Market analysis & commercialisation planning for on-shoring production of innovative protective body armour for use in industrial applications

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

There have been a number of reported incidents of severe injuries in the metal forging sectorcaused by hot flying metal from tools used within the work environment (EdencroftConsulting Ltd, 24/04/13). A number of methods for protection have been examined butnone were found that could be used in this particular environment due to the heat & therestriction in movement caused to wearers by protective clothing currently available. Onemajor problem is the weight of current garments (c6Kg each), also in this type of applicationthe radiant heat from the parts is conducted to the wearer resulting in discomfort & thereforeresistance from staff to the use of the garments. The product which currently has the greatestmarket share is made from chainmail or ringmesh which exacerbates such problems.This project investigates the use of a reinforced polymer product that is processed to give 40times the impact strength of the precursor material & is eight times lighter than metal basedgarments. Tests have shown the material has excellent penetration resistance & is suitable forthis type of use. The existing chainmail/ringmesh garments are not manufactured in the UKbut imported on premade rolls or as finished product. The reinforced polymer used in thesetrials has been developed & will be manufactured in the UK; this project will result in the onshoringof production of the protective clothing.The use of this product can also be extended to other sectors where the moulding techniquesimpart specific properties, eg: motorcycle gloves, jackets, and protective inserts for otherworkwear such as industrial boots & gloves. The food preparation industry is another facingsimilar problems, although in this case the issue is slashing and stabbing with knives ratherthan flying metal. Future work will also include investigation into the potential for use in thestab protection & ballistic armour sectors either in isolation from or in conjunction withceramic-based products.