What materials are helmets made out of?

Inside the shell, all helmets contain a thick layer of expanded polystyrene, so-called EPS, which is a material that can absorb impact energy by irreversibly compressing itself.

What material are motorcycle helmets made of?

Helmet materials we offer fall into two groups: more basic thermoplastics (ABS, polycarbonate, and compounds that are a blend of both) and composite materials made of more complex fiber and resin mixes (fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, and composite blends).

What is the most common used helmet material?

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer is the most used material for the higher priced helmets. The process of creating a helmet made out of carbon fiber is a lot harder to do comparatively to polycarbonate helmets.

Why is EPS used in helmets?

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has been the staple material in bicycle helmet manufacturing since the 1970s. EPS foam is produced in different densities for different purposes, such as disposable cups and insulation. For bicycle helmets, a higher grade and density of EPS is used to help absorb energy sustained from impact.

How are helmets manufactured?

The first way is by using industrial adhesive, where a liner is stuck to an outer shell and taped around for the presentation. The second method using which an outer shell can be made is by weaving two or more of the above-mentioned materials. This type of shell is called a composite shell.

How are helmets made?

Manufacturing. All helmets are made from a number of components: an outer shell, an inner liner (for good fit and comfort), fitting straps, and perhaps a decorative covering. Helmet shells are made by blow moulding, vacuum moulding or injection moulding.

What foam is used for helmets?

EPS foam
EPS foam remains the choice for most bike helmets because it performs well in hard impacts and it is light, cheap, durable in use, reliable to manufacture and easy to ventilate.

Are foam helmets safe?

But aside from a very minor absorption of force during the moment of impact the padding really has no direct impact on the safety a helmet. Modern bike helmets are designed to deform in a crash. Basically, the hard foam and plastic that the helmet is made out of, crumples during an impact.