. Joining reinforcement bars with the new positional couplers needs no special tools or extended training and is a simple speedy process. Reverse cut threads make it possible to link together reinforcement bars by turning the sleeve in one direction only.

Friction welding technology has been proven in both aerospace and automotive applications. Joints formed by this method are subject to millions of cycles of operation and extreme stress. Hy-Ten has invested substantially in dedicated machines and developing the process. By rotating the coupler at ultra high speed the mating surfaces achieve fusing temperature. This plasticised metal creates a joint that is far stronger than can be achieved
by conventional high temperature welding resulting in less deformation and preservation of the bars natural strength.