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Following on from our series on Producing Synthetic Grass, we now look at what happens once it is on site. A truism is that a poor quality surface, really well installed, will look much better than a badly installed, high quality turf.

Once turf is backed and checked it is rolled up tightly, ready for dispatch. This may sound simple, but if not performed correctly can lead to a variety of problems on site. These range from rolls becoming loose during transport, and..

The process that ensures fibres are secured to create the finished synthetic turf, thereby completing the manufacturing process. Types of secondary backing The synthetic grass fibres have already been tufted into a primary backing cloth or cloths, which are loosely holding the..

Up until recently the majority of tufting machines used to produce synthetic turf were formerly used to tuft normal carpet, and adapted to allow a longer length to be left on the surface side, thereby creating artificial grass. The tufting machine has since been upgraded..

Backing is one of the key components when producing artificial grass. It is the layer that ensures that the fibres stay where they have been tufted and prevents them from pulling out. The backing also provides the playing surface with extra weight, which adds to the overall stability of the carpet.

The process to produce the fibre that is used in artificial grass is called extrusion. In very simple terms raw polymer pellets, colour and UV additives are mixed together, then transformed into either a tape or individual fibres. These are then twisted and wound onto spools that are..

I have been privileged to visit many factories around the world, from those with only 3 or 4 tufting machines and no backing lines, to the largest producer with over 40 tufters and 11 backing lines, in just one of their factories. Quite honestly, size does not matter..

Having played sport, but also been involved with synthetic turf for many years, I naturally focus on what is under my feet, and normally that focus extends only as far as the actual playing surface. What I am not concerned with, and I assume the same is true with most users, is what lies..

There are several different types of shock pads used underneath artificial grass, and these give differing performances, so, in most cases, are sports specific. For example, with hockey, the pad must be firm, very even and provide a relatively dead ball bounce. In contrast, rugby requires a pad that absorbs heavy impact..

The influence of a shock pad on your pitch performance can be massive, but how do you ensure the right shock pad is used? Different countries have their own preferences; Germany has a preference for 35mm rubber pads laid insitu; some artificial turf manufacturers will recommend a pad, based on their relationship..