Insufficient Wear Resistance of Pads
Pads used in jacks and lifting equipment play a critical role in load distribution, stability, and operator safety. Insufficient wear resistance can reduce service life, compromise performance, and increase maintenance costs.
1. Causes of Insufficient Wear Resistance
Low-Quality Materials: Pads made from substandard rubber, polyurethane, or elastomer compounds have lower hardness and abrasion resistance.
Improper Manufacturing: Inadequate curing, uneven material distribution, or air bubbles can weaken surface durability.
High Friction Surfaces: Frequent use on rough, abrasive, or contaminated surfaces accelerates wear.
Overloading: Exceeding the rated capacity increases contact pressure, causing faster surface degradation.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to chemicals, UV radiation, or extreme temperatures can accelerate material erosion and surface brittleness.
2. Effects of Poor Wear Resistance
Reduced Pad Longevity: Pads wear down faster, requiring frequent replacement.
Uneven Load Distribution: Worn pads fail to evenly transmit forces, increasing stress on jack components.
Instability During Lifting: Excessive wear can cause slipping or tilting of the lifted load.
Safety Hazards: Compromised pad surfaces increase the risk of sudden failure under load.
Accelerated Damage to Equipment: Worn pads can damage metal surfaces or the jack itself.
3. Improvement and Preventive Measures
Material Selection: Use high-quality polyurethane or elastomer with high hardness and abrasion resistance.
Surface Treatment: Apply coatings or reinforcement layers to improve wear resistance.
Load Management: Operate within the manufacturer’s rated capacity to reduce stress on pads.
Environmental Protection: Avoid prolonged exposure to UV, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Monitor pad wear and replace pads showing excessive abrasion.
4. Conclusion
Insufficient wear resistance in pads is caused by low-quality materials, poor manufacturing, overloading, and environmental stress. Selecting high-quality materials, protecting pads from harsh conditions, and conducting regular inspections are key to extending service life and maintaining safety.
References
Gent, A. N. Engineering with Rubber: How to Design Rubber Components. Hanser Publishers, 2012.
ASTM D5963 – Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Abrasion Resistance.
Lake, G. J. “Fatigue and Fracture of Elastomers.” Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 2000.
ISO 4649 – Rubber, Vulcanized or Thermoplastic — Determination of Abrasion Resistance.
ASTM D2240 – Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness.
