SABIC Lightweight Plastics Create Safer Helmets and Hard Hats

Protective equipment protects workers, but only if workers are willing to wear them at work, 3MTM uses Sabell based Innovative Plastics' lightweight Xenoy and Lexan OQ optical grade resins to design an exceptionally comfortable new range of ergonomic helmets. With helmet. The new 3M Versaflo M-Series Respiratory Helmet product line uses a custom-colored Xenoy polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate (PC/PBT) resin to make helmet shells and mask frames that enable thin-wall designs. The weight of the helmet is about 15% to 20% lower than the company's previous L series. The Lexan OQ PC resin used to make masks is water-clear, with excellent optical properties and excellent impact resistance. The long-standing relationship between SABIC and 3M demonstrates that SABIC is committed to helping customers gain competitive advantage and achieve commercial success by working closely with customers.

New 3M Versafl M Series Hard Hat Made from SABIC's Lexan and Xeno Resins

Al Solyntjes, head of product development at 3M, said: “By working together on important new applications such as the Versaflo M series, our relationship with SABIC has grown steadily. The company offers high-performance resins that meet our specific requirements, as well as high Value-added analysis, testing and process optimization services, which are important drivers for the successful implementation of the project. Our customers have reported that the Versaflo M helmets have significantly improved comfort and protection.”

James Le Gacy, general manager of SABIC's high performance composites division North America, said: “Our materials play an important role in the development of a new generation of protective equipment that will truly satisfy workers. SABIC's versatility and light weight Resins provide designers with new ways to enhance comfort, ease of use and aesthetics, thereby encouraging workers to wear helmets permanently and focus on their work. We are proud to work with 3M to continuously improve the harsh working environment. Security."

Robust materials for harsh working conditions
The new 3M Versaflo M series helmets and helmets (as part of the PAPR and SA respirator system) are designed to protect foundries, auto repair shops, chemical plants and construction sites. Designed for workers in the workplace.

SABIC materials have key performance attributes that can withstand the harsh working conditions. Compared to glass-filled nylon that 3M originally considered as a helmet shell, Xenoy resin offers exceptional low-temperature ductility and consistent impact resistance in cold weather conditions. The material also has a low specific gravity and outstanding flowability and can be used to make thin-walled parts that help reduce weight. The color of Xenoy resin is tailored at SABIC's manufacturing facility in Mount Vernon, Indiana. Lexan OQ resin is known for its excellent impact resistance and crystal-like transparency. This material allows 3M to manufacture thin but extremely robust protective masks.

The 3M Versaflo M Series helmets and helmets meet many of the global standards for head and eye protection for respirators and are available worldwide.