Imagine having a skating surface that doesn’t need water, power, coolants, or even a Zamboni. Synthetic ice is a reality that can help hockey and figure skaters hone their skills without the restrictions of seasonal availability or expensive ice rink costs. The benefits of synthetic ice include Year-round skating, cost savings, and a high-quality skating experience.
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Easy to Maintain
Unlike natural ice, which is only practical in cold weather, synthetic rinks can be set up year-round, even in tropical climates. And they require significantly less maintenance than traditional rinks, saving time and money. The most significant benefit of having a home ice surface is that it gives skaters the freedom to practice whenever they want, eliminating the need to travel to rental facilities or pay hourly fees.
It also means you can focus on your skating goals more often and improve your skills faster. Synthetic ice surfaces are also easy to maintain, with minimal cleaning needed to keep the rink in peak condition. Typically, this involves wiping down the entire surface with a damp mop or cloth. It is a quick task that can be done before or after each session, as it will help extend the tiles’ lifespan.
In addition, most synthetic ice products need little to no topical lubrication. It is due to a manufacturing process that embeds the lubricants deep within the product. As skate blades cut into the surface, the lubricants are released, providing a superior glide that continues to improve over time.
It’s essential for hockey players, who can use their blades to carve grooves into the surface and further refine their skills. It is an advantage not all ice manufacturers offer and is one of the most significant benefits of choosing a synthetic rink manufacturer.
Low Maintenance Costs
When you think of skating, you likely think about hours spent at the local rink, waiting for your turn to hit the ice and perfect your hockey or figure skates. It’s an excellent sport for people of all ages and benefits those participating. It builds strength and endurance and can even improve one’s mental health and sense of belonging to a community.
But if you need to get to a public rink or you want to practice in your backyard or garage, synthetic ice offers an ideal solution. Also known as artificial ice, this rink alternative uses carefully interlocked panels coated with a unique polymer material to mimic natural ice. It can be set up anywhere safe to skate on, requiring no cold temperatures or extensive maintenance tools.
These ice rinks are eco-friendly as they do not need energy-consuming refrigeration systems. They’re easy to install and a cost-effective alternative to traditional ice rinks. So whether you’re a professional figure skater honing your skills or an amateur hockey player practicing for the next big game, this innovative skating surface is a good choice for anyone who wants to skate all year round.
Increased Safety
Tens of millions of people worldwide enjoy skating for leisure and sport. Skating provides a fun activity for all ages and can help individuals improve their physical health, relieve stress and anxiety, and promote self-expression. In addition, skating helps build strength and endurance, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their performance in other sports and activities.
Whether you are a professional figure skater honing your skills or a family reliving childhood memories, synthetic ice surfaces offer a safe and convenient alternative to traditional ice rinks. Unlike refrigerated ice, artificial ice does not require daily resurfacing and does not require the use of water and electricity for refrigeration. It means you can skate all year round and eliminate the worry of paying exorbitant electric bills or using a loud compressor.
The surface of synthetic ice is created by carefully molding a high-density polymer into interlocking tiles. During this process, lubricants are added to the polymer to create a smooth gliding experience. While some manufacturers spray lubricant onto the surface, Glice uses a unique manufacturing process to add lubricants directly into the polymer during the sintering process, offering a far superior glide. As a result, sintering allows for a more uniform dispersion of lubricants and creates an ice-like texture. Sintering also allows incorporating other additives to enhance your skating experience, such as abrasion resistance and color enhancement.
Increased Durability
For many, the dream of skating on the ice all year round is only possible when living in colder climates with local rinks. But synthetic ice is a welcome alternative for those who have yet to be blessed with the space or budget to maintain an ice arena or for whom the expense of refrigeration is a turnoff.
The sintering process in producing glice synthetic ice surfaces allows lubricants to be embedded into the polymer and distributed evenly, giving it a far superior glide than surfaces manufactured using extrusion methods. Glice’s ability to lubricate itself during use means that skaters need not apply a topical coating before skating, saving time and money.
Traditional ice rinks require expensive water and electricity to be maintained at a temperature appropriate for the frozen surface. Additionally, resurfacing costs and the frequent use of the Zamboni can add up. Synthetic ice eliminates the need for costly water and energy, as well as for the equipment and maintenance that goes along with maintaining a rink at an ideal temperature. Hockey/goaltending, figure skating, and leisure skating are all activities that can be practiced on a Glice synthetic ice surface. And since there is no need to worry about a generator or the associated noise, this is an excellent option for venues where sound disruption would be an issue.