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. Lees verder →

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.

Due to an increase in the demand for sponge O-rings we've developed a way to effectively vulcanise and bond extruded cord. This is great news for anyone who has been using our solid or sponge cords to create custom sized O-rings, as our heat and pressure vulcanisation process creates a far superior join then just using adhesive.

We can join any of our extruded cords larger then 1.5mm diameter and 18.5mm inner diameter. Lees verder →

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As the company updates its resources we've updated our site safety and fender product range with over 200 new products. Every item featured is available to buy online with 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.

In the previous part of this series we examined which was the best O-ring material for use in high temperature applications (over 150°C). Today, we will explore what is the best low temperature O-ring according to several working demands. For the most part, many compounds already support a sub degree service temperature ranging from -5 to -25°C, for this reason we will only examine low temperature applications under -25°C.

For working conditions below -25°C, you may wish to consider the following materials; NBR LT, HNBR LT, VMQ, FVMQ, Kalrez® 0040, Polymax P045B7LT, FEP Encapsulated O-rings and Astra seals.

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. Aflas® is a member of the fluoroelastomer family based on an alternating copolymer of TFE and propylene (FEPM). Introduced by the Asahi Glass Ltd under the name AFLAS®, just 5 years after the invention of FKM, in 1975. The unique polymer structure of Aflas® offers properties with a continuous working temperature of 200°C and a maximum peak exposure temperature of 205°C, with outstanding chemical resistance.  Lees verder →

Difference between MQ, VMQ, PMQ and FVMQ

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.

Heat is one of the most destructive forces in compound deterioration. To decide which is the best high temperature O-ring, it is important to consider other factors such as the required chemical resistance. For high temperature applications (over 150°C) you may wish to consider using one of the following materials; FKM, FFKM, ACM, HNBR, VMQ, FVMQ, AFLAS, PTFE and FEP.

Behind every rubber material is a story of discovery that led to its widespread use in the modern world. Today, we’re taking a closer look at polyurethane rubber, which was first invented by Professor. Dr. Otto Bayer in Germany, 1937. The chemical fabrication led to the further development of materials such as polyurethane foam, sponge, insulation, seals, gaskets, wheels, tires, suspension bushes, adhesives, clothing materials (spandex), surface coatings and more. With an impressive accolade of applications, what exactly makes this rubber so unique?

Polymax Apprenticeships

It’s national apprenticeship week! This year’s theme is aimed to help raise awareness about how apprenticeships work. We’re very proud to support the scheme and currently employ two apprentices who are an absolute integral part of our team.

Our regular customers are probably very well acquainted with the two of them. Sydney lee studies Business Administration at Havant & Southdown’s College, she’s worked at Polymax for almost a year now. We also have Lewis Mockford who is 9 months into his Digital Marketing apprenticeship though Portsmouth Highbury College.

To celebrate their success with us we thought we’d give them platform to speak about their experience as an apprentice and what it’s like working at Polymax HQ.