Synthetic Ice Panel Connection Systems: Choose The Right One For Your Skating Application

There is no one connection system that applies to all installation situations. Time and time again we see applications that demand a connection system that will not come apart vertically or horizontally when forces are applied to the panel joints.

Let's just take a quick step back and first understand that there are several popular types of connections systems. The overriding favorite is no doubt the dovetail or "jigsaw" type panel joint. Most major manufacturers or suppliers have a version of this type of panel joint. Some claim they are "revolutionary, proprietary interlocking assembly, seamless technology, precision lock", etc, etc. Let's be clear here - this panel joint technology has been around for over 20 years - there's nothing unique about it. It is a very easy and quick way to provide an at home rink experience however. This is a do-it-yourself product.

Something to be cautious about however is a dovetail product that goes together too easily. We prefer the ones that require some real persuasion to lock the joints together. Otherwise unless you have a perfectly laser leveled smooth concrete floor - you will almost be guaranteed to have trouble with a loose fitting joint moving vertically, thereby potentially creating an unsafe condition. Our dovetail panels for example require a very firm strike with a rubber mallet to close the joint together. This is not only a good indicator of precision machining, but also a much safer skating experience.

For commercial use we have used dovetail panels as well - on a limited basis. Its always best if the client really understands the potential risks, and it's always better to do a site visit to visually inspect the substrate prior to making recommendations for this type of product.

The larger the surface the greater the potential for significant expansion and contraction as well. This needs to be considered when selecting the best product for the job. For example a full size rink might expand and contract 6-8 inches or more if there is large temperature variation. With all that movement only a positive locking panel joint is suited for this application. What we mean by a positive locking joint connection system is one where the panel is safely locked both horizontally and vertically. The H-Tongue spline is the best way to achieve this positive lock. The H-Tongue slides in between two panels. These panels have a T-slot machined around their perimeter. This type of panel joining system is extremely safe and has been in use for over 20 years. A panel system with the H-Tongue can be installed virtually on any type of surface without sacrificing panel joint integrity. Synthetic ice rinks with this type of connection system can be safely flooded over during the cold winter months to achieve a natural ice surface right over the synthetic surface.

Flooding over a dovetail panel would rarely (if ever) be recommended. Ice turns to water and gets under the panels and then freezes again, then expands, thereby forcing the panel joints apart creating a potentially unsafe skating experience.

There are certainly several other types of panel connection systems. By far the two most popular are dovetail and H-Tongue systems. They both have their place but rarely is any one product best suited for every application.

In summary - it's important to understand the differences in connection systems for your particular application. Make sure you speak to a reputable firm(s) that carries more than one type of connection system and you'll be certain to get good solid advice.


Copyright (c) 2011 Tim Oldfield