Why the variable strength flex arm might be our most valuable tool
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To explain a variable strength flex arm, you have to understand this concept first. Our engineers have a saying, “It’s not about having the strongest flex arm, it’s about matching the strength of a flex arm to the job that needs to be done.” It makes sense for a couple of reasons. You don’t want to pay extra to design something that holds MORE weight than what you need. You also don’t want to pay for something that won’t be able to make fine adjustments, if that’s what your device requires — which could happen if your flex arm is too strong.
That’s exactly why we created the variable strength flex arm. With it, you get the best of both worlds, strength, AND flexibility. So what is it? Even the name, “variable strength flex arm” might not be immediately recognizable, and yet it’s one of the flex arms we create most often for our clients. Here’s what you need to know to understand if a variable strength flex arm might be right for your device.
What is a variable strength flex arm?
We based the idea for a variable flex arm on the concept of a tree branch. Supple on one end, flexible on the other. This type of flex arm is stiffer at its base but more flexible towards the end. We could get more technical than that, but we won’t for a couple of reasons
- It’s proprietary (but if you’re really curious, just hop on a call! We’d be happy to explain it!)
- It’s not that interesting unless you build flex arms.
Our clients don’t necessarily need to know why something works, they just want to know that it WILL work — and will be reliable. In that way, a variable strength arm has become our go-to option with many clients. With most designs, they represent a long-term, reliable solution for folks who need a specific set of criteria matched. What are those criteria? Wow, it’s almost like you read our minds!
What industries and companies use variable flex arms?
We estimate that variable flex arms represent something like 75% of new designs that come in — so in a nutshell: a lot of different industries and companies use variable flex arms. Currently, there are two big reasons your company might need one.
- If you need extra length for your flex arm without drooping.
- If you need a flex arm to hold its general position, but also want to be able to make small adjustments on the end.
While we never want to limit the imagination of our clients, some industries that we see utilizing this tech include the medical field, restaurants (grow lights), furniture, and lighting — basically any industry that might benefit from a device with a firm base, but that is able to retain the ability to make minute adjustments on its end component. Still have questions? Let’s check out the video.
Does a variable strength arm have any weaknesses?
For the most part, the features that are available to our other flex arms are also able to be utilized with a variable strength arm. That includes wiring, base options, and anything else you can think of. The biggest limitation comes from the fact that the stiff end of a variable strength flex arm may be worn down if it is being continuously moved back and forth. Thankfully, there’s a simple fix for this problem that we’ve used several times.
If you pair a variable strength arm with a swiveling base, it allows easy back and forth motion, while still retaining the strength needed for it to be effective. This takes the pressure off the flex arm itself and allows for fuller, broader range of motion.
Need a strong or long flex arm, but haven’t been able to find the right match? Curious to see if a variable strength flex arm is right for your next project? We’re happy to help! Watch our video, then set up a time to give us a call so we can launch your project!
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Working on a flex arm design? We are here for a no-pressure phone call. We’d love to hear more about what you are working on and give you ideas and prototypes to improve your decision-making process. Give us a call, we promise it will be worth your while.