Fender material Guide
Fender Material Compounds
We manufacture fenders from a wide variety of material compounds to give you an option for every application and environment. Depending on your application you may require specific characteristics, or may simply be looking a cost effective solution. In this post we are going to go over the most popular material compounds as well as the benefits and potential applications for each material.
Coir:
We manufacture our coir fenders from 100% coir fibres to provide a natural solution. Coir is also one of the few natural materials which are resistant to damage by saltwater. This ensures that our coir rope fenders offer the same security as standard fenders but with added levels of durability. The aesthetic appeal of coir fenders help them blend into the sea craft easier, compared to the black and grey colours of rubber fenders. Our range of coir fenders are perfect for smaller and private sea vessels.
EPDM:
A key characteristic of EPDM fenders are their resistance to weathering and UV damage. This is an important factor as these fenders are going to come in contact with the elements more often than not. EPDM also has a wide functioning temperature range which ensures that these fenders will be able to function in any environment. One drawback of EPDM is it's incompatibility with many hydrocarbons. Chemicals such as oils, kerosene, aromatic, gasoline as well as haogenated solvents all case damage to EPDM fenders. However, if you are using this material compound in marine applications this will most likely not be an issue.
Natural Rubber:
Natural rubber is highly durable and the addition of SBR grants this product excellent tensile strength while also making the fender resistant to tearing under pressure. To ensure that a fender functions as efficiently as possible it needs to be able to maintain it’s shape, even after absorbing the heaviest of impacts. The superior tensile strength and high resistance to tearing ensures that our fender is able to return to it’s original shape time and time again.
Neoprene:
Our neoprene fenders are all relatively firm, which enables them to absorb a wide range of impacts with ease. They are also flexible which allows you to install them on a variety of different surfaces. Neoprene is also able to withstand a range of temperatures and weather conditions. This makes it ideal for use in either indoor or outdoor applications. We are able to manufacture neoprene fenders in either black or grey. The grey option provides superior non marking properties, to enable you to preserve the look of your boat or property.
Polyurethane:
Although polyurethane may not be the first material you associate with fenders, it has becoming increasingly popular in recent years. Polyurethane fenders do provide some advantages over standard rubber fenders. Polyurethane offers excellent durability as well as having lowering friction and specific gravity. These fenders feature a skin which is made from polyurethane and the inside is filled with foam. The fenders core has a high density which enables it easily absorb the energy of impacts. A key advantage over other rubber fenders are that the reaction to compression is much lower. This makes it ideal for use on fast moving sea vessels. This material is also non marking and can be produced in a variety of colours.
PVC:
We manufacture our range of PVC fenders from a 100% recyclable compound. We value sustainability when it comes to producing our products whilst still delivering excellent performance. PVC fenders are UV stable as well as phthalate free which make them suitable for use in a wide range of outdoor environments. PVC also provides an excellent non-marking alternative to other rubber D fenders. This will prevent the transferring of smears and marks on either your own boat or any around you.
Silicone:
Silicone is an incredibly high quality and cost efficient material. Typically silicone rubber is a one, or two part polymer which may contain fillers to improve certain properties or to reduce cost. Silicone rubber is generally a non-reactive material which is stable as well as offering great resistance to extreme environments and temperatures from -55 °C to +300 °C while still maintaining it’s useful properties. The strength and durability of our silicone D profiles enables them to be in constant use without deteriorating.
TPE:
Our TPE fenders are resistant to weathering and various chemicals. This ensures that you get a durable product that is easy to maintain as we know you don’t want to have to keep replacing your fenders. This product also features high tensile strength values. Tensile strength refers to the measurement of the force required to pull this material to the point where it breaks. This product has a tensile strength of 7.8 MPa, which is the equivalent of some steel products. TPE fenders also offer superior non-marking properties compared to standard rubber fenders. This make them ideal at preserving the appearance of your sea vessel as well as protecting it.