Using your head for industrial protection with Centurion

Centurion has released a new white paper, together with the University of Warwick, examining the differences between two of the most common materials used in helmet and cap protection systems.

The paper from the leading above-the-neck personal protective equipment specialist outlines the main advantages in using Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) over High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in the production of protective shells.

The white paper was released at the A+A Trade Fair & Congress in Dusseldorf and was written by Centurion’s Technical & Operations Director, Dr Mandy Humphreys, in collaboration with Dr Kylash Makenji from the University of Warwick.

Dr Humphreys commented: “Currently there is some confusion in the marketplace regarding polymer choice and rationale, but ABS has evolved to have superlative performance characteristics.

“ABS is an ideal material for structural applications where impact resistance, strength and stiffness are required.”

Dr Mandy Humphreys

The most common product requirements of head protection are safety, durability and comfort; Centurion’s majority ABS range offers all of this through a variety of above-the-neck safety solutions.

Dr Kylash said: “The material properties of ABS make it ideal for the often robust environments in which safety helmets are exposed, by providing a protective shell at a weight that is comfortable to wear for 8-12 hour at a time.

“It is the clear choice for a premium product that aims to exceed safety standards.”

Dr Kylash Makenji

Dr Humphreys added: “ABS has over 66 times the compressive strength of HDPE, three times the tensile strength, and 1.7 times the hardness. 

“It’s important to remember that the protective shell of a helmet can be attacked from any angle and therefore the more robust ABS is preferable.”

To view the white paper, click http://centurionsafety.eu/ABS/