UHMW vs. PTFE

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There are few questions we dread more than the customer asking about a PTFE truck liner. While the error is understandable &#; in natural form both UHMW polyethylene and PTFE are white colored plastic, if PTFE were ever used as a truck liner the cost would be many 10s of thousands of dollars and the liner would be worn to bits in short order! Yet, monthly we receive inquiries from customers who simply don&#;t know any better asking for that. We believe it&#;s important to discuss the distinction, and some similarities, between the two plastics.

Similarities:

Both plastics in their natural form are white and both are widely stocked by most plastics distributors. Both plastics are known for having a very low coefficient of friction and net zero water absorption. They&#;re both available in 48&#; wide plates and in common thicknesses from 1/8&#;-2&#; (and beyond). Both plastics are FDA/CFIA compliant in their natural form. Both plastics can be modified with a variety of fillers or additives. However, that&#;s where the similarities end.

Differences:

There are so many differences between the products that a list is the best way to explain:

• PTFE is substantially much more expensive than UHMW
• PTFE can only handle about 1/5th the load of UHMW
• PTFE is more slippery than UHMW (despite both having a low coefficient of friction)
• UHMW has far better wear properties than PTFE
• UHMW is typically stocked in 48&#; x 120&#; sheets where PTFE comes in 48&#; x 48&#; plates
• PTFE withstands over 4x the temperature UHMW can in continuous operation

So if UHMW is less expensive, handles more wear, and more load&#;Where do you use PTFE? The answer is pretty simple: 1.) when it&#;s spec&#;d in or 2.) when one of its differing properties from UHMW makes it the better choice. For example, if you&#;re machining some bushings for use in a 400 degree Fahrenheit environment you would go with a PTFE product vs. a UHMW product which would simply melt. As well, if the application demands bearing pads with dynamic sliding (think telescope mounts) then PTFE is the better choice due to its phenomenal low coeffecient of friction. If in doubt, simply contact Redwood Plastics and Rubber and we&#;ll lend a hand!

The ShibataFenderTeam Group is a leading international fender manufacturers with 60+ years of group experience in fender production, +145,000 marine fenders in service, and 100+ years of experience in the production of rubber products. Learn more about ShibataFenderTeam Group, our industry commitment and partnership with PIANC or get to know our team.

Holistic approach to fender system design

The road from designing the compound for a rubber fender with the desired properties to a mixing and manufacturing procedure that adheres to the highest quality standards is a complex one. It appertains to a holistic approach that a fender system is treated as one, starting from source materials over design to the manufacturing process. Only when all components are designed in the correct balance and work together properly, the fender system will perform as expected. When fender systems fail or do not work properly due to low quality or incorrect designs, then there is a cost to the port in terms of repair, downtime, or even accidents which should not be underestimated. In order to avoid increased maintenance and replacement cost or additional losses for downtime, a holistic approach to fender system design should be advocated throughout the marine industry. The entire project-specific process from calculations and design to creating and producing high-quality, durable fenders, fully committing to international standards and norms, and a clear sense of responsibility should be key to all manufacturers.

Fender Design

Being a crucial component of the system, the rubber unit&#;s raw material, compounding and the mixing process is a very pivotal and sensitive part of rubber manufacturing. The first part of the SFT White Paper Series on fender manufacturing focuses on the raw materials used in rubber production, the physical properties of a fender and their correlation with the compound&#;s composition and can be downloaded in several languages.

Calculating the berthing energy of vessels is the first and most important step in the fender design process. If something goes wrong here, the entire waterfront design could be at risk. ShibataFenderTeam&#;s Berthing Energy Calculation Tool support clients during the berthing energy calculation process.

Fender Types

Many different fender types and sizes are available on the market. Choosing the suitable fender type and size should only be done together with an experienced fender manufacturer. The list of suitable fender units based on the calculated energy is long, but typically there are only a few types and combinations that would work properly for your specific project.

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Marine rubber fenders and fender systems are available in different types, sizes, for different vessels and quay structures, like for example Cone Fenders, Cell Fenders or Cylindrical Fenders. For other marine rubber fender types visit our extensive product section.

Foam Fenders are suitable for various applications with the focus on projects with high variations in water levels and for cruise terminals: Ocean Guard Fenders, Ocean Cushion Fenders, Donut Fenders and maritime buoys.

Other rubber fender solutions are: Pneumatic Fenders, Corner Fenders, Rolling Fenders, Extruded Fenders, Komposite Fenders, Tug Boat Fenders. ShibataFenderTeam also offers Special Solutions, PE Sliding Plates and Fenders as well as Accessories and Fixings.

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Learn more about the selection of fender types, fender performance or panel design in our customized online seminar sessions. A broad range of six topics is available, you choose the topics according to your needs. These seminars are done just for you/your team - no matter where they currently work. Use the unique chance to speak with a fender expert and get all open questions answered. Seminars are free of charge and available in several languages. Request your seminar today.

Fender Design and Engineering

Users and engineers should be made aware of the fact that &#;what looks good in a drawing, might not work in the field&#;. Since the rubber units are mostly standardized in the industry, the main engineering and design challenge is with the steel panels, chains and the corresponding anchorage. Simple issues like incorrect chain angles or the positioning of the rubber unit on the steel panel and substructure leads to premature failure of the fender system as a whole. If a rubber fender system does not perform as required, safety in marine operation and efficiency for marine terminals cannot be ensured.

For the ShibataFenderTeam Group, the approach to achieving a high-quality fender system has emerged through a long history of experience with the materials and the processes involved.

All steps of fender design go hand in hand and influence each other. This fact emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to fender system design in the industry and an experienced manufacturer to ensure reliable, safe and efficient operations for ports.  

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