Our Synthetic Ice
Our
synthetic ice is a unique proven product that simulates all the characteristics
of real ice. It is primarily used, both indoors and outdoors, for recreational
ice skating, figure skating, hockey and roller skating (not roller blading).
It can also be readily adapted for trade shows, exhibitions and dancing...
Description: A panel (1) consists of an inner core of plywood laminated on both sides with a gliding surface (2) of high density polymer ethylene, especially designed for skating use and tinted with a natural ice colour throughout. This gliding surface provides a high resistance to abrasion and skate nicks. The edges of the standard panel are grooved (3) to join the assembly unit. The standard panels are put together with a system of plastic splines (4).
The synthetic ice has a life expectancy of 16 to 20 years, 8 to 10 years per side. It is backed with a five-year manufacturer guarantee on material and workmanship.
The panels can be installed over any solid surface at the rate of 2,500 sq. ft. per day.
Due to the plywood inner core, problems of expansion, contraction and warping do not exist. In 11 years of use, worldwide, there have been no incidents involving such problems. Moreover, it is rated as a Class B (or 2) for flame spread under National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code, NFPA No. 101.
Accidents on the synthetic ice are almost nil compared to refrigerated ice.
The fact that the gliding factor after resurfacing the ice is slower by approximately 10% renders our synthetic ice ideal for:
The following table provides a detailed comparison of requirements pertaining to a standard 200' x 85' refrigerated and synthetic ice rink with a column ranking the favoured rink.
| Comparison | Refrigerated Ice (R) | Synthetic Ice (S) | Rating | ||
| Purpose | Ice-skating | Multi-purpose | S | ||
| Building | Special sealed building | No special needs | S | ||
| Floor | Concrete or sand | Any solid surface | S | ||
| Power plant | 2 compressors, etc. | None | S | ||
| Technicians | 1-2 | None | S | ||
| Annual maintenance | Expensive & mandatory | Minimal | S | ||
| Maintenance deadtime | Frequent during a day | Minimal | S | ||
| Special equipment | Zamboni, driver & costs | Commercial scrubber & vacuum cleaner | S | ||
| Water consumption | 2,600 gallons/day | None | S | ||
| Hot water heating | Expensive & continuous | None | S | ||
| Utilities (plant & air-handler) | $10,000-$12,000/month | $1,200/month | S | ||
| Installation time | 4-6 months | 2,500 sq.ft./day | S | ||
| Safety factor | Fairly frequent accidents | Virtually none | S | ||
| Skaters' comfort | Generally cold & damp | Very pleasant | S | ||
| Gliding factor: | |||||
| - After resurfacing | 100% | 90% | R | ||
| - After 1 hour of skating | 85% | 90% | S | ||
| - After 2 hours of skating | 78% | 90% | S | ||
Copyright 1996/97, Ice-Nook Family Skating Centres