Connecticut, United States -- A new centre to assess the durability and force of impact capacity of a polyurethane-based protective sportswear has been unveiled by the Rogers Corporation.
Rogers Corporation unveils a new facility to test polyurethane foam-based protective activity and sportswear
The specialty materials company, which developed the polyurethane-based Poron XRD Extreme Impact Protection also used in protective smartphone casing, will use the Impact Institute to establish the boundaries of performance materials utilising its technology.
“There is no one-size-fits all solution for designing protective gear,” said Rogers’ development engineer Katie Borema.
“Whether designing mountain biking pads, a ski helmet or protective work boots, a product’s design criteria and intended end use play a role in determining the best impact protection material.”
The new centre’s in-house testing facilities will allow brands and designers to take a product from conception to retail with the ‘highest quality testing and engineering support available’, said a company press release.
Orbit Sports - a South African based sporting goods company – has already worked with the Impact Institute team to design a rugby pad with XRD protection technology. Tests have confirmed the material’s ability to absorb and dissipate impact energy.
According to tests carried out by the Rogers Corporation, RXD Poron absorbs up to 90% of impact energy.
