Mapefix: anchoring solutions

The market for chemical anchoring products is in constant growth. Mapei’s proposal for this sector is the MAPEFIX range, which guarantees a firm, reliable and performances confirmed by ETA certification and CE mark. Fabio Guerrini, Mapei Product Manager for elastic adhesives and sealants, talks about the latest developments in the range.

Can we start by taking stock of the trend for this category of products in 2017 compared with 2016?

The MAPEFIX range of chemical anchors by Mapei grew by 15% in Italy and by more than 20% on overseas markets, well beyond the rate of growth for the specific reference sector. The reason for this unquestionable success is mainly the way these products are integrated into the Mapei range of repair and structural strengthening systems, resulting in the creation of complete, effective technical solutions that fully satisfy the requirements of designers and contractors.

Over the course of 2017, what has changed in Mapei’s offer in this category of product? Has the range been extended? If that is the case, is the aim to target and capture new clients? And if so, what types of client?

The MAPEFIX range, which already included various chemical formulates such as polyester resins, vinylester resins and epoxy resins, was enhanced even further over the course of 2017 with the introduction of new and larger packs to meet the requirements of particular segments of users. 

The new 585 and 825 ml sizes are just one example. These are aimed at users operating on larger sites where larger volume packs allow significant savings to be made in terms of application times and reduce the amount of packaging material to dispose of.

Another example of our will to reach segments of ultra-specialised users are the new multi-product MAPEFIX COMBIBOX kits with chemical anchors, dedicated accessory items and work clothes presented in a handy, pre-filled plastic container, which are aimed at those who use chemical anchors constantly.

The introduction of a new range of     MAPEI GUN hand held and electric caulking guns, for use specifically with MAPEFIX chemical anchors and aimed at specialists in the field of chemical anchors, completes the new offers presented over the course of 2017.

Which trends are having an impact on demand?

The growing popularity of chemical anchors is undoubtedly determined by their practicality and wide range of use compared with traditional mechanical anchoring systems. Increasing the pool of potential users of this type of product leads inevitably to the creation of new and a higher number of segments of users: sophisticated users constantly looking for the best performance properties, other users who are looking for multi-purpose products or those who are purely interested in the best price/performance ratio. This is why, alongside multi-certified chemical anchors which also withstand dynamic stresses typical of areas at risk of seismic activity, products which combine a wide range of uses (suitable for threaded and corrugated rods, for forming anchors in both tensioned and compressed zones, suitable for wet and dry substrates or for use in both hot and cold climates) are highly appreciated.

What new ideas has Mapei launched or is about to launch on the market and what activities have been planned to support the launch?

Keeping the range of products updated for technical or commercial reasons is an ongoing and necessary process. This is why we also have various updates in the pipeline for 2018 to target specific users and designers. And it is precisely for the latter group that Mapei recently updated its proprietary Mapefix Software Design calculation program, which is now available in version 3.0, with the aim to provide engineers and designers with a free and practical tool to verify the correct dimensions of a chemical anchor according to specific design requirements.