Modular plastic pontoons

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The organization of floating platforms on the water surface is required in a variety of areas - from leisure activities to the construction of engineering structures. As a rule, such sites are operated temporarily, that is, they are not capital facilities. Therefore, materials for the manufacture of platforms are used practical and inexpensive. In particular, today plastic pontoons are common, which are characterized by unpretentious maintenance and ease of use.

Destination of the pontoon

In the simplest modifications, pontoons can serve as temporary islands on the water, where you can organize a bathing place, a small pier or a bridge. Massive pontoons with traditional designs are used for entertainment and celebrations. Depending on the volume, they allow you to organize mini-cafes, dance floors and recreation areas. As for practical construction and economic tasks, then, for example, plastic pontoons-berths may well serve small catamarans and yachts. Hydrological facilities can also be serviced by personnel from pontoon rafts made of plastic. The main thing is that the working operations do not damage the shell of the floating structure - this is necessarythink in advance if you plan to perform welding operations or mechanical cutting of materials with a power tool. There are also specialized pontoons designed to transport water machinery and equipment. Such models, in particular, are used for launching jet skis.

Production technology

For all their versatility and high efficiency, plastic-based pontoons are a fairly simple product. In essence, this is a hollow polymer shell with a set of functional elements on the surface. It is made by rotational molding. As plastic raw materials, special grades of polyamide mixed with polypropylene and polycarbonate are used. Some technologies also allow the use of polyurethane, epoxy compositions and thermosetting polymers, however, there are significant environmental restrictions in the development of such compositions. Directly the manufacture of plastic pontoons takes place in a metal rotating form. It is filled with granules, heated, and thus gives the effect of melting the blank mixture to form a shell with thin walls. However, the thickness of the walls of the future pontoon can vary depending on the intended purpose - on average, it ranges from 6 to 20 mm.

Pontoon design

The most common form of construction release is a rectangular platform with a thickness of about 20-30 cm, which can act asa full-fledged pontoon, and an integral part of the structure. In the second case, we are talking about a modular floating platform, which can be formed according to the type of constructor. Each element is provided with unified grooves for connection. There are types of attachments for linking the pontoons themselves together, as well as fixing units for functional structures on the surface of the platform. For example, these can be partitions, racks, ladders, descents into the water, etc. As a rule, modular plastic pontoons are complemented by a gangway element and an adapter. This is in some way a link that unites the pontoon as such with the shore. Tubular structures are also common, which can form different configurations of floating structures. They also sometimes act as connecting elements in relation to individual modular pontoons.

Varieties

In addition to differences in designs, pontoons can be made in different versions in terms of functionality. For example, models on cast floats are common today. These are in some way combined pontoons, which include a supporting plastic base, but the surface of the structure is made of wood. A separate category represents collapsible structures. But, unlike standard model platforms, such structures are designed to accommodate small houses, baths, utility blocks, etc. They are distinguished by a large carrying capacity and wear resistance. Self-propelled plastic pontoons are also in demand on the market, which are characterized bythe presence of bow floats with a 45-degree cut. They are designed not only for stationary operation, but also for movement on water. Suffice it to say that in the aft parts they sometimes provide a technical area for attaching an outboard motor.

Working properties

The main performance qualities of plastic floating platforms include ease of movement, sufficiently high strength, low weight and no tendency to stick, which is important for prolonged use in water. Special properties, the significance of which will depend on the place of application of the structure, include resistance to sunlight, position stability in the presence of waves and protection from icing. For example, there are frost-resistant modular pontoons made of plastic for operation on ice, which do not freeze to the surface, allowing you to move freely even with small parking lots. A set of certain performance qualities is largely determined at the stage of creating a polymer mixture, so you should not count on a future modification of the pontoon.

Nuances of module operation

Even before using the pontoon, it is necessary to calculate the carrying capacity of the structure. The weight of the load for each module is taken into account. Data on the capabilities of the product are contained in its passport, so there should not be any difficulties in this part. Further, it is necessary to provide a rigid connection between the individual blocks. For this, in setsmounting kits available. At the same stage, plastic pontoons are provided with functional components - stairs, descents, etc. During operation, it is important to maintain the stability of the structure, not forgetting about safety rules. After using the surface of the pontoon, it is necessary to carefully wipe it with protective agents for plastic - they will help preserve the structure of the polymer material.

How much do plastic pontoons cost?

In Russia, the production of pontoons is well developed and widespread. One of the leaders in the segment is West-Real, which offers pontoons with a load of about 500 kg for 15 thousand rubles. Plus, a complete mounting kit is offered for 500 rubles. Attractive offers also come to the market from Center-plastic. In this case, plastic water pontoons from the manufacturer are estimated at 13-14 thousand, and the load capacity will be 600 kg. If the ability of the structure to cope with loads of the order of 700-900 kg is required, then it is worth contacting the assortment of the Zhilkomsnab company. True, the prices in this case will be considerable - about 30 thousand

Conclusion

The water equipment industry is developing as the characteristics of the main materials of manufacture improve. Obtaining new polymer compositions has enabled technologists to combine several performance qualities at once, which previously might seem incompatible. Among them are lightness, strength, mobility, wear resistance.and protection from aggressive environments. The production of plastic pontoons is also developing in the direction of structural optimization. Modular blocks become more ergonomic, functional and reliable. Moreover, their advantages increase significantly if you correctly approach the use of nodes and connection schemes. Again, according to the principle of a constructor, from modules of different characteristics and functions, each user can get exactly what he needs - both in terms of hydrological qualities, and in terms of safety and ease of use.