DuPont and Hohenstein Introduce Innovative Testing for Body Armor Comfort and Mobility

DuPont and Hohenstein's Innovative Testing for Body Armor

In a significant advancement in the realm of body armor, DuPont (NYSE: DD) has teamed up with the renowned textile research institution Hohenstein to launch three groundbreaking testing protocols. These methods strive to set a new standard in assessing the comfort and mobility of soft ballistic body armor, specifically tailored for the unique needs of law enforcement and military personnel.

The Importance of Comfort in Body Armor

Police officers often cite discomfort as a primary reason for removing their body armor while on duty, which can have dire consequences. The discomfort not only leads to decreased protection but can also result in fatigue, reduced focus, sluggish reaction times, and a higher likelihood of injury during critical situations. Recognizing these challenges, DuPont aims to create solutions that maximize comfort and flexibility without compromising on safety.

Christophe Djololian, Global Market Development Leader at DuPont, emphasized the necessity of addressing this comfort issue for those in high-pressure roles. He stated, “Maximizing comfort and flexibility in soft ballistic solutions is essential to address the critical needs of law enforcement and military personnel.” The new testing protocols take into account various body movements and realistic scenarios to objectively evaluate discomfort and mobility constraints.

The Three New Testing Protocols

1. Lower Costal Bending (LCB) Test: This test simulates the upper body bending motions commonly experienced in active duty. It evaluates the energy loss attributed to the armor’s stiffness—an essential factor as stiffness can precipitate increased fatigue during operations.

2. Double Curvature Compression (DCC) Test: Designed to mimic a bent torso, this test assesses how well ballistic materials conform to the body’s intricate curves. Better conformity translates to greater freedom of movement, an essential aspect for personnel in the field.

3. Edge Pressure (EP) Test: By evaluating localized pressure points at the vest's edges, particularly around sensitive areas like the abdomen, neck, and arms, this test identifies common discomfort sources experienced by users.

These protocols were developed in collaboration with Hohenstein, a German research institute known for its expertise in textile testing and ergonomics. Dr. Jan Beringer, Senior Scientific Expert at Hohenstein, remarked on the importance of aligning these tests with the user's real-life experiences. “It is in the DNA of Hohenstein to get as close as possible to the user's reality,” he said. Through extensive wear trials, potential discomfort and movement restrictions were identified to ensure that the tests reflect the actual experiences of users.

A Push Towards Better Body Armor

The collaboration between DuPont and Hohenstein aims to elevate the standards of body armor by developing solutions that are both protective and comfortable. Steven LaGanke, DuPont Global Segment Leader, conveyed a commitment to the industry, asserting, “It is our intent to drive the industry to more comfortable body armor to improve the performance and protection of military and law enforcement personnel.” This collaboration focuses on quantifying and standardizing flexibility in body armor, thus ensuring that protection and comfort can coexist effectively.

New materials such as Kevlar® EXO™ fabrics are being explored to provide more adaptable solutions, greatly benefiting end-users.

Accessing the New Testing Protocols

For those interested in these advancements, the newly established testing protocols for characterizing comfort and mobility constraints associated with soft ballistic applications are now available on the Hohenstein website. Users can also learn more about the different testing methods offered.

About DuPont and Hohenstein

DuPont is a leader in technological innovations, offering materials and solutions that transform industries and enhance everyday life. Known for their commitment to science and technology, DuPont applies a broad range of expertise to deliver essential innovations across multiple markets.

Hohenstein, on the other hand, boasts over 75 years of experience in testing and certification. With a team of 1,500 employees globally, Hohenstein supports businesses throughout the entire value chain, ensuring that products meet rigorous testing and safety standards across diverse sectors.

For further details, feel free to visit DuPont's official website or Hohenstein's resources to understand better how these testing protocols benefit our heroic law enforcement and military personnel.