Forklift Tires: Non-Marking Rubber Compounds for Warehouse Flooring
Problem Statement
Standard SBR forklift tires leave black scuff marks on epoxy-coated warehouse floors. These marks require daily cleaning, increasing operational costs. The compounding challenge: achieve zero-marking while maintaining 50+ Shore A hardness, 15 MPa tensile strength, and 300% elongation for load-bearing capacity.
Material Science Analysis
SBR fails due to carbon black filler migration. RubberQ’s solution uses silica-reinforced EPDM with polyethylene glycol (PEG) plasticizer. The EPDM backbone provides ozone resistance, while PEG prevents silica agglomeration for consistent hardness. No carbon black means no marking.
Technical Specifications
- Shore A Hardness: 55 ±3
- Tensile Strength: 16.2 MPa (ASTM D412)
- Elongation at Break: 320%
- Temperature Range: -30°C to +100°C
- Compression Set (22 hrs @ 70°C): 18% (ASTM D395)
- Cleanroom Compliance: ISO 3601 Class A for particulate shedding
| Parameter | Silica-EPDM (RubberQ) | Carbon Black SBR | TPU (Thermoplastic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marking Potential | 0 (No visible transfer) | High (Black marks) | Low (Yellowing over time) |
| Load Capacity (kg/cm²) | 42 | 45 | 38 |
| Abrasion Resistance (mm³ loss, DIN 53516) | 80 | 60 | 110 |
| Chemical Resistance (24h immersion) | Resists alkalis, detergents | Degrades in oils | Attacked by polar solvents |
Standard Compliance
RubberQ’s IATF 16949-certified process controls:
- Batch-to-batch viscosity variance <5% (Mooney viscometer per ASTM D1646)
- Post-cure dimensional tolerance ±0.5mm on tire profiles
- 100% adhesion testing per ASTM D429 for multi-layer tires
For custom material compound development or IATF 16949 documentation, consult RubberQ’s engineering department.
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