We have already seen it in many places. Also, we have already used it many times for day-to-day applications. Anyway, people don’t know the name of it. Well, we refer to the Grommet here. Are you confused now? OK, go to your bathroom and take a closer look at the bathtub curtain!
The curtain moves along the bar on which it is on thanks to a few metal rings. We call those metal rings; grommets. You can see similar items on your shoes. Anyway, those are small items, and we usually call them eyelets. The whole purpose of this small piece is to reinforce and protect the hole. Without the eyelets, the shoelace holes can get damaged from day-to-day use.
You need to purchase a tool to install a metal Grommet on to fabric. The use of eyelets or Grommets on fabrics — for decorative purposes. The material that the eyelet is made of determines where you can use it. For example, metal items are not suitable for applications where electrical wires are involved. OK, let’s understand the Grommets types a bit better now!
* Rubber
As mentioned, this type is widely used for applications where electrical wires are involved. Rubber provides a smoother surface, hence electrical wires won’t get damaged. Well, even a metal Grommet can be used here, but the electrical wires can get damaged by rubbing with a metal. So, to minimize the risk of wire damage; rubber is the best material option in this case. Manufacturers across the world use different rubber types to use for specific applications.
For example, natural rubber can melt when used for high-temperature applications such as hot oil. Natural rubber, NBR, SBR, neoprene, Buna-N, silicone, and fluorocarbon polymers are the widely used materials for manufacturing rubber grommets. Silicone can withstand high-temperature up to 200 Celsius. So, talk to your supplier first-hand and determine which Grommet type would suit your application the most. Using the wrong type will lead to long-term failures.
* Plastic
Widely used on fabrics for decorative purposes. Also, on shoes. Well, you can use a plastic Grommet for electrical applications too. Plastic can provide a smoother surface for electrical wires. When compared to rubber material options such as silicone, plastic cannot withstand high-temperature. Also, rubber can regain its original shape and size after releasing the stress on it. Plastic, on the other hand; cannot regain its original shape and size when subjected to a greater force.
So, a plastic Grommet can permanently get damaged when subjected to a greater force. The availability of various colours is an advantage of plastic eyelets to highlight here. Plastic is a material that shows corrosion resistance, resistance to pest infestation, and wear resistance. Hence, ideal for outdoor applications. Anyway, due to the lack of rigidity; plastic may not use for robust applications such as on flags and banners.
* Metal
Availability of various metals, many sizes, strengths, colours, and self-piercing are the top advantages of a metal Grommet. Steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, zinc, Monel, and aluminium are the widely used metals-alloys for manufacturing metal eyelets and grommets.
Corrosion resistance, wear resistance, chemical resistance, resistance to pest infestation, high strength, and light weight are the top benefits and properties of metal items. All these factors and qualities make it suitable to use for outdoor applications such as flags, banners, automobiles, curtains, and many more. Expensive metals such as Titanium are also being used for special applications. The price of metal grommets is high when compared to plastic and rubber types.
* Marine-Grade
As the name suggests, this Grommet type is ideal for robust applications such as awnings, boats, and tarps. Ruggedness, corrosion resistance, and economical price are the top advantages of these product types.
How to choose the right Grommet supplier?
Well, it depends on your application. For example, if you just need items for general applications such as fabric; you can buy them from a local shop. You can buy plastic eyelets in bulk amounts. Robust types such as military-grade grommets are available in local hardware shops. If you want to buy in bulk amounts; choosing a long-term supplier is advisable. Their product range, price, quality, reputation, and delivery process are the factors to consider so.
Why should you love aluminium grommet?
Aluminium is a metal that comes with unique properties, hence one of the best metals to use for eyelets and grommet types. Banners, hospital curtains. tabletop displays, metal bakeware, protective barriers, non-skid covers for RV steps, aerospace parts, and fabrics are the common applications of an aluminium Grommet. Now, you can understand how versatile this product is.
Why aluminium?
Well, we should highlight several properties here:
* Durability
When compared to steel, aluminium is durable and lightweight. While it is difficult to say which is the best of aluminium and stainless steel, we can say; that aluminium is better than ordinary steel. So, can be used for outdoor applications and for where water and moisture are present.
* Ductility
Well, this benefit is enjoyed by the Grommet manufacturers. When compared to steel, aluminium is more ductile, hence easy to roll, process, and stamp. In other words, aluminium makes the manufacturing process easy and practical.
* Lightness
The high weight is the top downside of steel grommets. Aluminium, on the other hand; is three times lighter than steel, making it suitable for applications where weight reduction is necessary. So, installing 3 aluminium grommets adds the same weight as adding one steel Grommet.
* The personality it can add
The colour of aluminium (silvery-white) looks professional and clean. A quick tip: aluminium weighs less than even copper, brass, and steel.
Some final words
What have you understood so far? Well, choosing the right Grommet type is crucial to the success of the application. For example, metal eyelets and grommets can damage electrical wiring, hence not suitable for applications where electrical wires are present. Well, if you are not sure which Grommet type suits your application the most; talk to your supplier today. This useful piece of material is not expensive to buy. As mentioned, some suppliers sell eyelets and grommets in bulk amounts.
Don’t choose steel-metal products for long-term outdoor applications. Stainless steel, brass, copper, bronze, titanium, and aluminium are the ideal metal alloy choices for outdoor applications.
Well, you can contact us for more information on this useful product. We are more than happy to guide you. A quick tip: don’t use steel eyelets for decorative purposes on fabrics. Steel eyelets will get corroded and leave long-lasting stains on your fabrics.
Lorene Mainolfi
March 12, 2018This information is magnificent. I understand and respect your clear-cut points. I am impressed with your writing style and how well you express your thoughts.
Dion Treptow
March 13, 2018I am glad to be one of many visitors on this outstanding web site.
intelligent
November 23, 2018It is perfect time to make some plans for the longer term and it
is timе to be hɑppy. I’ve learn tһis put up and if I may just I ᴡant to suggest you ѕ᧐me іnteresting thіngs or tips.
Ꮇaybe you could wгite next articles referring to this article.
I deѕire to learn even more thingѕ approximately it!
Darlene
March 26, 2019you are in reality a excellent webmaster. The web site loading
velocity is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing
any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork.
you’ve done a fantastic activity on this topic!