ROGERS, Conn.—The Rogers Corp. has unveiled the XRD Impact Institute, an in-house testing and design center that the company will use to assess the durability and force of impact capacity of polyurethane-based protective sportswear.
The specialty materials company developed the polyurethane-based Poron XRD Protection Technology, a multi-purpose foam used in such applications as protective smartphone casing.
"There is no one-size-fits all solution for designing protective gear," said Rogers' development engineer Katie Borema.
"Whether designing mountain biking pads, a ski helmet or protective work boots, a product's design criteria and intended end use play a role in determining the best impact protection material."
The new center's in-house testing facilities will allow brands and designers to take a product from conception to retail with the 'highest quality testing and engineering support available', said a company news release.
Orbit Sports, a South African based sporting goods company, already has worked with the Impact Institute team to design a rugby pad with XRD protection technology. Tests have confirmed the material's ability to absorb and dissipate impact energy.
According to tests carried out by the Rogers Corp., RXD Poron absorbs up to 90 percent of impact energy.