Material Applications for MX/BMX padding
From the information sharing last week, it is discussed that “the dominant materials of protector frame are PC (polycarbonate) and PP (polypropylene) which possess greater impact resistance and durability before 2009.” Then the trend in 2010 has involved “Carbon fiber” which has some pros and cons in gear application. (For more info., please visit http://www.gmy-protection.com/news.php?news_id=36&page)
The progression of MX/BMX gear lies in the sprit of Lightweight, Durability, and Flexibility. The inner padding, no doubt, follows the same rule. Several types of padding materials are commonly seen in the protective armors among different brands. Following is the table which takes few aspects of their physical properties, features and usage in MX/BMX industry into comparison to offer some ideas of the differences among the materials:
| FOAM |
EVA
|
NBR/PVC
|
POLYSTYRENE
|
PU FOAM
|
PP HONEYCOMB
|
||
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES |
IN GENERAL
|
||||||
| Hardness |
ASKE TYPE C
|
75
|
73-83
|
**
|
88-92
|
90-100
|
|
| Density | ASTM D1817 | G/CM3 |
0.33
|
0.28-0.33
|
1050
|
400K
|
80K-85K
|
| Tensile Strength | ASTM D412 | KG/CM2 |
14
|
30
|
46-61
|
**
|
23.4
|
| Tearing Strength | ASTM D624 | KG/CM |
5
|
**
|
**
|
**
|
560
|
| FEATURES |
Light weight
Easy to mould
odorless
glossy finish
low cost (vs. natural Rubber)
|
Lightweight.
Endurability.
Thermal insulation.
Shock absorbing -- low rebound.
|
Shock absorbing
Water proof
Lightweight
Economic material
Easy to be processed
|
Impact resistance
Low rebound
Flexible in hardness
|
Lightweight
Low cost
Chemical & weather-resistant
Recyclable
Crash absorbing
Thermo-insulating
|
||
| ORIGINAL USAGE | sole pads |
water sports
equipment
|
packaging
thermos
|
seat cushion
armrest
|
truck carriage
vessel deck
|
||
| BODY AREA WHICH IS COMMONLY USED IN MX/BMX | general | general | head |
shoulders
elbows
|
back(spine) | ||
| BRANDS THAT APPLY | ** |
Forcefiled
661
FOX
|
TRYONIC | Delta Pro |
PREXSPORT.
GMY
|
||
After a closer review of other material used in protectors shown as above, a preliminary conclusion of classifying the material application can be reached. It is noted that different materials are favoured for protecting different areas of human body since various level of protection is pursued. Overall, the material application in MX/BMX is all about maximizing the protection while riders performing. Materials have factors of Lightweight, Durability, and Flexibility will be considered crucial in this particular industry.