A practical solution for secure and damage-free equipment transport and storage
Transporting and storing heavy or sensitive industrial equipment such as drive shafts, fan shafts, or other large, fabricated steel items requires reliable support that:
- Prevents metal-on-metal contact
- Absorbs shock and vibration
- Avoids cosmetic or structural damage during handling
- Ensures a secure, non-slip hold in both transit and static conditions
Specialist engineering and fabrication companies building stillage frames often face the challenge of selecting materials that protect their assets while maintaining safety, durability, and practicality in harsh environments.
Rubber Pads are an ideal solution for use as an interface between the stillages and equipment.
Rubber pads fitted into custom-engineered steel stillages provide an ideal solution for equipment restraint and protection. Reglin supplies rubber components for use in a variety of applications on purpose-built stillages. These rubber components serve multiple functions across various parts of the stillage frame design.
For this project, Reglin EPDM 65 Rubber was used — a premium-grade rubber with excellent UV and weathering resistance. This made it the ideal choice for outdoor or semi-exposed applications, where durability, non-marking properties, and long-term resilience were critical.
Application Breakdown
Cradle Contact Pads
Use: Rubber pads are bonded into the angled contact faces of V-block-style cradles.
Purpose: These cradles support the cylindrical shafts and allow them to rest securely while in storage or transit.
Function of the rubber pad:
- Prevents direct steel-to-steel contact
- Increases grip to stop rolling or shifting
- Cushions the load to absorb minor shocks or vibration
Rubber Base Mounts under Feet
Use: Square rubber pads are installed between the stillage feet and the timber/ground base.
Purpose: To isolate the structure from the ground and absorb static vibration or loading forces.
Benefits:
- Reduces vibration transfer
- Provides minor levelling flexibility on uneven surfaces
- Protects flooring or trailer surfaces from wear
Clamping Arm Liners
Use: Rubber strips are fixed to the clamping jaws of heavy-duty toggle clamps.
Purpose: To provide a firm yet gentle grip on the load when clamping it into position.
Advantages:
- Prevents surface damage to painted or coated components
- Maintains strong hold under tension
- Enhances long-term durability of the clamp mechanism
Why EPDM Rubber is Ideal
Reglin EPDM 65 Rubber was selected for this project due to its:
- Excellent UV and ozone resistance – ideal for outdoor exposure
- Non-marking finish – protects sensitive surfaces
- Good wear resistance – suitable for repetitive load cycles
- Anti-vibration properties – reduces fatigue on frames and components
- Ease of fabrication – cut to size for exact fit within the frame design
Conclusion
Using Reglin Rubber pads in stillage systems is a proven solution for enhancing the safety, reliability, and lifespan of both transport frames and the equipment they support. Whether you’re storing fabricated steel items or transporting valuable components, our rubber solutions offer dependable protection and performance.
Need help designing a rubber protection system for your stillages?
Get in touch with our team for expert advice and tailored product supply.