TRELLEBORG invests in high speed fender test rig for robust real-time testing

The rig is being built in Trelleborg''s new Berryville facility in Virginia, U.S., and represents a substantial investment for the business. When complete, it will be the biggest fender test rig in operation in the industry capable of testing fenders up to the largest commercially available sizes.

Richard Hepworth, President of Trelleborg''s marine operation, said: “Amongst quality conscious customers, in the U.S. especially, there is a growing requirement for verification of fender performance through full scale, as well as materials, testing. We''ve found that more and more American contracts require local testing and wanted to make sure we responded to this need quickly, with in-house capabilities to reassure our customers.”

Test rigs currently available within the U.S. can test foam fenders with smaller diameters and rubber fenders of up to five feet high. Although some competitor rigs can test at high speeds, Trelleborg''s press is the largest in the world with the capacity for high speed testing. Most industry presses are only able to test using a constant velocity (CV) method of two to eight millimeters per second.

As well as the capacity to test commercial size fenders, the high-speed rig allows for real-time testing at up to 150 millimeters per second compression speed, using a decreasing velocity (DV) method, in line with PIANC''s 2002 guidelines. This will allow Trelleborg to undertake full scale testing of foam and rubber fenders at speeds that accurately reflect on site berthing conditions, without relying on extrapolated data from two to eight millimeters per second test speeds and applying velocity factors.

Hepworth continues: “Although the U.S. is really leading the charge in demanding local quality control and full scale testing capabilities, we believe this requirement will become more important in other regions too – and rightly so. At Trelleborg, we pride ourselves on our bespoke, state-of-the-art solutions: our ongoing investment in materials and full-scale testing shows just how committed we are to ensuring the highest quality for our customers, and proving it beyond doubt.”

Trelleborg''s global marine operation will have access to the new equipment and customers will be invited to witness the testing of their own fenders first hand at the site in Berryville.

The new high speed test rig will form a critical component of the brand new, purpose built facility for Trelleborg''s marine operation in Berryville. The new site will house a 45,000 square foot manufacturing facility for foam-based marine fenders and buoys, as well as a 9,000 square foot sales and business development office.

Trelleborg''s marine operation will relocate all of its existing employees from its current site in Clear Brook, Virginia, to operate from Berryville. The development of the new facility is expected to be complete towards the end of 2014.