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Synthetic Ice Rink Challenges and How to Overcome Them

There are certain fundamental hurdles that synthetic ice skating rink designers must overcome in order to progress from decent to exceptional.


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Rink Systems, Inc.

10 months ago | 2 min read

Most people are familiar with the concept of synthetic ice. It has been present for a few decades and allows for year-round dry ice skating. However, due to several difficulties, synthetic ice rinks, often known as plastic ice rinks, never really gained popularity. As a result, winter sports remained a luxury enjoyed mainly by countries with frigid weather.

Artificial ice rinks are another popular option to actual or natural ice rinks, but they have high water and electrical requirements and are not feasible in warmer climes.

In order to make these winter sports accessible to anybody, anywhere, at any time, research and development have resulted in astonishing advancements that make plastic ice skating rink an excellent substitute for genuine ice. However, there are certain fundamental hurdles that synthetic ice skating rink designers must overcome in order to progress from decent to exceptional.

Uneven Surface as a Result of Incorrect Interlocking System

The majority of synthetic ice skating rink have a jigsaw or dovetail interlocking mechanism, in which the ice panels are connected horizontally but not vertically. This can cause a vertical displacement in the panels, resulting in an uneven ice layer. Because the puzzle connections are extensive, dirt or water can enter and cause an uneven surface or even shift the ice panels.

The solution is straightforward. The panels can be connected horizontally and vertically using the tongue and roof interlocking mechanism indicated in the figure, making it difficult for them to shift in any direction. This results in a flawlessly seamless surface that resembles actual ice.

It takes too much effort to skate on a synthetic ice skating rink

Synthetic ice of poor quality can generate friction, resulting in an unpleasant skating experience and dull skates. Even minor friction will impair a skater's movement. It makes gliding more difficult and time-consuming. Athletes spend valuable energy, and leisure skaters find the activity less enjoyable. To ensure effortless skating, a synthetic ice rink must be built using high-quality materials.

Poorly Made Accessories

Also known as a synthetic ice rink's Achilles Heel. It makes no difference how perfectly seamless the surface of your synthetic ice rink is if the dasher boards are unsightly or the skates are of poor quality. High-quality, long-lasting, and suitable accessories will make all the difference!

Despite the numerous obstacles described above, synthetic ice skating rinks are gaining popularity and offer several important advantages over traditional ice rinks. They may be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week without needing to be resurfaced; the gliding factor is far more stable than that of genuine ice, which starts at 100% but drops to around 80% after only a few hours of use. It is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than actual ice since it eliminates the need for water and electricity that traditional ice rinks require. For more details, you can visit our website by clicking here.

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Rink Systems, Inc.

Rink Systems is a full-service rink supply company located in Albert Lea, MN. We offer a complete line of rink dasherboards, products, and accessories. We are also available to assist you in making your own rink system. Reach us to know more, Speak us on 800-944-7930.


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