Cone-Type Rubber Dock Fender

The cone-type rubber dock fender is one of the most recognized for performance and durability in berthing systems of large ports in the Philippines. RK Rubber Cebu’s cone-type dock fenders are made of high-grade raw materials such as natural rubber or EPDM. These raw materials provide high energy absorption and guaranteed protection to large ships and ports. The effectiveness is not only measured in raw materials but also in how it is being made. This dock fender’s unique canonical shape contributes significantly to its performance. This fender is commonly seen in ports with large ships such as cruise ships, RoRo, navy, submarines, cargo ships, and oil terminals. Its dimension depends on what kind of ships there are in the ports.

RK Rubber Cebu can assist you with the research and development of a more effective berthing system to protect your investments.

Uses of Cone-Type Fenders

Cone-type rubber dock fenders are highly versatile and effective in various applications. These products can protect vessels from stationary objects and other vessels and reduce noise and vibration. Cone-type fenders are often found on commercial docks, marinas, jetties, breakwaters, sea walls, bridge piers, and more. The cone-shaped design absorbs the fender energy while providing increased surface area coverage over traditional cylindrical-shaped fenders. This makes it ideal for use in areas with high wave conditions or strong currents where they act as a buffer between ships and docks. Additionally, the unique shape creates an efficient water flow around the vessel, significantly reducing drag. As a result, they provide superior protection while being cost-effective compared to other fender systems.

Installation Process

The installation process for a cone-type rubber dock fender is relatively straightforward. The fender must be mounted securely to the hull or pier to ensure maximum effectiveness and longevity:

1. The mounting area should be thoroughly cleaned and any debris removed.
2. The mounting holes of the dock fender should be aligned with those of the vessel or pier. Additional mounting holes may need drilled into either surface for proper alignment. Once aligned, bolts should be inserted through both characters and secured using nuts and washers.
3. An adhesive sealant should be applied around the edges of each hole to create a watertight barrier between both surfaces.

With all bolts tightened properly and sealant applied correctly, the cone-type rubber dock fender is ready for use!

Maintenance Requirements

Regular visual inspections of the dock fender should be conducted to check for signs of damage and wear. If any cuts, cracks, or other defects are detected on the fender surface. The fender should also be inspected regularly for corrosion, as this can weaken the rubber material and reduce its effectiveness as a shock absorber. It is recommended that a thorough assessment of all exposed areas is carried out every six months, with more frequent checks if the marine environment is particularly harsh or corrosive. 

In addition to regular visual inspections, it is important to maintain the fenders in good condition by cleaning them regularly. This will help remove dirt buildup, which can cause discoloration and erosion of the rubber surface over time. Pressure washing at low-pressure settings can prove effective for removing grime, but high-pressure washers may cause damage, so care must be taken when selecting cleaning equipment.

Impact Performance ratings

Performance ratings of cone-type rubber dock fenders can be affected by various factors. The most important factor is the fender’s material composition. High-quality materials will provide greater impact performance, ensuring the dock fender can absorb larger forces when a ship docks or undocks. 

Another factor that affects performance is the shape and dimensions of the fender. Fender shapes with larger curvatures will have higher load-bearing capability while also providing more cushioning to minimize impact damage to vessels and other structures alongside it. 

Finally, installation requirements also affect performance ratings, as proper installation techniques ensure the highest level of protection. If installed incorrectly, some performance benefits may be lost due to a weaker connection between parts or inadequate tension in certain elements of the system. Therefore, careful consideration must be given when selecting and installing cone-type rubber dock fenders for optimal impact performance.

Cost Considerations

When selecting a cone-type rubber dock fender, cost considerations should be considered. The system’s total cost includes the initial purchase price of the fenders, installation fees, any additional hardware that may be required for installation, and ongoing maintenance costs. 

The initial purchase price can vary due to the size and material used. Generally, larger fenders cost more than smaller ones since they require more materials and often provide greater protection from impacts. The material selection also affects cost; some types of rubber are more expensive than others due to their durability or special properties. 

Installation costs will depend on the job’s complexity and whether or not additional hardware is needed to make it work properly. It’s important to factor in this additional expense when researching potential suppliers to assess total costs accurately. Maintenance costs should also be considered; periodic inspections will help ensure your dock fender works correctly and that any wear or tear is addressed before it leads to bigger problems.

Benefits of Rubber Fenders

1. Ultra-durable and maintain its shape/performance despite the uneven distribution of force.
2. Highly proven and tested nationwide with its conical body shape.
3. It has good shear and tear resistance
4. Superior force absorption and deflection
5. The surface panel and cone fender unit are easy to install/relocate
6. Made from high-quality rubber raw materials

Conclusion

In conclusion,cone-type rubber dock fenders are a reliable solution for many docking applications. They offer superior performance and protection while being able to accommodate the needs of any vessel. With their lightweight design, a wide variety of sizes, and easy installation, these products are cost-effective and versatile solutions for any docking situation. Investing in quality cone-type rubber dock fenders is an economical choice to bring you peace of mind when protecting your vessel.

Don’t hesitate to contact our sales team for more information about the cone-type rubber dock fender and other customized rubber products.