Common Misuses of Jack Shock-Absorbing Rubber Blocks
Jack shock-absorbing rubber blocks are essential for cushioning, vibration reduction, and safe load distribution. However, improper use can lead to premature failure, reduced performance, and safety hazards. Understanding typical misuse scenarios is key to ensuring reliable operation and extending service life.
1. Overloading Beyond Rated Capacity
Misuse: Applying loads greater than the jack and rubber block’s designed capacity.
Consequences: Excessive deformation, bulging, permanent compression, and accelerated fatigue leading to failure.
Prevention: Always adhere to manufacturer-rated load limits.
2. Improper Material Selection
Misuse: Using rubber blocks not compatible with operational environments. For example, using natural rubber in chemical-laden or high-temperature conditions.
Consequences: Swelling, softening, chemical degradation, or hardening.
Prevention: Select materials like NBR for oil resistance, EPDM for weather and ozone resistance, or polyurethane for high-load applications.
3. Incorrect Installation
Misuse: Misaligned or loosely installed rubber blocks, or improper bonding to jack surfaces.
Consequences: Detachment, uneven load distribution, and reduced cushioning efficiency.
Prevention: Follow manufacturer installation guidelines, ensure proper fit, and secure adhesion or mechanical fastening.
4. Neglecting Environmental Protection
Misuse: Exposure to UV, ozone, high/low temperatures, or aggressive chemicals without protection.
Consequences: Accelerated aging, hardening, cracking, or loss of elasticity.
Prevention: Store in cool, dry, and UV-protected environments, and shield from harmful substances during use.
5. Ignoring Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Misuse: Failing to inspect rubber blocks for early signs of damage, such as cracks, deformation, or surface wear.
Consequences: Undetected degradation may lead to sudden failure during operation.
Prevention: Conduct routine inspections and replace compromised blocks promptly.
6. Using Worn or Aged Rubber Blocks
Misuse: Continuing to operate jacks with blocks showing fatigue, hardening, or chemical damage.
Consequences: Reduced load support, safety risks, and potential damage to the jack or lifted object.
Prevention: Replace aged or damaged rubber blocks even if visual damage seems minor.
Conclusion
Avoiding misuse of jack shock-absorbing rubber blocks involves adhering to load limits, selecting appropriate materials, ensuring proper installation, protecting against environmental hazards, performing regular inspections, and replacing aged or damaged blocks. Correct usage maximizes safety, performance, and service life.
References
Gent, A. N. Engineering with Rubber: How to Design Rubber Components. Hanser Publishers, 2012.
ASTM D2000 – Standard Classification System for Rubber Products in Automotive and Industrial Applications.
Lake, G. J. “Fatigue and Fracture of Elastomers.” Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 2000.
ISO 7619-1 – Rubber, Vulcanized or Thermoplastic — Determination of Indentation Hardness.
ISO 2230 – Rubber Products—Guidelines for Storage and Maintenance.
