We now sell over 6,300 oil seals on our website! Lip seals or rotary shaft seals are vital components for all types of engineering machinery. As a result, we've created a guide our guide to help you choose the correct seal for your application, you can then continue to our new Oil Seal section to make your purchase.

The Polymax team would like to wish all of our customers a Happy Diwali!

May your year be filled with meaningful moments of love, light and happiness. 

Earlier this year we launched a new mud flap printing service for our range of rubber mudguards with a great response from our customers. So we've put together a little more information about our printing capabilities to help you get the best results out of your design.

"We were very impressed with the quality of the print on the mud flaps. Although its early days at the moment the print seems to be wearing extremely well. The quality of the rubber also exceeded my expectations." - North Farm Horton.

Polymax Mud Flaps

For increased durability, we use a special reinforced compound called TPX Tyrecord Hi-Fibre. The material combines rubber with nylon or rayon fibres, producing a highly resilient yet flexible mud flap. We offer over thirty size variations as standard, suitable for cars, trucks, tractors and heavy goods vehicles. You can get started by viewing our full mud flap range here.

Mud Flap Printing

As we are based in the UK there is a quick turnaround from receiving the artwork to print. (In one example we shipped the final article in just two weeks!). The artwork is usually provided by our customers to enable us to make a mock-up of the design. Keep in mind, the size of the artwork can be adjusted to suit the size of the mud flap. However, it must stay within the print width and height boundaries.

Colours

There are five colour variations available as standard:

• White
• Red
• Blue
• Green
• Deep Yellow

Alternatively, for order quantities over 200, we can print in the colours provided below with a lead time of 10-12 weeks.

If you have any questions regarding this service do not hesitate to contact a member of our friendly sales team on (0) 98200 50138.

With hundreds of wheel chocks on the market, how do you decide what is best for you? Well, 'No Chock Fits All' and the safety of your vehicle depends on multiple factors. So always follow your vehicle manufacturers guidelines and thoroughly test your new chocks before using them long term. To help you in the right direction, here are some general rules to help you choose the right chock.

Wheel Chock Shape and Material

The first step is finding out the best shape for the vehicle you are going to secure. The majority of our wheel chocks are made from 100% natural/synthetic rubber, although there are some reinforced plastic versions that both lightweight and strong.

Here is a list of some specialised wheel chock shapes-

Aircraft Wheel Chocks offer a longer length in comparison to normal chocks, with a colour coded cord to make them easy to deploy by hand.

Double-sided Pyramid Wheel Chocks are the preferred choice for heavy goods and construction vehicles up to 40 tonnes. They offer a superb tread and can be fitted with eyelet pins or handles for easy assembly. There are also Yellow Rubber Chocks available to provide better visibility in low light weather conditions.

Does your vehicle require a DIN 76051 certificate? View our Lightweight Plastic DIN Wheel Chocks. Or, for the best abrasion resistance, view our TyreCord Hi-Fibre Chock.

Generally, most cars, vans and caravans will require standard Wheel Chock. The size of your tires and weight of your vehicle will now determine the next step.

How To Measure Wheel Chocks

The most important factor in selecting the best wheel chock is its height and size. It's recommended the height of the chock is at least a quarter of the height of the wheel. Even higher if the vehicle is going to be parked on a gradient. Measure the height and width of your wheel and select a size that will comfortably fit. Next, take into consideration the weight of the vehicle and the maximum load of the wheel chock. Some chocks have a hollow core to reduce the weight and price of the item which will also reduce the weight it is able to hold.

That's about it! Again, we cannot emphasise enough the importance of carrying out safety checks on your vehicle. Click through to view the full collection of wheel chocks we sell online. If you have any further questions please give us a call on 01420 474123.

New to installing D Fenders? Don't worry, whilst every boat and yacht is different there are some standard fitting recommendations. Whether you are replacing an existing rub rail or starting from scratch, this step by step guide should help you get the best results for your new fender.

Tools you will need

• • Tape Measure
  • Reversible Speed Drill
  • Putty Knife
  • Sealant Application Gun
  • Drill Bits

Materials

• D-Fender
• Rigid PVC Fixing Strips
• Marine Grade Adhesive
• Stainless Steel Screws / Bolts
• Safety Googles

Measuring

Take time to plan the fitting of your boat and be aware or any bends or joins required.

How to calculate the length of fender you require -

Double the boats length, add the boat's width, then add an extra 1 or 2 meters to allow for the hull's radius.

Fixing Recommendations

Inserting PVC strips will help secure the fender and act as a washer for the bolts. It is recommended the fixings are between 75mm - 200mm apart, or closer for larger profiles. Above all, be careful when drilling the fendering, drilling too far into your boat you risk damaging the surface of the D fender with the chock of the drill.

Tip: apply some sealant to the end of each screw before fitting to ensure the hole is well sealed!

Replacing An Existing D-Fender

If you are replacing an existing fendering system then it will typically be held in place by one of two methods - screws or pop rivets. These instructions will cover replacing the fendering in both instances.

Job Done! Do get in contact if you have any questions, you can call us on 01420 474123.

Whilst we endeavour to ensure that the information given herein is true and reliable it is given only for guidance to our customers. It is the user’s responsibility to ascertain the suitability of the products by their own tests.

Commercial Gym Flooring

For the last 40 years Polymax have manufactured and supplied commercial gym flooring to leisure centres, gyms and fitness studios across the world. We know exactly what it takes to create a flooring solution that will withstand the toughest workouts time and time again. So before you purchase your matting online here is a short guide to make sure you get the best value for your money.

Genuine Rubber Gym Matting

Firstly, there are a lot of companies selling rubber gym matting products online under false material names. For example, Polymax uses a custom NR/SBR rubber (natural rubber/styrene-butadiene). Which is an extremely tough blend of synthetic and natural rubber found in most of our products. The best way to check if its a genuine article is to view the material datasheet. Any reputable flooring company should be happy to provide this, as well as free samples of the product.

Getting It Right The First Time

Buying direct from the manufacturer means you can get the best price without compromising quality. We hold stock in our European warehouses and use multiple delivery companies to ensure we deliver on-site and on-time. This is something else to look out for online. If a company offers free shipping its very important they use a dependable delivery company. An average gym flooring order is worth around £700 and can weigh over half a tonne. Typical freight companies would require a good level of insurance to cover any problems or accidents.

Here is a review left by a customer for our large interlocking POWER mats -

"The matting is excellent and gives the gym that professional touch. Very easy to maintain and fit. Initially I had doubts about the thickness of the mats, if they could cope with the demand of the weights being dropped. However they absorb the force comfortably. Many thanks for your excellent customer service and speedy shipment"

-- Browse Gym Matting Rolls and Tiles Here --

Only high quality rubber matting will maintain the professional look and feel of your gym. Our friendly sales team is on hand to recommend the best commercial gym flooring for you. Give us a call today on (0) 98200 50138.

Sign up to our newsletter and be the first to receive the new catalogue

As the company updates its resources we've updated our site safety and fender product range with over 200 new products. Every item featured has full pricing and technical drawings. Best of all, we are releasing a brand new product catalogue for each section, packed with all the information you need to make a hassle free purchase.

Every section has been updated so check your favourite items and see if we've added new products. In a hurry? Here are some of the highlights.

HGV Accessories

Dock Bumpers

We now stock 11 dock bumper variations, including all of the replacement parts and accessories to match. Primarily used in loading bays, dock bumpers protect walls from heavy and repetitive impact. We also offer small rubber bumpers that can be attached directly to the vehicle to protect the metalwork.

Wheel Guides

To compliment our new dock bumper range we have also included a new line of wheel guides. Sold in pairs, these galvanised steel fenders help HGV drivers line up their vehicles when backing up into parking spaces or loading bays. They act as a barrier whilst gently manoeuvring the vehicle into the correct position.

Trailer Plates

Trailer plates provide a stable and secure surface to rest unmounted trailers. The trailer landing legs stand on the trailer plate protecting the floor from repetitive heavy loads. They are available in two materials, a durable Tyrecord Hi-Fibre rubber or a high visibility UHMWPU (ultra-high molecular weight polyurethane) material.

Tipper Pads

We now offer a large collection of tipper pads that are designed to withstand heavy and repetitive loads, protecting the bodywork of the vehicle whilst dampening excessive noise whilst tipping. They are constructed in a very similar way to our DM shock mounts. Available in both aluminium and stainless steel.

Mud Flaps

Over 30 sizes of premium quality mud flaps available to purchase online. They are fabricated using the TPX Hi-Fibre compound with nylon or rayon reinforcing fibres. There is an additional printing service available which is priced according to the required graphics. You can choose between screen printed or moulded/raised into the trailer flap in a choice of colours: white, red, green yellow or orange.

Cable Protectors

LPDE Shallow Cable Covers

Our simple drop over cable protector suitable for pedestrian and light vehicle traffic are now available in black or yellow LPDE plastic. A more economical alternative to the typical polyurethane material in the range.

MPC Corner Pieces

We now offer left and right corner sections for our most popular MPC cable protector. The best temporary cable management solution suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the MPC protector will provide a safe ramp for heavy pedestrian traffic and vehicles 3.1 tonnes and over (check item specific maximum loads for more information).

Polyurethane MPC Cable Protectors

The polyurethane MPC protector will provide a safe ramp for heavy pedestrian traffic and vehicles up to 40 tonnes. With a high visibility colour to prevent the tripping hazard and the anti-slip textured surface for maximum grip underfoot.

Rubber Cable Ramps

Polymax hose ramps are designed to protect cables and hoses for pedestrian or light road traffic. They are ideal as a temporary or semi-permanent solution with built in high visibility strips to warn against tripping hazards and to help slow down traffic.

Custom Cable Ramps

This modular design fits together to create a number of channels required.

Pedestrian Cable Ramp

This pedestrian ramp allows a safe passage across multiple hoses and ramps. Featuring a high visibility strip and bright yellow anti-slip gritted surface to warn and prevent against the potential tripping hazard. The unit is delivered assembled and can be joined to additional units using the connectors at the side of the product.

HGV Outdoor Cable Protector

For heavy goods vehicle traffic up to 80 tonnes, our HGV cable and hose ramps feature a singular channel and come in two sizes. The smaller steel topped ramp is suitable for hoses up to 105mm in diameter, whereas the larger yellow topped design can hold hoses and cables up to 150mm. This is an extremely durable and heavy duty product made from a hardwearing rubber base and thick galvanised steel top.

Kerb Ramp

This simple yet effective ramp can be installed next to any kerb approximately 100mm in height. It is made from a good quality SBR/NR rubber compound what has been cored out to reduce the weight of the item. Moulded with an anti-slip pattern to provide additional grip.

Rubber Bumpers

Buffer Stops

Made from a hardwearing blend of SBR/NR rubber, these buffer stops come in two sizes as standard. Can be fitted to the desired surface via the two counter sunk drill-holes. Suitable for protecting against harsh impacts in a range of applications such as on boats, lorries, and sliding doors.

EPDM D-Fenders

EPDM rubber has an excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, water and steam, with good performance in castor and some phosphate ester based fluids. Unlike the alternative SBR/NR blends these fenders are non-marking so will offer the best protection for your vessel without staining.

*All our D-Fenders are now available to buy online!*

HGV Wheel Stops

When a rubber wheel stop is not enough protection we recommend considering our steel mounted kerbs. This is a premium product with an 8mm thick galvanised steel base bolted directly to the tarmac or concrete. The tough rubber bumper has recessed yellow glass bead tape for better visibility.

Heavy Duty Steel Wheel Stop

For the most comprehensive protection our steel kerb will make the vehicle come to a complete stand still. Good for car parks and trailer bays in logistics centres. Yellow powder coating that will endure a relative amount of impact without scuffing or scratching.

High Visibility Protection

EVA Foam Corner Guards

We've got a new range of EVA foam protectors which are adhesive backed for easy application.  There is a corner protector, pole protector and straight wall protector.

Reflective Hazard Tapes

Finally, these high-quality reflective tapes come in 45 metre rolls and are suitable for use on any dry and clean surface. The hexagon design reflects natural light but is most effective to vehicle or torch beams. They can be used to warn about hazardous areas, highlight areas or direct traffic. Available in yellow or silver, 25mm or 50mm width.

That's not all, click through to the Site Safety and Fender categories now to find the other new products. We hope you enjoy these new updates as we roll them out across the whole site, watch this space, keep up to date on our socials or sign up to our newsletter and be the first to receive the new catalogue.

The type of adhesive you are looking to use depends upon the application and type of flooring. We would generally recommend the following...

Perfect for any dry space such as a garage, office or hallway.

Dry and flat surface not in contact with water or damp – MAPEI VS90 Acrylic

This is perfect for any dry space such as a garage, office or hallway. Customers typically choose our MAPEI VS90 acrylic as it is solvent free, non-staining and easy to apply. Other benefits include the product being non-flammable and non-toxic. Meaning it can be stored without any special precautions and presents no health hazard during use.

Suitable for:

• Vinyl sheet and tiles
• Semi flexible vinyl and PVC tiles
• Polyurethane and PVC backed carpets
• Secondary backed and needle punch carpets
• Rubber tile and sheet

For more detailed information | Mapei VS90 Manufacturer's Instructions

Humid rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms require a 2 part glue.

Flat surface in contact with water or moisture - MAPEI G19/G20 Two Part PU

Humid rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms require a different type of adhesive. We generally recommend our Mapei G19/G20 two part PU. This is a two part adhesive made up from a polyurethane polymer (Part A) and a special hardener (Part B). While this adhesive needs to be mixed together to form a paste, it can be easily applied using a trowel, roller or spreader.

*This product has health warnings about allergies, irritants and corrosion. Read and follow instructions carefully! 

The difference between G19 and G20?

• G19 is suitable for products 5mm+ in thickness
• G20 is suitable for products 1-5mm in Thickness

Suitable for:

• PVC flooring or semi flexible vinyl
• Exterior textile and needle punch flooring

For more detailed information | Mapei G19/G20 Manufacturer's Instructions

Vertical placements require a strong, thick glue.

Flooring for vertical applications, walls & stairs - Mapei VZ Contact Adhesive

Finally, Mapei VZ contact adhesive is a thick, elastic glue used to secure flooring vertically. For example on walls, ramps or stairs. This is instant drying which can make application a little difficult. After it sets, VZ has been proven to show resistance to temperature and ageing.

*This product has health and safety warnings about irritants, fumes and flammability. Read and follow instructions carefully! 

Suitable for:

• Stairs
• Stable walls
• Gym Walls

For more detailed information | Mapei VZ Manufacturer's Instructions

There is always the easiest solution - hiring a flooring specialist! We recommend a member of National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers. Visit their website to find a fitter near you. Now you know a little more about adhesives, why not browse the full rubber flooring range? alternatively, you can search for bathroom flooring ideas or kitchen flooring ideas.

This article will outline the main differences between Aflas® vs Viton® O-rings. Customers typically request FKM or FFKM for harsher working conditions. However, choosing a lesser known compound can save a lot of money in the long term

If you are looking for an O-ring suitable for contact with automotive fluids consider the following differences between FKM and TFEP. Here are the standard datasheets used to compare: Aflas® 80 ShA and Viton® 75 ShA.

Temperature Resistance

Aflas® Temperature Resistance:  -5°C to +205°C

Viton® Temperature Resistance:  -15°C to 200°C

On the whole there are pros and cons with both materials at temperature extremes. Aflas® can withstand higher temperatures and Viton® performs better at low temperatures. A point often overlooked is the test data doesn’t always reflect the compound performance. In reality, Aflas® exhibits a poor compression set at high temperatures, making it better suited for static applications. Compression set is as percentage of how much much memory is lost after the elastomer is compressed, a higher compression set indicates the O-ring will not fully recover its form. 

Physical Properties

Otherwise, the two compounds offer very similar data sets. Between our two standard examples, Aflas® showed a slight improvement for results in tensile strength, elongation, modulus and specific gravity.

Chemical Resistance

This is where the two compounds really differentiate, because Aflas® is impervious to a wider range of chemicals. Viton® is generally recommended for contact with oils, greases and hydrocarbons. Such as the following:

1. Mineral oil and grease, ASTM oil No. 1, and IRM 902 and IRM 903 oils
2. Non-flammable hydraulic fluids (HFD)
3. Silicone oil and grease
4. Mineral and vegetable oil and grease
5. Aliphatic hydrocarbons (butane, propane, natural gas)
6. Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene)
7. Chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride)
8. Gasoline (including high alcohol content)

However, Viton® is not suitable for:

1. Glycol based brake fluids
2. Ammonia gas, amines, alkalis
3. Superheated steam
4. Low molecular weight organic acids (formic and acetic acids).

This is where Aflas® proves to be a great replacement for Viton®. It’s well suited to a wide spectrum of automotive fluids and additives such as motor oils, engine coolants, rust inhibitors, EP gear lubricant, transmission or power steering fluid and brake fluids. Also, it’s compatible with superheated steam applications.

Aflas® vs Viton® - What is the difference?

In summary, despite its raised compression set at high temperatures Alfas® makes a great choice for applications that make contact with chemicals that are not compatible with Viton®. For this reason, Aflas® is commonly used within thermal power plants, the oil and gas industry, chemical and nuclear plants and automotive industries.

We write articles about rubber chemistry to make life easier for engineering professionals. Sign up to our mailing list for bi-monthly content straight from the rubber press.

Silicone rubber is known by several terms which can lead to misinterpretation. Firstly, the ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) uses the abbreviations of MQ, VMQ, PMQ and FVMQ. Conversely, ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) uses its own designations of GE, FC, FE and FK. For this reason, we will explain the structural differences indicated by these terms and the unique properties they provide.

Silicone is the preferred material for use with food, medical and aerospace industries due to its great flexibility, thermal stability, low toxicity, resistance to oxygen, ozone and UV, as well resistance to microbiological growth. It offers the widest temperature range of all O-ring materials from -55°C to 200°C as standard, with specially compounded versions ranging from -115°C to +232°C.

MQ Silicone O-rings

Starting with the simplest form MQ, (GE for ASTM) or methyl silicone. As illustrated in the image below, the molecular structure contains repeat units of oxygen which enables the materials superb resistance to ozone, UV and weathering.Typically, this form of silicone rubber is not commonly used and requires processing to improve its elastomeric properties.

VMQ Silicone O-rings

For this reason, replacing the methyl groups with vinyl groups results in the standard O-ring material VMQ, (FE for ASTM) or vinyl methyl silicone. VMQ offers an impressive temperature range and improved compression set, yet exhibits a poor tensile strength.

PMQ or PVMQ Silicone O-rings

Comparatively, replacing the methyl groups with phenyl groups allows the silicone to withstand drastically lower temperatures. PVMQ, (FC for ASTM) phenyl modified silicones exhibit a lower temperature resistance by almost 100°C, with a working service temperature of -177°C. Once again, it's not common to use silicone without vinyl groups but the process can also apply to MQ creating PMQ.

Fluorosilicone or FVMQ O-rings

Finally, like other elastomers fluorinating the compound results in stronger bonds improving chemical resistance. FVMQ, (FK for ASTM) or fluorosilicones contain trifluoropropyl groups next to the methyl groups. While the mechanical and physical properties are similar to VMQ, there is an improvement to fuel and mineral oil resistance. However, hot air resistance is poor in comparison to standard silicone.

ISO vs. ASTM Datasheets

Whilst there are similarities between the test standards ISO and ASTM cannot be directly compared. Due to key differences such as prestressing the material, using different test methods or recording data in alternative units. In 2011, ISO and ASTM international signed an agreement to collaborate on the approach, publication and distribution of additive manufacturing materials - typically used in 3D printing materials. It’s a possibility we will see further partnerships between the two organisations to create consolidated standards.

In the meantime, we’re here to help! Contact our friendly sales team with your O-ring enquiries for the best advice. Our O-ring hotline is 01420 472000. Otherwise, feel free to browse over 30,000 O-ring combinations and buy online today.