Mud flap design and performance play a pivotal role in ensuring industrial vehicles and machinery are H&S compliant, operational, and able to deliver on productivity targets. We look beneath flap specs.
One of the most important reasons to specify polyurethane for any prototypes – and significant consignments of parts – is this material’s unrivalled tensile strength and versatility.
However, this article looks specifically at the importance of tensile strength values when commissioning custom mud flaps.
The location of these flaps – by their very nature – is likely to be where problems can easily occur. Including incursion from stones, grit and other debris, and the presence of considerable moisture and other contaminates.
Failing to prevent foreign objects and other substances from encroaching into your machinery – or being thrown up by your off-road vehicle or road transport – can have serious repercussions.
You also need to design mud flaps to withstand any friction, abrasion and constant pulling they encounter.
Clearly, it is not enough that you simply fit mud flaps in these scenarios. They also need to have sufficient tensile strength to manage daily operational risks.
Polyurethane benefits for flaps
We have explored the advantages of polyurethane for mud flaps elsewhere on this specialist PU website.
However, it’s worth just a quick reminder of why this material is increasingly used for mud flap designs.
Not only can polyurethane be created in ANY size or shape, but its tensile properties can also be varied in a vast number of ways. From heavy-duty flaps to protect large vehicles operating in challenging terrain, to soft, thin and highly flexible PU structures, that support intricate tasks where the lightest of touches is required.
This tensile customisation is possible without compromising polyurethane’s impressive durability. It is also the material of choice when you need a part resistant to extreme temperatures, oil, moulds, and a wide range of other contaminants.
Mudflap reliability
Many of the above maintenance issues for mud flaps are risks that develop over time. However, one of the most common perils for mud flaps in industrial applications is far more immediate and potentially dangerous.
If this part tears or splits suddenly, it fails to do its purpose. Meaning debris can reach the areas you are aiming to protect, causing damage and putting machinery and vehicle operators at risk.
This is when tensile strength values become crucial in creating custom mud flaps.
What is meant by made-to-order tensile strength, in specifying this crucial part for industrial machinery and vehicles?
The term clearly relates to how likely a material is to fall apart or become generally compromised when it encounters a force of some kind. Whether that is something pulling on it, or considerable abrasion or impact.
When creating a spec for mud flaps, you need to consider the dimensions and level of rigidity you need to ensure this item can be fitted seamlessly and carry out its role effectively. By working with a polyurethane specialist supplier on the tensile properties, you can take that process a step further. It enables you to be exacting on such issues as:
- Where and how it is fixed in place.
- How secure it will remain while in operation.
- How well it copes with drag or being trapped.
- Its ability to withstand impacts – such as hitting curbs, rocks, or stones.
- Its ability to withstand heavy-duty contaminants that would risk the integrity of alternative materials.
Related article: Heavy Duty Mud Flaps – Which material is the most durable
Maintenance advantages
By varying the tensile strength of custom-created mud flaps, you also get an opportunity to extend the life of this part. Polyurethane mixes can be created to offer impressive life cycles even for parts under constant pressure and challenge.
This means if you work with a polyurethane expert to pin down your ideal tensile value, you can reduce the number of times this part needs to be replaced. Your machinery or vehicle can be optimised, with less time out of use for repairs and regular maintenance tasks.
Related article: How customised polyurethane moulding can help your business
Mud flap design help
Being exacting on the specifications for mud flap designs – including tensile strength values – can clearly be important. Does it mean compromising on the cost of these essential parts, or being ready to face longer lead times for delivery?
CMP ensures that neither of these concerns is an issue. We offer highly cost-effective custom mud flap design services, using our unrivaled expertise and specialist equipment to create the perfect product – delivered swiftly.
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