Helmets have been around for centuries, but they’ve come a long way since their early days. Modern helmets are designed to protect our heads from impact and reduce the risk of serious injury. However, have you ever wondered how helmets are made
The helmet-making process typically involves four stages: design, molding, finishing, and quality control. Let’s take a closer look at each of these stages.
Design:
The first step in making a helmet is designing it. The design process typically involves a team of engineers and designers who use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a 3D model of the helmet. They consider various factors such as aerodynamics, impact resistance, and comfort. The design is refined until it meets all the requirements.
Molding:
Once the design is finalized, the next step is to create a mold for the helmet. The mold is typically made of fiberglass, and it’s created by applying several layers of fiberglass to a plug, which is a model of the helmet. The plug is then removed, leaving behind a negative mold of the helmet. The mold is polished to ensure that the helmet will be smooth and free of imperfections.
After the mold is ready, the next step is to produce the helmet shell. The shell is typically made of polycarbonate or fiberglass. Polycarbonate is a tough plastic that’s commonly used in helmets, while fiberglass is a composite material made of glass fibers and resin.
To make the helmet shell, the polycarbonate or fiberglass material is heated until it becomes pliable. The material is then placed into the mold, which is closed and heated. The heat and pressure cause the material to conform to the shape of the mold, creating the helmet shell. The excess material is trimmed off, and the shell is removed from the mold.
Finishing:
The next step is to finish the helmet. This involves adding any necessary components such as vents, visors, and liners. The helmet is also painted or decorated according to the design. The finishing process varies depending on the type of helmet.
For example, motorcycle helmets typically have a visor that’s attached to the shell. The visor is typically made of polycarbonate and is designed to protect the rider’s face from wind, debris, and insects. The visor is attached to the helmet using screws or snaps.
Quality Control:
The final step is quality control. Helmets are subjected to a battery of tests to ensure that they meet safety standards. The tests include impact resistance, penetration resistance, retention system strength, and peripheral vision. Helmets that pass the tests are certified and labeled accordingly.
In conclusion, helmets are made using a complex process that involves several stages, including design, molding, finishing, and quality control. The design process involves creating a 3D model of the helmet using CAD software, while the molding process involves creating a mold and producing the helmet shell. The finishing process involves adding components and decorating the helmet, while quality control involves subjecting the helmet to a battery of tests. Helmets are an essential piece of safety equipment, and it’s important to understand how they’re made to appreciate their value.
