Market analysis & commercialisation planning for on-shoring production of innovative protective body armour for use in industrial applications
Lead Participant:
HARRITON BERACHA LIMITED
Abstract
There have been a number of reported incidents of severe injuries in the metal forging sector
caused by hot flying metal from tools used within the work environment (Edencroft
Consulting Ltd, 24/04/13). A number of methods for protection have been examined but
none were found that could be used in this particular environment due to the heat & the
restriction in movement caused to wearers by protective clothing currently available. One
major problem is the weight of current garments (c6Kg each), also in this type of application
the radiant heat from the parts is conducted to the wearer resulting in discomfort & therefore
resistance from staff to the use of the garments. The product which currently has the greatest
market 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 40
times the impact strength of the precursor material & is eight times lighter than metal based
garments. Tests have shown the material has excellent penetration resistance & is suitable for
this type of use. The existing chainmail/ringmesh garments are not manufactured in the UK
but imported on premade rolls or as finished product. The reinforced polymer used in these
trials has been developed & will be manufactured in the UK; this project will result in the onshoring
of production of the protective clothing.
The use of this product can also be extended to other sectors where the moulding techniques
impart specific properties, eg: motorcycle gloves, jackets, and protective inserts for other
workwear such as industrial boots & gloves. The food preparation industry is another facing
similar problems, although in this case the issue is slashing and stabbing with knives rather
than flying metal. Future work will also include investigation into the potential for use in the
stab protection & ballistic armour sectors either in isolation from or in conjunction with
ceramic-based products.
caused by hot flying metal from tools used within the work environment (Edencroft
Consulting Ltd, 24/04/13). A number of methods for protection have been examined but
none were found that could be used in this particular environment due to the heat & the
restriction in movement caused to wearers by protective clothing currently available. One
major problem is the weight of current garments (c6Kg each), also in this type of application
the radiant heat from the parts is conducted to the wearer resulting in discomfort & therefore
resistance from staff to the use of the garments. The product which currently has the greatest
market 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 40
times the impact strength of the precursor material & is eight times lighter than metal based
garments. Tests have shown the material has excellent penetration resistance & is suitable for
this type of use. The existing chainmail/ringmesh garments are not manufactured in the UK
but imported on premade rolls or as finished product. The reinforced polymer used in these
trials has been developed & will be manufactured in the UK; this project will result in the onshoring
of production of the protective clothing.
The use of this product can also be extended to other sectors where the moulding techniques
impart specific properties, eg: motorcycle gloves, jackets, and protective inserts for other
workwear such as industrial boots & gloves. The food preparation industry is another facing
similar problems, although in this case the issue is slashing and stabbing with knives rather
than flying metal. Future work will also include investigation into the potential for use in the
stab protection & ballistic armour sectors either in isolation from or in conjunction with
ceramic-based products.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| HARRITON BERACHA LIMITED | £39,924 | £ 23,954 |
Participant |
||
| TUV SUD LIMITED |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Sue Rainton (Project Manager) |