RIS & Drie-D:
large-scale buffer pads

Traditional crane booms often encounter fatigue and wear issues. DRIE-D and RIS developed a solution: a flexible buffer pad that is not only capable of bearing heavy loads but also features a robust sliding surface with low friction. This innovation was the springboard for countless other shared accomplishments.

The collaboration between RIS Rubber and DRIE-D began in 2010 with the development of a buffer pad that combined rubber, metal and D-glide. Both companies share a technical focus and are always eager to take on challenges that utilise their materials and expertise.

Following the initial success in 2010, it became evident that the combination of rubber, metal and D-glide material increasingly offers solutions for situations requiring the handling of heavy loads while maintaining low friction. Over time, we have developed a wide range of buffer pads for various applications.

engineered for heavy loads

BUFFER BEAMS FOR CRANE BOOM SUPPORT

Ships stretch and flex. Supporting a massive, heavy crane boom on a ship generates significant reaction forces and causes fatigue in the overall structure. DRIE-D and RIS combined their expertise to develop a heavy-duty, flexible buffer pad with a robust sliding surface and low friction.

flexing and bending

THE CHALLENGE

No matter how large and robust ships may appear, even the biggest offshore vessels are ultimately highly delicate constructions, flexing and bending with the waves. Supporting the booms of today’s large offshore cranes is therefore no easy task. With every wave, the booms flex and strain against the support frames, generating high shear forces, fatigue in all joints and considerable wear of the supports.