Braxx^© Case Study

PROBLEM Concrete floats at a local marina were manufactured such that gaps and height variations between floats caused slip and trip concerns. Traditional products like non-skid tapes and paints could not be used to solve the problem.

SOLUTION Braxx Permanent Anti-Slip Sheet The transition areas were covered with a product called Braxx. After carefully measuring the marina, several design templates were developed. Our skilled technicians CNC machined custom parts to meet the end user's needs. To match the concrete at the marina, a custom blend of grey UHMW with UV stabilizers was used as the base material. Braxx is an anti-slip sheet product which is derived from R & D done for the US Navy. Braxx is a UHMW that has aggregate compression molded into the material. The UHMW base is UV stabilized. UHMW has outstanding physical properties. It will not rot, split crack or peel even in abusive marine environments. It is impervious to fresh and salt water, extreme outdoor temperatures and is resistant to oil, gasoline and many solvents.

Because UHMW is soft, it conforms well to uneven surfaces making it an ideal solution for this application. UHMW exhibits no notch sensitivity and acts as a living hinge due to its elongation properties. Tides and wave action will not stress the material.

Standard Colors (custom colors are available)

Sheet Size

• 0.3" x 3' x 9'
• Cut-to-size services available
• Custom CNC fabrication available

Additional Information

• This information is also available on a printable flier [PDF]
• More information on braxx can be obtained here.
• General information on UHMW can be obtained here.

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

UHMW is often referred to as the world's toughest polymer. UHMW is a linear high density polyethylene which has high abrasion resistance as well as high impact strength. UHMW is also chemically resistant and has a low coefficient of friction which makes it highly effective in a variety of applications. UHMW can be crosslinked, reprocessed, color-matched and is easily machined.

Typical applications include bumpers, dock fenders, wear strips, bearings, bushings, rollers, sprockets, guide rails, star wheels, conveyor tracks and chute, hopper and truck bed liners.

Capabilities

• Sheet thicknesses: 0.125" to 8"
• Sheet sizes: 4' x 8', 4' x 10' (stock), 5' x 10', 4' x 12' and 5' x 12'
• Film sizes: 0.003" to 0.25" in widths from 0.25" to 24"
• Rod: 0.25" to 10" diameter
• Coil: 0.25" x 1.5" through 0.5" x 4" in 250' rolls
• Grades: Natural, reprocessed, UV-stabilized, cross-linked, silicone-filled, glass-filled, FDA approved and fire retardant
• Colors: White (natural), black (reprocessed) and custom color matching

Literature

• UHMW capabilities and applications [PDF]
• Typical UHMW profiles [PDF]
• UHMW physical properties [PDF]

Specialty Products

• Rocket Plate [PDF]
• Lightweight Ultra Non-Skid Sheet (LUNS) [PDF]
• Braxx Non-Skid Sheet [PDF] [HTML]
• FlexiFend UHMW Fenders [PDF] [HTML]

Plastic Supply carries a large inventory of both natural and reprocessed UHMW remnants.