KOMPAN

Main components and materials

Main support posts are made of 101.6 x 2.5 mm (4 x 1/8 inch) hot dip galvanized steel tubes, covered by a thick layer of specially formulated UV stabilized, impact and wear resistant, maintenance free polyurethane rubber. The resulting post has maximum adhesion of the rubber to the steel, a uniform shape and a highly resilient surface (kid friendly). Grooves are molded into the rubber layer in order to positively locate the connections of components and activities.  

Height adjustable and easy detachable footings* are made of specially KOMPAN designed hot dip galvanized 2.5 mm thick roll formed steel profile with built-in aluminum expansion elements to ensure a stable connection between posts and footings. The connection between posts and expansion elements is provided by 6 pcs M10 button head bolts.

*This feature is currently applied for US Patent protection. 

Platform Infills are constructed of UV stabilized Injection Molded Polycarbonate with a material thickness of 5mm.

Floor modules in various geometric shapes are built up of hot dip galvanized steel frames, and made of special KOMPAN designed multifunction T-track profiles with decking of 0.7” (18 mm) thick plates of HPL – High Pressure Laminate – with a molded non skid surface.  The floors are attached to each post by means of stainless steel connector straps. 


Various primary connectors (wall brackets) are made of die cast aluminum that has been alloyed specifically for outdoor environments. These connectors are mounted to the posts by means of stainless steel straps with built in 8 mm treaded nuts. 


Connector straps and secondary connectors are made of 1.25 x 30 mm high strength stainless steel with built in 8 mm threaded nuts. Each strap can carry up to 5 connectors made of cold formed welded stainless steel with built in 8 mm threaded nuts. “Secondary Connectors” are additional connectors that may be slid onto the steel strap, allowing multiple connections to occur at the same height from a post. 


Crossbars, support poles and safety bars are made of 38 mm and 48mm hot dip galvanized steel tubing (1-1/2" and 1-7/8"). 


Multifunctional barrier and roof panels with several molded-in features, are made of 0.12” (3+ mm) blow-molded, double walled, UV stabilized, colored through polyethylene (PE) plastic that provides a high impact resistance even at low temperatures.** 


Secondary panels and play counters are constructed of 19 mm (3/4”) UV stabilized through-colored hot press laminated extruded High Density Polyethylene.


Larger play activities (single, double and segmented slides,) bodies for spring items and interfaces are made of hollow UV-stabilized Rotomolded Polyethylene.


Medium Sized Play Components such as basins and funnels are constructed of vacuum formed UV-stabilized ultra impact resistant Polycarbonate.


Smaller Play Components (shouter, curved handholds, etc.) and safety elements (Do-nuts, net connectors, spacers, swing suspensions, end caps) are constructed of UV-stabilized conditioned injection molded polyamide/nylon (PA6) or Polypropylene (gear shifts, manipulative devices, sand scoops).


Soft Play Components such as hammocks, swing seats, binoculars, and handles on spring items are constructed of UV-stabilized Polyurethane (PUR) with or without reinforcements of steel or plastic.


Play Switchers are manipulative items that consist of decorated circular panels of 13mm HPL that attach to the multifunctional barriers and spin by means of a stainless steel shaft and sealed ball bearing.


Ropes/nets are made of steel reinforced UV-stabilized Polypropylene.


Hardware (bolts and nuts) is made from high strength stainless steel with theft protecting socket heads for exposed screws (8 mm metric thread) and hexagon headed bolts for hidden connections (10 mm metric thread).


Springs – Springs are made of steel qualities that meet DIN 17225. The springs are subjected to shot peening to prevent crack formation and fatigue fracture. Spring durability and expected life in use are tested on a sampling basis with a 140 lb. load and at 30° F to ascertain that the spring will function after more than 5 years of normal use. Springs are fitted with patented anti-pinch clamps of cast nylon or specially developed spring fittings.


Tests

KOMPAN’s products and materials are not only tested according to the legislated safety standards in North America and Europe, but also to fulfill our own strong demands for non-normative described user safety, proved play value, and technical performance. (To ensure long lasting and durable components and materials, and to be able to provide a good warranty package)

 

Product testing Safety standards

KOMPAN products are designed to fulfill the relevant safety standards/guidelines on each market, and since we are a worldwide supplier, our products are normally approved by more than one institute/authority.

The major safety standards/guidelines are ASTM1487-98 (S), CPSC (G), and EN1176 (S).

KOMPAN is a member of the IPEMA organization in order to achieve certified ASTM-approvals of the products marketed on the North American continent, as well as all products has the international recognized TÜV-certificate for accordance to the EN1176 standard.

 

Strength/durability tests

All products must go through a static load test in order to achieve the ASTM certificates. In addition, KOMPAN maintains its tradition of also testing our products dynamically since our experience is that the repeated moving loads provided by playing children are much more crucial for the durability than a heavy static load.

Vandalism resistance is also an area where KOMPAN has defined our own guidelines, which in short terms can be expressed as:

The products must be able to withstand the forces and impacts that can be provided by the human body without using tools. To reduce the immediate risks for product safety in the event of vandalism, KOMPAN’s products are designed with steel reinforcement in ropes and rubber components, and use ductile plastic materials that prevent sharp edges when damaged.

Field tests

Before launch KOMPAN products are field tested at specially selected, heavily used playgrounds for extended periods of time. The focus of these tests is to evaluate technical performance, as well as play value and development of motor skills by frequent users.

 

Material test

KOMPAN ’s choice of materials is normally followed up by testing the materials according to relevant standards within related areas such as building industry (flammability and corrosion) and toy directives (toxicity),and we have also defined our own standards, e.g. friction and wear of flooring surfaces. KOMPAN carries records of all test results and evaluations for our products.