Plastic Mats for Ski Jumping Hills
Plastic mats, i.e. plastic elements
Conductio Oy’s plastic elements have FIS approval. The plastic elements are made of frost-resistant polypropylene, which, thanks to its low friction coefficient, is well suited for ski jumping due to its sliding properties. High-quality raw materials and the newest and highest-quality UV protection material are used for the elements. The amount of raw material we use for the product per square meter is higher than other manufacturers, which makes the fiber part of the product denser. Together, these factors enable us to give our products the longest warranty period on the market.
Plastic Element Composition
The plastic element consists of two parts: a fiber part and a safety plate. Our production method compresses the safety plate and the fiber part with a hydraulic press with great force into one unified element, and separate safety plates are therefore not needed. This guarantees that no fibers can come loose from the element, and it increases the durability of the product. The fixed safety plate also makes the surface smoother and increases the safety of the jumpers, when the edges of the separate safety plates cannot stick up between the fibers.
Plastic Element from Recycled Materials
Instead of virgin raw material, it is possible to make the plastic element either completely or partially from recycled materials.
We are about to introduce a completely new type of plastic element to the market in the near future, which is made entirely of recycled material. The coefficient of friction of this new product of ours does not change even at high temperatures and therefore less water is also needed to water the plastic coating. This product is excellent for ski jumping, as the product corresponds well to the properties of snow.
Plastic Mats and Plastic Elements Customized to Customer Needs
Plastic elements can be produced in different colors and they can be produced according to the customer’s wishes, e.g. various images, logos and texts. These are manufactured as large elements at the factory or alternatively only during the installation phase.
History of plastic elements
The history of plastic coatings like today’s started when it was noticed in the 60s that the PVC plastic that was in use at that time was not suitable enough for ski jumping due to its sliding properties due to the material’s high coefficient of friction. Based on long-term tests, in 1974, the first working plastic mat, or plastic element, was finally completed, which due to its low friction coefficient was suitable for ski jumping for summer use. Today, plastic made from this same raw material is still used as a plastic covering for jumping hills.
The product development of plastic elements continued and in the 90s, a safety plate was added to the plastic elements to prevent injuries to jumpers, especially in cases of falls. This product was developed by the owner of Conduction, who has been involved in the development of products in the field since the 1970s. A solution like this safety plate is still used by some manufacturers of plastic mats. However, Conductio wanted to develop the product further and the next significant step forward in the field took place in 2010, when the Conduction safety plate was changed to a solid plastic element with a fiber part. Separate safety plates are therefore not needed, and the plastic fibers cannot come off. The safety of the jumpers was also improved at the same time, because the edges of the separate safety plates cannot stick up between the fibers.
