ShibataFenderTeam Group releases White Paper on Key Insights into Fender Testing

The fourth and final part of the SFT White Paper Series follows up on the previous parts #1 to #3, which established in-depth illustrations of compounding, mixing, manufacturing, and curing. SFT White Paper #4 completes the Series with a thorough examination of testing methods for fender systems, best-practice approaches to verifying the required performance properties and the durability of a commercial fender. The paper highlights the significance of testing by transparently explaining how to interpret the test results of the different tests. It can be used as a practical, hands-on guide for clients to the ideal approach to the complex fender testing agenda based on the point of view of an experienced manufacturer. 

The overview of the four test methods – fundamental, durability, type approval and verification testing – presents valuable information on current industry practice and basic knowledge of fender testing in general. The main focus of the paper lies on verification testing since it is the most relevant test area to assure the client that the final fender has been manufactured precisely as ordered. The five different parts of verification testing (material testing, traceability, performance testing, verification of dimensions and visual checking) are explained in detail, including the most important factors for performance testing. A reflection of industry requirements, practical information on the most frequent and essential issues regarding correction factors, how to deal with deviations and meeting the required test results have been included in a Q&A section.  

“With our White Paper on Testing, we were aiming to shed some light on the details of different fender test methods and the complex relations between correction factors, catalogue values and everything else connected to this subject. As testing is the only way to demonstrate that a fender meets the client’s project requirements in terms of safety, durability and reliability, we are happy to present results that have evolved from our perspective as long-standing industry participants,” said Dominique Polte, Board Member at SFT.  

Moreover, “Testing. A Best-Practice Approach” covers the essentials for Pneumatic Fenders, Foam Fenders and Steel Panels for a 360-degree coverage of the subject, since the same principle that applies to every aspect of fender manufacturing is also valid for testing: Different fender projects as well as different fender types require attention in distinctive criteria. 

The SFT White Paper #4 establishes a detailed testing protocol, and the entire White Paper Series delivers hands-on assistance and advice on all project-related requirements in fender manufacturing.  

#1 - Compounding. A winding road  

#2 - Mixing. A step by step operation 

#3 - Manufacturing and curing. Advanced perfection 

#4 - Testing. A Best-Practice Approach