Many different types of plastics are used in the manufacturing process for motorcycle helmets. The most commonly used type is polycarbonate, which is a durable and lightweight material. This article will take a look at some other materials and discuss how they compare to polycarbonate.
Plastic is ideal for motorcycle helmets because it protects the head from impacts without adding too much weight. It also enables helmet designers to create a wide range of different shapes, colors, and unique styles for each brand. We know what type of plastic most motorcycle helmets are made out of, but other materials can also be used.
Another common material for motorcycle helmets is fiberglass. Fiberglass can provide a lightweight solution that offers strength should there be an impact, making it popular with many riders who enjoy hitting the road at high speeds. However, this type of plastic is more expensive than polycarbonate and may not offer as much protection in certain situations due to the design.
Titanium is another material used for motorcycle helmets, but it’s even more expensive than fiberglass. This type of plastic offers a lighter-weight solution and may not need to be replaced as often due to wear and tear. However, titanium is known to bend more easily if there are any hard impacts, so it’s important to read reviews before purchasing a titanium-made helmet.
In addition, carbon fiber is another material used for motorcycle helmets, but it is largely considered too expensive and not worth the investment in most cases. Carbon fiber offers lightweight strength, so riders may look at this type of plastic as an option when looking to purchase a new helmet. However, carbon fiber helmets are usually very expensive, so they may not be the best choice for casual riders who only plan on hitting the road now and then.
Technology behind a motorcycle helmet
There are different types of materials and technology behind a motorcycle helmet. The purpose is to disperse the impact when in an accident, so they must be sturdy enough not to crack or break under stress or pressure. Some helmets have more than one layer for this very reason – just like multi-layer candy bars! In addition, a motorcycle bike helmet needs to be strong and able to withstand more than just a fall or two.
Motorcycle helmet safety ratings
Motorcycle helmet safety ratings are based on a laboratory test that measures the amount of energy transmitted to the head in an impact. The Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) was developed to test the impact energy management of motorcycle helmets. SHARP uses a head form-fitted with accelerometers, which are used to measure the force transmitted through the helmet to the head in an accident.
Each helmet is attached to a metal head form and suspended in testing equipment that moves the head form and simulates its impact with an anvil. The weight of the head, length of the neck, size, and shape of each test subject’s head are considered when determining how much energy will be transmitted to their heads during an accident at different speeds. Each helmet is tested with six impacts per helmet, and the energy transmitted to the head form in each impact is recorded.
The test results are then compared to a maximum threshold of force that’s considered safe for riders’ heads during an accident – this helps give helmets safety ratings from one star (safest) up to five stars (least safe).
Is it possible to 3D print a motorcycle helmet?
While the technology certainly exists, it is not quite up to par with what’s needed for a motorcycle helmet. A single layer of plastic can be used to create an image on a flat surface, and depending on the type of printer being used, additional layers may or may not be added to create textured objects. However, no current printing process can create a lightweight and sturdy helmet enough to protect your head in an accident.
This means, at least, all motorcycle helmets were created using traditional manufacturing processes for the time being. Varying plastics can be used, but they share one thing in common: they must provide adequate protection when dropped on solid ground from different heights.
