To + infinitive vs For +ing

For + ing = general purpose of an object

It is important to install software for detecting viruses.

Meaning: The software detects viruses.

We used steel strips for strengthening concrete beams.

Meaning: The general purpose of the strips themselves is to strengthen beams

(i.e. the strips strengthen beams).

In both cases, we are simply describing the function of the objects.

To + infinitive = specific objective

It is important to install software to detect viruses.

Meaning: Software needs to be installed so that viruses can be detected.

We used steel strips to strengthen concrete beams.

Meaning: The aim of using the strips was to strengthen beams (i.e. we used the
strips so that we could strengthen beams).

Notice that we don’t know if the strips are normally used to strengthen beams.

In both of these cases to + infinitive is used to show that the first action is important
in order to achieve a specific (often one-off) objective.

A few more examples

We would write… She returned to the laboratory to monitor the activity of the cells.

But not… She returned to the laboratory for monitoring the activity of the cells.

We would write… We designed a dental cement for securing orthodontic bands.

But not… We designed a dental cement to secure orthodontic bands.