What Is Pillar Padding?
Pillar padding, also known as a corner guard, is a protective material used to safeguard buildings. Commonly used in factories and warehouses, it protects structures from collisions with moving vehicles and prevents damage to the vehicles themselves.
In residential settings, pillar padding is applied to furniture, pillars, and walls to provide cushioning and prevent injuries.
Uses of Pillar Padding
Pillar padding is primarily used to protect vehicles, dollies, and individuals. It is also utilized in parking lots and hospitals. In parking lots, it serves various purposes, including as car stoppers and edge guards.
1. Car Stoppers
Car stoppers are cushioning materials preventing vehicles from colliding with protruding walls during parking or loading.
2. Edge Guards
Edge guards are protective materials installed on H-shaped steel columns to prevent injury from exposed steel and to minimize damage during product transportation.
In hospitals, pillar padding functions as corner protectors, safeguarding patients from falls or collisions with building walls and corners.
Besides protection, pillar padding also serves as a warning sign or marker. Black and yellow striped padding, for example, can highlight dangerous areas or hazards.
Installing Pillar Padding
L-shaped pillar padding is suitable for typical angled corners and can be attached with a base material or adhesive. For chamfered pillars or corners, flat-type padding can be installed similarly. When using padding with a base material, installation may involve drilling holes for anchors, which can then be capped to prevent dust and water ingress.
Materials Used in Pillar Padding
Commonly made of plastic or rubber, pillar padding can also include polymers known for cushioning properties. Examples include:
Polyethylene (PE)
PE is strong, water-resistant, and processable, with electrical insulation and impact resistance. However, it is vulnerable to scratches and UV degradation.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC, a widely used synthetic resin, is strong, weather-resistant, and lightweight but becomes brittle in cold and is sensitive to heat and sunlight.
Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
Nitrile rubber is oil-resistant and durable, although it has weak weather resistance due to unsaturated bonds.
Polymer Materials
These materials include thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, selected based on the intended use environment.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pillar Padding
Advantages include long service life, a wide range of sizes, and excellent cushioning, particularly in rubber-based products. However, disadvantages include limited color options and the need for custom fabrication for complex shapes.