Arch rubber fenders are recognized in the marine sector for their durability, versatility, and great performance. These rubber fender products blend strength, simplicity, and functionality. As such, arch rubber fenders are an effective and reliable solution for protecting piers and ships from collision damage. These rubber fenders are commonly utilized in harbors, marinas, and other nautical situations around the world. Let’s see why these Fender goods can meet your seafaring needs.
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What is an Arch Rubber Fender?
An arch fender is an improved V-shaped rubber fender. It is specifically designed to absorb more energy than ordinary rubber fenders. The Arch Rubber Fender is one of the world’s most popular maritime fender systems because of its simplicity and durability. It is appropriate for situations in which space or height is constrained. It provides dependable service for a variety of berths, even in the most harsh conditions.
The arch rubber fender can be used as a single component. Alternatively, it can be used with UHMW-PE mats to provide a system with higher compression ratios, better energy absorption, and lower reaction forces. The arch fender’s logical design and construction from a single piece of rubber make it easy to install and require little maintenance.
Furthermore, the arch design greatly decreases torsional forces at the base of the fender. The base of each rubber fender fits snugly against the dock surface. The arched fender is free to compress and move without sustaining harm under pressure. This increases stability and ensures that it adheres to the support framework. In addition, using UHMW-PE mats reduces the coefficient of friction between the ship and the fenders. This avoids damage to the ship and extends the life of the rubber fender.
Henger Shipping Supply is an experienced supplier of rubber fenders. We sell arch fenders constructed of high-quality natural rubber that is weatherproof, seawater resistant, cut-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. In addition, we can match you with the best rubber fenders based on your project specifications. If you have any feedback or questions, please contact us.
Features of Arch Rubber Fenders
Arch fenders are among the most common types of rubber fenders. Their distinctive design incorporates numerous critical aspects that make them ideal for protecting yachts while tied or docked. Here are some of their main features:
- Robust and Durable: Arch rubber fenders are manufactured from a single piece of molded rubber that is both robust and durable. Even after years of heavy use, no maintenance is necessary. Thus, arch fenders provide a long-lasting and cost-effective alternative for ship protection.
- High Energy Absorption: Arch fenders are designed to compress and distort when a vessel collides with them. This deformation enables the fender to absorb a significant amount of energy, lessening the impact on the vessel.
- Versatility: Arch fenders are appropriate for usage in a range of mooring conditions, including piers, docks, and breakwaters. Furthermore, they are suitable for both small and large vessels.
- Low Maintenance: Arch rubber fenders require little maintenance after installation and can be utilized for extended durations.
- Easy Installation: Arch fenders are very simple to install and may be mounted on a number of surfaces, including concrete, steel, and wood.
- Superior Strength: Arch fenders are meant to be simple yet strong, able to handle heavy use and tough situations.
- Excellent Shear Performance: This rubber fender’s shape and material composition make it highly resistant to shear stress.
Comparison to Standard V-Fenders
The Arch Rubber Fender is an optimized V-fender. As a result, it provides numerous advantages over V-fenders. Arch fenders have the following qualities compared to V-fenders:
- Higher compression ratio, more energy absorption, and reduced reaction forces
- Simple design for direct installation
- Good shear resistance
- Long service life
- Lower maintenance operations and hidden costs
- Ideal for smaller installations.
- Flexible in application and installation
In addition, UHMW-PE cushions can be installed on the fenders. This reduces hull pressure and the ship’s coefficient of friction, lowering shear forces while the ship is at berth.
Selection of Arch Rubber Fenders
There are currently three common types of arch rubber fenders, which are listed below.
Arch Fender with Rubber Contact Surface
This type of rubber fender is best suited for general-purpose applications. The rubber surface provides the fender with exceptionally high-friction qualities. This can significantly reduce potential movement between the vessel and the pier. This provides superior protection for both the vessel and the pier.
Arch Fenders with Steel Pile Head Plates
This arch fender includes a pre-built steel plate at the top. It can be mounted to either the face pad itself or the front panel that the face pad covers. This minimizes the coefficient of friction between the ship and the fender, extending its service life. Structures are typically classified into three types: beveled at both ends, straight at both ends, and beveled at one end and straight at the other.
Arch Fender with UHMW Pads
This type of rubber fender uses modern materials and technology to apply a 20-30 mm thick UHMW polyethylene mat directly on the fender. This can retain the arch fender’s performance while also lowering the friction coefficient between the fender and the ship, lowering the project cost.
Furthermore, because UHMW-PE sheets are so robust, they exhibit outstanding nonmarking and low-friction properties. This lowers the danger of damage to marine boats and marinas. The non-marking features are especially significant in marinas and other settings where yachts and other private boats operate. This is because it protects the boat’s look. Furthermore, the fender tops are easy to repair, extending the life of the arch rubber fenders.
How to Install Arch Rubber Fenders
Arch fenders can be bolted horizontally or vertically, with the ends slanted or chamfered to suit specific requirements. The base is constructed of a vulcanized steel plate with pre-drilled mounting holes for strong attachment. You can also get custom corner fenders to protect dock corners.
Arch rubber fenders are among the top marine equipment and fender systems accessible. They are ideal for small to medium-sized vessels and offer exceptional service. Next, we’ll demonstrate how to install arch fenders.
- Pass the fixing rope through the mounting holes on the arch fender, then tighten the fender to raise it. Note that wire rope and other harsh metal chains are not permitted.
- Lift the arch rubber fender to the exact placement of the dock’s anchor bolts.
- Insert the washers into the mounting holes according to the dock’s embedding position and tighten the bolts.
- To tighten each bolt, use the same instructions.
- Remove any mounting marks or stains that may have appeared throughout the operation. Then finish installing the arch fender assembly.
The above is a general guideline for building and installing arch fenders. The specific rubber fender design may differ from instance to instance. If there is a problem with the installation procedure, please contact us. Henger Shipping Supply can assist you in selecting the best circumstances and help you.
Summary
Henger Shipping Supply offers high-quality maritime fenders to fulfill your needs. In addition, our professional staff will assist you in determining the optimum solution for your individual application. Please contact us today to learn more about our products and services.