Posted on March 23, 2023
How Are PolyDocks Made?
How Are PolyDocks Made?
Written by PolyDock Products Marketing
Everything about a PolyDock floating dock section, from top to bottom, is designed to be a durable, environmentally conscious addition to your waterfront. From the chambers underneath that are designed to suction the dock to the water, the rotationally molded HDPE used in construction, and some of the best features in the industry, PolyDock floating dock sections are an industry leader for some very good reasons.
Floating docks are becoming increasingly popular as boat docks and shoreline features — and for very good reasons. Unlike fixed docks secured with legs or piles, floating docks float on the surface of the water and are connected to the shore with a gangway and secured in place in the water with anchors. They’re easy to use, install, and remove and have as many customization options and features as comparable fixed docks. However, different floating dock designs have different benefits. Here’s how PolyDock makes ours and why we do it that way.
PolyDock’s High-Quality Design
Each PolyDock section is a polyethylene single cavity, hollow, non-foam-filled float structure. The herringbone brick pattern decking dock surface and the floats are integrated into the section as one piece. PolyDock sections also have recessed chambers underneath the dock section to trap air between the dock and the water’s surface. These sections add additional flotation capabilities to the dock as well as create the suction that contributes to this product’s floating dock stability. All PolyDock sections have a hydrophobic vent plug that helps eliminate the ballooning effect that can damage floating dock systems. The standard connections are designed so that dock sections can be easily disconnected and moved for seasonal storage or simply because your dock layout changes. Anchoring options are available for a variety of site and floating dock applications and are easy to use with your PolyDock system.
How PolyDocks Are Made
PolyDocks feature superior quality in construction, durability, engineering, and materials, thanks to the industry-leading minds behind their design. The design and production of PolyDocks are simple but ingenious for its simplicity. Due to the manufacturing processes, there might be slight variations in the sizes of individual PolyDock sections. Still, each piece will have the same high quality and performance as any other PolyDock section.
PolyDocks are rotationally molded products. First, powdered High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is measured and poured into the molds for PolyDock sections. This mold is heated in a specially designed oven while it rotates. The heat melts the plastic, and the rotation ensures it adheres to the mold. Once the piece is done, the mold is cooled so that it can be opened and the part removed. Rotational molding means there’s no seam, meaning fewer weak points and a more durable structure. The resin also has UV-8 inhibitors, which offers the maximum amount of protection from UV rays possible. Because the polyethylene does not rot or corrode, doesn’t use paints or sealants, and the dock sections don’t contain foam beads, unlike comparable floating dock systems, PolyDock sections are also more environmentally friendly than competing systems.
PolyDock Floating Dock Benefits
Between the design and construction, your PolyDock has even more benefits than the average floating dock. Because PolyDock sections are single, solid pieces that can connect to one another, there is minimal construction involved in the set-up, and no special tools are required beyond basic hand tools. And speaking of tools, PolyDocks are also low-maintenance, with only occasional cleanings and tightening of the connections and anchorages necessary. PolyDock sections are durable enough to stand up to marine conditions without getting damaged. In the unlikely event that they suffer from damage, they’re not going to sink because of the thought that went into their construction. All of that and more, plus PolyDock has one of the best warranties in the industry.
If you’re interested in making PolyDock a part of your shoreline, get in touch with us today.
