What Is Your Helmet Made of? Materials for Helmets Listed Below!

Don’t be hard-headed, wear a helmet! Helmets are essential protective gear designed to safeguard our heads in a variety of activities. Whether it’s cycling, motorcycling, construction work, or any other high-risk endeavor, helmets serve as a critical defense against potential head injuries. The effectiveness of a helmet lies not only in its design and fit but also in the materials used to construct it. In this blog, we will explore the common materials for helmets employed in the manufacturing of helmets, ensuring the safety and well-being of users.

Read More: Top 10 Questions About Kids’ Bicycle Helmets (Answered!)

These are some of the common materials used for making helmets:

1. Polycarbonate
2. Expanded Polystyrene Foam(EPS)
3. Fiberglass
4. Carbon Fibre
5. Kevlar
6. ABS Plastic
7. Multi-Density Foam

Let’s know about them in a little more detail.

Polycarbonate:

Polycarbonate is a popular material used in helmet construction due to its exceptional impact resistance. This lightweight thermoplastic polymer can absorb and distribute energy effectively, offering excellent protection against blows and falls. Polycarbonate helmets often feature a hard outer shell and an inner foam liner for enhanced shock absorption.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam:

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EPS foam is widely utilized as an inner liner in helmets. It is one of the common materials needed for a safe and comfortable helmet. This foam consists of small, interconnected beads that compress and deform upon impact, effectively absorbing and dissipating the energy from an impact. EPS foam is lightweight, low-cost, and provides reliable shock absorption, making it a common choice in various helmet designs.

Fiberglass:

Fibreglass composite helmets offer an excellent balance between strength and weight. Layers of woven fiberglass fabric, impregnated with a specialized resin, are molded to form the helmet’s outer shell. Fiberglass helmets provide high-impact resistance and durability while remaining relatively lightweight.

Carbon Fiber:

Carbon fiber is a lightweight, high-strength material known for its exceptional rigidity. Helmets constructed with carbon fiber offer excellent protection without compromising on weight. The carbon fiber sheets are layered and bonded with a resin to form a strong shell, capable of absorbing and dispersing impact energy effectively.

Kevlar:

Kevlar, a synthetic aramid fiber, is renowned for its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio. It is often used in high-performance helmets designed for activities such as motorcycling, military operations, and sports. Kevlar helmets provide excellent penetration resistance and offer protection against projectiles and sharp objects.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Plastic:

ABS plastic is a durable thermoplastic widely used in helmet manufacturing. It unites the strength and hardness of acrylonitrile and styrene polymers with the toughness and impact resistance of butadiene rubber. ABS helmets are known for their affordability, versatility, and ability to withstand moderate impacts.

Multi-Density Foam:

Some helmets incorporate multi-density foam liners to provide optimal impact protection. These foams are designed with varying densities, with softer foam near the head for comfort and firmer foam further away to absorb and distribute impact energy. This design helps reduce the risk of injury by efficiently managing the forces exerted on the head during an impact.

Read More: These 6 Things You Must Check in Your Kids’ Bicycle Helmet

Conclusion:

The materials used in helmet construction play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals engaged in activities that pose a risk of head injuries. From polycarbonate and EPS foam to fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, ABS plastic, and multi-density foam, each material brings specific advantages and characteristics to helmet design. Manufacturers carefully choose these materials to create helmets that offer optimal protection, comfort, and durability. So, whether you’re cycling, riding a motorcycle, or engaging in any other high-risk pursuit, always remember to don a helmet crafted with these materials to safeguard your most valuable asset – your head. 

Stay safe! Your head deserves the best helmet!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is a Multi-density foam in the helmet?

Multi-density foam refers to a foam liner inside helmets, it s a common materials that is designed with varying densities. The purpose of using multi-density foam is to provide optimal impact protection. Softer foam is placed near the head for comfort, while the firmer foam is positioned further away to absorb and distribute impact energy effectively. This design helps reduce the risk of head injuries by efficiently managing the forces exerted on the head during an impact. Multi-density foam liners are commonly found in helmets designed for activities such as cycling, skiing, and snowboarding.

Q: What is Kevlar, and why is it used in certain helmets?

Kevlar is a synthetic aramid fiber known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It is used in certain helmets where high levels of protection against penetration and projectiles are required. Kevlar helmets offer excellent resistance to impact and sharp objects, making them suitable for activities like military operations, motorcycling, and sports where the risk of such hazards is present.

If you’re looking for a safe, secure, and attractive Helmet for your kids, then Headzup is the right place. We have the best kids’ helmets for cycling and skating.