Complete Handbook of Anti Fog Visor Inserts

Why eliminate fog?

Fog is a natural phenomenon that occurs when small water droplets condense on the surface of the motorcycle visor thereby, reducing visibility.

This due to the variation in temperature. When one can’t see properly, it is so obvious that he or she is likely cause an accident.

A quality visor insert should be able to maintain its anti-fogging properties at all times.

That is, whether in humid or sunny environment – it should remain stable in all weather conditions.

Information background

The technology behind eliminating fogging has evolved over time.

The use of the anti-fog visor inserts is the most recent technology.

Apparently, the motorcycle riders feel safe when they use the anti-fog visors.

However, it is still important to acknowledge the traditional methods and techniques that have been used in the past.

In fact, there are people who still use these products.

They include:

1.The reusable wipes

They are used to coat the inside section of the visor.

This aims at stopping mist from settling on he interior sections of these surfaces.

This ensures that the visor surface remains clean at all times.

2.The double-adhesives and fog masks.

Generally, there are a wide range of anti-fog products available in the market.

However, they are not as effective as theanti-fog visor insert.

The history of these accessories can be traced back to 1979, when Derek Arnold introduced the first motorcycle visor inserts in the Netherlands.

Remember this is after a number of Japanese companies had established, reputable helmet manufacturing companies as early as in the 1920s.

Again, it is important to note that a number of large scale production of the modern visor inserts became popular by 1994.

At the moment, motorists across the globe (U.S., Europe and Asia) have adopted this technology.

The use of visor inserts is not limited to the motorcycle industry alone.

These accessories are also used in other industries. For example, a company like WeeTect has ventured in the Universal anti-fog visors.

This is a visor insert technology that has been adopted in the following key applications: motorcycle visor, hockey visor, football visor, paintball mask visor, ski goggles, racing goggles, pilot visor, full face respirator visor, safety face shield, ballistic face shield, riot face shield, etc.

The physical and chemical properties

During the manufacturing process, the materials go through a series of quality inspection processes.

It is important that visor insert complies with the ANSI and the EN standards.

It is for this reason that most companies invest millions of dollars to ensure that their products meet the required quality criteria.

There are quite a number of visor inserts available in the market.

However, it is important to note that the WeeTect Anti-fog Visor Insert (WAFVI) has unique features.

This makes it suitable for nearly all applications that require the face shield visors.

The WAFVI balance between cost effectiveness and high performance.

The choice of a specific material should be based on the following key properties: mechanical, physical, thermal and optical properties.

All these properties should be tested based on the required industrial standards.

This makes it prudent to review the product data sheet at all times.

Below is a sample of a data sheet for the WeeTect Anti-fog Visor Insert. Of course, the data sheet indicate the testing method that was used to validate the physical and chemical properties.

Optical properties

Mechanical Properties

Physical properties

Thermal properties

Normally, this forms a fundamental aspects of the product selection process.

Therefore, it is imperative that you evaluate the product in question to be sure that it meets the performance criteria that you need.

The moisture absorbing property

This blend both the chemical and the physical properties of the material used to make the visor insert.

It is a critical property since it determined the ability of the insert to absorb moisture.

It is basically a soft and porous plastic. The degree of absorbing moisture depends on the thickness of the visor insert.

It is a fundamental structural design that prevents fogging.

In summary, the thermal, mechanical, moisture absorbing and physical properties highlighted above play a significant role in the overall performance of the anti-fog inserts.

They should be evaluated individually to be sure that a particular insert can qualify for the desired application.

The benefits of anti-fog visor inserts

Fog being a major problem for most motorcycle riders, the WeeTect anti-fog visor insert has proved to be efficient and effective when it comes to eradicating fog.

Some of the key benefits of these products include:

Compatibility

The universal anti-fog visor insert is designed for use with almost all the other helmets available in the industry.

In short, irrespective of the face visor, these inserts will comfortably fit on your motorcycle face visor.

Enhanced optical clarity

Fog causes obstruction. This is the main reason why these accessories were invented.

It all started with the anti-fog coating, masks and to the visor inserts.

No matter the weather condition, this equipment will guarantee optical clarity.

The porous plastic absorbs the condensed water droplets that could otherwise form fog.

The silicone gasket forms an airtight seal thus, providing the required insulation around the edge of the insert visor.

This improves the ability of preventing the motorcycle insert visor to fogging.

Furthermore, this eliminates refraction and dispersion of light that could otherwise impair vision.

Consumers should be specific about the optical requirements of the helmet inserts they need.

They are cost effective

The visor inserts have virtually zero cost of maintenance.

That is, unlike the anti-fog coating that deteriorate after a given period of time, the anti-fog inserts will remain in good working condition for several years.

They are available in custom shapes and designs

For riders who wish to have unique face shield visors, this could be a perfect choice for them.

As much as these products come in standards shapes and designs, you can order custom made anti-fog visor insert.

They can reduce surface tension of water

Surface tension is one of the many factors that cause fogging.

Some anti-fog visor inserts are designed to break the normal surface tension of water molecules that may condense on the surface of the visor.

This creates a uniform water film thus, preserving the required optical clarity.

From above, it is quite clear that we need these accessories just to be sure that we remain safe even in rainy and humid conditions.

In the recent past, the helmet anti-fog visor inserts have been receiving good reviews.

The applications of anti-fog visor inserts

It is obvious that we use the anti-fog visor inserts on our motorcycle helmets.

The technology has gained popularity in other applications such as in ski goggles, hockey visors, safety face shield and football visors.

Most safety gears such as helmet shields and visors can guarantee safety, but, fog has been a major problem that people in this industry have to deal with.

In short, the anti-fog inserts can be used in all applications where fogging should be eliminated.

Broadly, all the available visors can be categorized as:

1. Those designed for general applications such as the WeeTect Universal anti-fog visor inserts
2. Those designed for specific applications. These are the custom made anti-fog visor inserts.

It is upon the end user to purchase one that can serve a particular application without compromising either safety or quality.

Since we have known what and where these accessories can be used, it is important to focus on those factors that make them to be a perfect choice for those specific applications.

These are basically the fundamental aspects that the end user should consider.

Anti-fog quality testing process

Most people ignore this procedure not knowing that it is vital.

Through this, one can estimate whether the life span and predict the efficiency of the visor insert.

In industrial settings, companies conduct sophisticated and thorough quality evaluation process that may not be possible.

Some of those machines are very expansive thus, the end user can’t afford to acquire.

Remember, most people expect to spend lower than $20 on these accessories.

Take for instance, the temperature cycling test.

This is not a simple test that one can carry out at home.

This test requires a number of advanced procedures such as the relative humidity evaluation or test.

What’s the temperature cycling tests all about?

The test involves a number of processes that include:

• It must be conducted within a period of about 15.5 hours.
• The cycling temperature should be between 20°C and 70°C. It is nearly impossible to generate this temperature using the ordinary measurement equipment.
• The visor could be subjected to a relative humidity of about 95% for about 3 cycles. Again, you can’t achieve this using ordinary equipment

[alert type=”notice” class=””]NOTE : The temperature cycling test only validates the anti-fog properties of the visor insert.

Other parameters such as the degree of tint, mechanical strength and temperature resistance are essential properties that must be investigated too.

This is the reason why you need to review the anti-fog insert data sheet.

Again, you must purchase these products from reputable companies. [/alert]

The tests end users can perform at home only aim at validating the data on the product data sheet.

These tests include:

1. The breathing test

This is simplest test and it is a quick way to determine whether the product can meet the indicated performance requirements or not.

Breathe in and out while holding the anti-fog visor insert closer to your mouth and nose for about 30 seconds.

Observe the surface. It should remain clear.

2. The steam test

This test is similar to breathing test only that, in this case, the visor is subjected to an elevated temperature.

In this insert visor testing process, place the insert about 10 cm above hot water with a temperature of about 90̊ C.

Hold it in the same position for about 30 seconds , remove it and observe its surface.

The quality anti-fog insert visors should remain clear.

The good thing about this test is that it not only examines the ability of the material to fog up, but also, its ability to withstand elevated temperature.

Closely related to this is the use of surface wipes.

In fact, it is considered as an advanced steam test.

All the above procedures will still hold. However, you need to wipe the surface of the visor helmet after every 10 seconds.

These tests are important irrespective of whether the universal anti-fog visor insert is from a reputable company or not.

With all these in mind, it could be time for you to purchase, an anti-fog visor insert for your motorcycle helmet.

In this process, there are fundamental factors you need to consider.

How to buy the right anti-fog visor insert

In the previous chapters, we have explored various aspects about the anti-fog visor inserts for motorcycle face shields.

These include properties, benefits and applications among other aspects.

Since 1990, a number of companies have ventured in this industry.

Thus, you can find thousands or helmet visor inserts in the market.

This can make shopping for even the Universal anti-fog visor inserts a difficult process.

This section will try to explore the key factors you need to consider when shopping for these motorcycle accessories.

The section will take a step-by-step process by exploring the possible options available while helping the end user to finally select quality and reliable equipment.

So, what are the fundamental aspects of the anti-fog visor insert buying guide?

Acknowledge that you’re in need

You shouldn’t do it because it is a trend.

This is the worst mistake most people make as they go about their errands.

Acknowledging that fog is a problem that you need to eliminate is crucial.

It is from this that you’ll begin to figure out the best equipment that will fulfill the specific requirements of your application.

This will help you understand the surrounding environment or the prevailing weather conditions.

It is from this point that you’ll assess the motorcycle face shield.

This will help you do decide on the type, shape and design of the insert.

Choose a specific brand

There are very many brands in the market and as a fact, you can’t assess all the available brands.

Not all the anti-fog visor inserts are effective when it comes to this.

You must select only the reputable brands.

For example, the WeeTect’s universal anti-fog visor insert is popular in China while Pinlock is popular in Europe (based on the local market).

It is this simple, consumers always crave to possess quality equipment.

Reputable brands are those visor inserts that have been tested by consumers and they are satisfied.

This is an effective tool when you want to avoid the substandard products that are available in the market.

Normally, by choosing a particular brand you shall have narrowed down your choices.

This will make it easier to evaluate the existing helmet accessories.

The technology

The technological advancement in the motorcycle anti-fog visor insert industry is an important factor you need to consider.

Technology comes with a wide range of benefits such as superior performance, reliability and convenience.

It won’t make any economic sense to go for the anti-fogging coating or wiping products yet, there’re the fog inserts.

The anti-fog insert technology has revolutionized this industry.

Take for example, those inserts that can be installed on the motorcycle visors with pins or circle back adhesive.

This technological advancement has been trending in the recent past.

Since air is a good insulator, it will improve the anti-fog resistance properties of this equipment.

This is from the fact that they will try to stabilize the temperature between the inner and the outer environments.

A number of visor insert manufacturing companies are also embracing the photo chromatic technology.

That is, the insert tint adjusts depending on the amount of light energy it’s subjected to.

They are convenient since you don’t have to change the visor whenever you transition from one weather condition to the other.

It has proved to be cost effective and efficient as compared to the other anti-fog products that are available in the market.

Be specific

One company, may have several types of anti-fog inserts.

They may vary in size, thickness, price and tint.

You need to be specific based on the following key factors:

• The objectives you’d wish to achieve. This could be based on the anticipated amount of fog it should absorb.
• The design; you can opt for the standard designs or the custom made shapes.
• The tint; are available in different tint for the varying weather conditions.

You need to review the product data sheet to understand all vital aspects of the anti-fog product.

Apart from these, you should purchase the product from authorized dealers.

This is a sure way to acquire genuine anti-fogging accessories.

If you feel it’s too complicated, you can simply choose WeeTect Universal anti-fog visor insert which is fit for most of the motorcycle visors in the market.

Visor insert material selection process

As already stated in the previous chapters, the choice of material determines the physical and chemical characteristics of the anti-fog visor inserts.

The product data sheet basically describes the quality of material that can be used in this process.

This is the reason why manufacturers are keen to choose the best materials for the universal anti-fog visor inserts.

There are two factors to consider when choosing a material for this project:

1.The material should be moisture absorbing

This not like the face shield that should be strong, tough and impact resistant.

Nearly all these anti-fog products are manufactured from soft and porous plastic.

The ability of the material to absorb moisture/water droplets makes it to have its anti-fogging properties.

2.The thickness of the material

The available visor insert varies in thickness.

In most instances, the thickness of these materials, form a fundamental aspect in the product selection process.

The thick material tends to absorb more moisture and it offers more impact protection.

This makes it a perfect choice for most riders.

Basically, all these still revolve around having a double lens system.

That is, the insert and the face shield form an air tight pocket, thereby creating and extra insulation.

This insulating layer increases the anti-fogging properties of the entire systems.

In most cases, visor inserts manufacturers tend to choose from the following materials: cellulose acetate, polycarbonate and PET plastics.

It is these materials, which determine the desired dimension of an insert.

For example, a 20 mil polycarbonate possesses nearly all the desired physical and chemical properties of the motorcycle face shield inserts.

On the other hand, when PET is too thick, say 20 mil, it will have “a milky” appearance.

This implies that, a polycarbonate of the same size will provide a high degree of optical clarity as compared to cellulose acetate and PET products.

Surface tension being one of the key factors that cause surface tension.

The material can be modified to break down the normal surface tension of the water molecules.

Basically, they use the polymer matrix, which creates a uniform water film.

It is upon the manufacturing company to evaluate all materials at their disposal.

By the end of it all, the end users need material that is fog resistant, guarantee optical clarity, cheap to maintain and durable.

The working principle of anti-fog visor inserts

To evaluate performance of an anti-fog visor insert, it is important to understand the working principle of these accessories.

Their working principle is different from the ordinary anti-fog products, a reason why they offer a perfect anti-fog solution in the motorcycle industry.

The insert is manufactured from a porous plastic.

This plastic absorbs moisture, thereby, making it fog resistant.

By installing this accessory, a “double lens system” will be created. This provides and extra insulation.

The insulation system improves the anti-fogging properties of the entire system.

That is, the insert is manufactured with a silicone layer or glue around it. It is the silicone seal or glue that creates the desired airtight chamber.

Ideally, this works like a double glass. Unlike the anti-fog coating or sprays, the working principle of these products is mainly based on controlling various natural phenomena.

That is, the absorption property of the insert and the ability to create an airtight chamber that acts as an insulator.

These make the face shield inserts to offer a perfect solution to the fogging problem.

So far, it is a cost effective and a reliable way to control fog.

A step-by-step installation process

This is a simple, but systematic process that requires one is careful in every step.

Normally, this process involves 4 basic steps.

These include:

Evaluate the helmet

There are different types of helmet face shields available in the market.

They come in different shapes and designs.

In the recent past, most helmets come with pins fitted on both sides of the visor shield.

Again, the face visors are attached to the helmet using different mechanisms.

To install the face visors, you’ll have to detach the face visor from the helmet.

Depending on the mechanism used, you must apply minimal force to detach the visor from the helmet.

You need to review the instruction on the user manual. You’ll get a detailed information on how to remove it.

Examine the face shield to ensure that visor insert can fit on the motorcycle face visor.

In case you have a unique face visor, there are the customized universal anti-fog visor inserts.

Separate the face visor from the helmet

While separating the two, apply minimal force.

Follow the instructions in the manufacturers’ manual.

Depending on the design of the visor insert, you may be required to pull the clips or turn the knob holding the face visor in its position.

Put the visor on clean surface where it neither attracts dust nor there’s a possibility of it falling down.

Prepare the surface of the visor

Clean the surface of the face visor.

It should be free from dirt or marks. Place the face visor on a flat surface and apply minimal force on the two edges with an aim of making it assume a flat shape.

However, before you begin the process, you need to take note of the following key factors:

• You need to note the position of the pins. You’ll use the pins to adjust the position of the anti-fog visor insert.
• Position the visor insert so that there is enough clearance on all the edges of the face visor.

Install the anti-fog visor insert

In most cases, the anti-fog visor inserts come with a protective film.

It is the section with the protective film that should be on the inner part of the helmet after the installation process.

That is, the section without the film should be in contact with the face visor.

[alert class=””]Clean up your visor with soft fabric. Slowly bend the anti-fog visor insert to the curve which is fit with your motorcycle visor.

Put one of your fingers on the middle top of the visor insert with back adhesive to position your visor insert.

Slowly let the face visor assume its original position.[/alert]

It will pull the visor insert along with it thus assumes the shape of the face visor.

Press all the edges of the visor insert gently to ensure that the back adhesive forms an airtight chamber.

That is, an air chamber between the face visor and the insert.

Lastly, carefully remove the thin film. Replace the face visor back to the helmet.

Conventionally, the process should be the opposite of the first step.

That is, suppose you turned the knobs in the clockwise direction, you’ll be turning them in the anticlockwise direction.

After you’ve fixed the visor, you can conduct the most basic experiment (breathing test).

This is to confirm whether the anti-fog visor inserts meets the desired quality criteria.

How to replace the anti-fog inserts

There comes a time when you have to replace the anti-fog inserts.

In most cases, this can be due to the following key aspects:

1. The insert is no longer effective thus, it cannot guarantee a fog free ride. That is, the helmet visor becomes blurred after a short period of time. This is a common phenomenon with those inserts with poor quality.
2. When there is too many scratches on the anti-fog visor insert which impact your visibility. The scratches could be caused by wrong operation and maintenance skill.

To replace a universal anti-fog visor inserts, you need to follow these key steps:

1. Remove the face visor from the helmet
2. Apply a light force on one edge of the visor while holding the other end in a stationary position.
3. Pull one edge of the anti-fog insert first, followed by the second edge.
4. Clean the face visor

Once you have removed the visor insert, you can follow the helmet visor insert installation process described in the previous section.

It is a simple process that will take less than 20 minutes.

How to clean the anti-fog inserts

Cleaning the universal anti-fog inserts is an important maintenance procedure.

The fact that these motorcycle face shield inserts can be cleaned using simple cleaning procedures makes them a perfect choice for most applications.

When you happened to ride your bike in a rough and dirty terrains, you’ll be forced to clean these equipment within a short period of time.

When the dirt accumulates after a long period of time, it will reduce the performance of these equipment.

However, in normal circumstances, you’ll find motorist cleaning these equipment at least once a year.

Using soft fabric to wipe the dirty surface carefully.

It is a common practice for manufacturers to indicate the recommended cleaning procedures on the insert’s package.

The cleaning process is a simple process that takes less than a few minutes.

There are certain precautions you need to consider before you begin the cleaning process:

1. Use only the recommended cleaning detergents. That is, there are those detergents that cause the surface of the anti-fog visor insert to deteriorate. This will reduce its ability to prevent fogging.
2. Use soft material to wipe the surface of the visor helmet. This will ensure that its surface remains scratch free even after cleaning.
3. Do not dry the visor insert by subjecting it to a lot of heat. It will damage the visor insert.

To clean an anti-fog visor insert, you can follow these procedures:

1. Remove the face shield from the helmet. The face visor is attached to the helmet on the two opposite sides of the helmet. Don’t exert a lot of force as you remove the visors.
2. With the visor on the table, push the two ends apart to reduce the tension the face shield exerts on the anti-fog visor insert.
3. Use a soft fabric to wipe the dirty area of your anti-fog visor insert. Be careful, the visor insert surface is soft.
4. Ensure the lens is clean. Assemble the visor back to your helmet. It will take less than 15 minutes.

After cleaning the universal anti-fog visor insert, you can follow the anti-fog visor installation procedures explained in the above sections.

The technological advancements

It is the end users who are bound to gain from the technological advancement in this industry.

This has provided for a perfect solution to a number of visor fogging problems.

The technological advancements focus on how best a material can be resistant to fogging.

This is irrespective of the adverse weather conditions – be it rainy, cloudy or sunny.

Many of these technological improvements have been captured in the previous chapters.

In this section, we shall highlight some of the major milestones and why they remain important to the end user.

First, the universal anti-fog visor insert technology mainly depends on balancing the various aspects of nature as opposed to the chemical anti-fogging products.

That is, the technology depends on the ability of the porous plastic material to absorb condensed water and moisture.

This is one aspect through, which this product eliminates the formation of fog.

In addition to this, they have glue around the visor insert that forms an airtight air seal.

Ideally, this aims to stabilize the temperature between the environments within the helmet and that outside.

The air thus, acts as an insulator. This improves the insulating property of the visor inserts.

The good thing about this technology is that, it depends on two mechanisms to control fogging.

In short, this guarantees superior anti-fog resistance.

This is unlike the anti-fog coating that depends on chemical reactions. As a matter of fact, this could be an environmentally friendly technology that is effective in controlling fogging on the motorcycle visors.

Apparently, it is clear that this technology has been adopted by a number of motorists across the globe.

In fact, the market has been expanding in China, Europe, America and other parts of the globe.

This has been due to the numerous advantages it offers.

Compared to last year, the demand for these products has tripled yet, the supply in the market can’t outweigh the demand.