What Are Sliding Fenders?
Sliding fenders are a type of marine fender designed to serve as protection between boats and docks. They provide an alternative to timber or steel facings while providing low friction properties. Compared to timber fenders, sliding fenders are also resistant to marine bore and will not split or crack. Depending on the needs of a particular application, two types of polyethylene sliding fenders are available. These include:
HDPE Fenders
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) sliding fenders features include impact resistance, abrasion resistance, ease of fabrication, resistance to marine bore, and chemical resistance. HDPE is a durable, versatile, low-cost, abrasion- and chemical-resistant plastic material. This material offers increased wear resistance along with lower friction compared to timber and other materials. HDPE also protects against UV and ozone. These fenders work in a variety of environments, including jetties, marinas, and other docking applications.
UHMW Fenders
Ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene fenders feature a highly durable design that’s resistant to abrasion and wear. These fenders work in a variety of environments, including jetties, marinas, and other docking applications. This is because of their low-friction properties that help reduce damage and wear to both fenders and boats. Their features include a very low friction coefficient, resistance to marine bore, high impact strength, high abrasion resistance, good chemical resistance, excellence for use as bearings, and ease of machining. They are also UV and ozone resistant.
Sliding Fenders Applications
Sliding fenders are compatible with a range of applications.
- Dock facing anti-wear strips for foam-filled fenders and pneumatic fenders
- Facing strips for berths and docks
- Rub strips for lock applications
- Belting for workboats such as barges, supply vessels, tug boats, and fireboats.
- Sliding surfaces
- Bearing material
Choose Sliding Fenders at Marine Fenders International, Inc.
If you require a UHMW or HDPE sliding fender for your application, Marine Fenders International, Inc. is ready to supply the products and expertise needed to provide you with the most appropriate solution. Marine Fenders is a leader in the marine industry space, offering cutting-edge fendering and buoyancy solutions. Our advancements in polyurethane elastomers have enabled us to design and build products of superior strength and durability. Our team has over 30 years of experience in both the polyurethane and marine industries, ensuring that we continue to update our products based on the ever-changing standards of the marine industry.
For additional information about our sliding fenders, get in touch with us today. Ready to get started on your next project? Contact our team by requesting a quote.
