Key Points for Regular Inspection of Pads
Regular inspection of pads in jacks and lifting equipment is essential to ensure safety, maintain performance, and extend service life. Proper inspection helps detect early signs of wear, deformation, or material degradation.
1. Visual Inspection
Surface Condition: Check for cracks, cuts, abrasions, swelling, or discoloration. Any surface damage can indicate weakening or chemical degradation.
Deformation: Look for bulging, warping, or permanent compression that could affect load distribution.
Adhesion: For pads bonded to metal bases, ensure there is no delamination or detachment.
Foreign Contaminants: Remove dirt, oil, grease, or chemical residues that may reduce friction or damage the pad material.
2. Mechanical Checks
Hardness Measurement: Verify the pad maintains the specified durometer hardness. Significant deviations can indicate material aging or fatigue.
Load Test: Apply a controlled load to confirm the pad supports weight evenly without tilting or excessive deformation.
Flexibility and Elasticity: Check that the pad recovers its shape after compression; loss of elasticity indicates material fatigue.
3. Environmental Assessment
Temperature Exposure: Inspect for cracks or brittleness caused by extreme hot or cold conditions.
Chemical Exposure: Check for signs of swelling, softening, or surface damage if pads are exposed to oils, solvents, or other chemicals.
4. Maintenance Actions
Cleaning: Remove debris, oil, and contaminants regularly to maintain friction and prevent degradation.
Replacement: Replace pads showing cracks, delamination, deformation, or significant hardness changes.
Lubrication or Coating: Apply protective coatings if recommended to reduce wear and environmental damage.
5. Inspection Frequency
Before Each Use: Quick visual and mechanical checks to ensure safe operation.
Monthly or Quarterly: Comprehensive inspections including hardness testing, load tests, and environmental checks depending on usage intensity.
After Exposure to Harsh Conditions: Inspect pads after heavy loads, chemical spills, or extreme temperature exposure.
6. Conclusion
Regular inspection of pads focuses on surface condition, deformation, adhesion, mechanical performance, and environmental effects. Timely detection of wear or damage, combined with proper maintenance, ensures safe lifting operations and prolongs pad service life.
References
Gent, A. N. Engineering with Rubber: How to Design Rubber Components. Hanser Publishers, 2012.
Lake, G. J. “Fatigue and Fracture of Elastomers.” Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 2000.
ASTM D2240 – Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness.
ISO 2230 – Rubber Products—Guidelines for Storage and Maintenance.
ASTM D2000 – Standard Classification System for Rubber Products in Automotive and Industrial Applications.
