Brief Introduction on Foam Filled Fender
Foam filled fender is one of the floating rubber fender systems in the world now, they are widely used on ships, bridges, open ports, dolphin wharves and etc. Foam filled fender consists of an internal steel core, closed-cell foam, reinforced cord layers, and then an outer elastomer skin.
Usually, the material used for these fenders is “closed-cell foam” such as EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or PE (polyethylene). Each hole is independent, so water cannot migrate into the foam. Even after years of use, the foam core can be returned to the factory, re-skinned, and put into use again.
EVA foam is a relatively environmentally friendly plastic packaging material and relatively new. PE foam is a high-molecular low-density foam material. Both materials are important, and the weight absorption ratio is quite good, so it can be used as a mudguard. If the weight is too heavy, it will be difficult to deploy. Both of these materials have good moisture resistance, cushioning, chemical resistance, and other properties, which are very suitable for marine use. Although they are all resistant to water absorption. But this means that they do not absorb water.
Foam filled fenders absorb impacts even in an aggressive environment. No matter how badly abused, foam filled fenders, will not burst or explode. Damage is rare, but if the worst should happen foam filled fenders will still function until repairs are possible.
Performance of foam filled fender
The foam filled fender is a high-performance and heavy-duty floating fender system. It has high energy absorption and low reaction force. The buffer medium inside the fender will make the fender float on the water, so it will not affect the operating position
Usually, the diameter of our foam filled fenders is 300mm to 4500mm, and the length can vary from 500mm to 9000mm. We also provide customized sizes to meet the needs of different customers.
Compared with similar fender systems, foam filled fenders have lower reaction forces. As the most prominent feature of this fender, it can help absorb part of the internal energy and avoid unnecessary hull vibrations when berthing.
In terms of price, pneumatic fenders of the same size are more advantages than foam filled fenders. Because the main component of pneumatic fenders is air, and the air is free. However, the outer layer containing the air must be strong enough to effectively absorb energy and transfer it to the air in the event of a collision, while driving the excess energy back as a reaction force.
On the other hand, for foam filled fenders, it is the ultra-efficient closed-cell foam core that completely absorbs energy (repulses excess energy as a reaction force). Therefore, the amount of material used to fill the fender is much larger than that of rubber.
There are reports of foam filled fenders that absorb 40% more energy than pneumatic fenders. However, the performance of the foam filled fender depends on a good manufacturer, and the foam filled fender is easily deformed during operation.
Once deformed, the mudguard is no longer suitable for use. Not only the energy absorption efficiency is not high, but it may also even damage the ship or port. Therefore, it is important not to blindly assume that all foam filled fenders perform better. It is best to check and order from a manufacturer with an excellent product delivery history.