The complete process behind customized ballast

No two projects are the same. Whether it’s shipping, construction or infrastructure, the ballast requirements differ in each situation. Sometimes space is limited, other times weight or material choice plays a decisive role. That’s why we offer customised ballast solutions. In this blog, you’ll read how that process works.

Every project begins with a drawing or sketch

Custom work revolves entirely around the customer’s needs. That’s why almost every project at Ballast Producten starts with a technical drawing or sketch. This typically shows how many kilos of ballast are needed and how much space is available. Together with the customer, we often determine on the basis of drawings and sketches what they aim to achieve with the ballast.

Based on this input, the team calculates how much weight can fit within the given space. This results in a practical proposal fully tailored to the application.

Lead or steel? Choosing the right material

An important step in the process is selecting the right material. Ballast mainly works with lead and steel. Both materials have specific properties.

Lead is roughly 25% heavier than steel. This means you can achieve more weight with less volume, which is ideal when space is limited. Imagine you need to fill a container and pack it completely with steel plates. The maximum weight you reach will be lower than if you were to fill that same container with lead.

Steel, on the other hand, is often more cost-effective and more sustainable, especially when using recycled materials such as punchings or leftover pieces from the metal industry. The choice always depends on what makes the most sense technically and economically.

The right shape: punchings, billets or plates

Besides the material, the shape of the ballast also plays a major role. Depending on the available space and the required weight, we advise the most suitable form. Think of lead blocks, lead granules, punchings or billets.

Sometimes a combination of shapes is needed to achieve the optimal fill. Flexibility in shape and size is therefore essential in custom projects.

Practical thinking in every step

At Ballast Producten, we like to think along with the customer. Not only regarding material and shape, but also in terms of practical feasibility. This ensures that customers don’t just receive a theoretical proposal, but a solution that truly works in practice.

A solution that fits your project

Ballast doesn’t supply standard products, but solutions that fit. By thinking along from the drawing table and remaining flexible with material and shape, we create a result that works both technically and practically.

Looking for a customised ballast solution?

Get in touch with our team. We’ll be happy to help you get the right weight in the right place, quickly, sustainably and reliably.