Face Shield: The Ultimate Guide for Importers and Learners

Whether you want to skyrocket your face shield business or guarantee safety – here’s a good article for you.

Reason.

Because today I will walk you through all the nitty-gritty of choosing the right face shield.

Be it choosing the right material, coating technology or manufacturing process; you’re going to learn everything here.

And, by the end of this guide, you should be able to evaluate and choose a suitable face shield.

It doesn’t matter whether you need it for OEM face shield business or personal use.

I will take care of all your needs here.

Chapter 1: What is Face Shield?

Honestly, you can describe face shield in so many ways.

But in general, it refers to a device which protects either your entire face or part of it from impact hazard.

Some of these dangers include things such as flying objects, chemicals, infectious fluids and road debris among others.

In many instances, you’ll find people wearing safety goggles or glasses as a way of protecting their eyes from imminent injuries.

However, the difference is that wearing a face shield helps to protect better part of your face and not only your eyes.

You’ll find out when you wear a face shield that it provides a broader coverage to protect your face and offers the second layer of protection to your eyes.

Face shield

These days, with the advancement of technology, some specialized shields incorporate technology thus safeguarding you from various elements.

Nowadays, it has become somewhat a mandatory accessory in many workplaces where exposure to such dangers is inevitable.

The interest, in this case, is to make sure that your safety and that of other employees are provided to the best way possible.

But as a potential buyer, one of the most important thing you would wish to know is the type of material for manufacturing face shield.

For that reason let’s find out more about it in the next chapter.

Chapter 2: Face Shield Material

Since you’ll be using this device on your eyes, it is quite understandable to find out the type of material that manufacturers use to make it.

Incidentally, it is essential because some materials might cause more harm to your eyes than the protection they offer.

Primarily, manufacturers use different types of material for making face shields.

A fundamental aspect that however sets all these materials apart is performance.

What do I mean by this?

Some materials tend to be better than others, more so when it comes to their effectiveness.

So let’s now look at some of these materials in details;

· Acetate Face Shield

It is one of the conventional materials you’ll find in a wide range of face shields around.

They are ideal for various applications that require suitable optical clarity and rigidity.

One significant aspect of acetate material is that it hardly becomes limp or distort when subjected to normal temperatures.

Acetate is also resistant to scratch and most chemicals.

This, of course, is a plus because in a significant way it signifies durability, which is an aspect that everyone would wish to obtain from any face shield material.

Acetate is also resistant to high impact.

It thus means that can withstand cracking or crazing on varying temperatures under normal stress.

Acetate face shield

This material also offers an excellent shield for grease and oil seems to maintain flexibility over an extended period.

In general, acetate face shields are suitable for various applications only that most of them are often relatively costly to acquire.

· Glycol Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG) Face Shield

This is also another spectacular material for manufacturing face shields.

The material itself offers excellent chemical splash protection.

And it is for this reason that makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of harsh industrial surroundings.

Additionally, the PETG also offers high impact resistance as well as some of the properties that you may find in Polycarbonate material affordably.

The truth of the matter, however, is that in as much as this material would be relatively plentiful, optically correct PETG would be rather difficult to come by.

PETG Face shield

For that reason, you might realize that it becomes somewhat rough on the eyes after using it for quite some time.

What happens is that this material often has performance limitations under particular conditions and surrounding.

In most instances, it is preferred for interior use since its UV resistance is limited.

And it is thus important to make sure that you consider this particular aspect when selecting a face shield with suitable material.

· Propionate (PROP) Face Shield

This face shield material is suitable mostly for protection against chemical splashes.

Some of them are resistant to high impact depending on the particular coating technologies that manufacturers are incorporate.

Propionate face shield

You can also find some which thick enough to make face shield that meets the required specifications.

· Mesh Face Shield

It is also another popular material that you’ll find in several face shields around.

Mesh is ideal mostly when there is a need for a lot of ventilation such as in humid areas.

Obviously, mesh material does not necessarily provide UV protection, impact or chemical splash resistance.

Mesh face shield

But they can be ideal in applications where flowing objects and road debris are common since they can prevent the same from getting into your eyes.

· Polycarbonate Face Shield

Polycarbonate, also commonly known as a PC is arguably one of the most popular materials not only for face shield but also for other optical equipment.

It is primarily a unique transparent amorphous thermoplastic sheet.

Polycarbonate sheet

The truth is that the polycarbonate sheet features several elements which enhances light transmission just like in glasses.

When you get a polycarbonate face shield, you’ll be confident of attaining ideal protection as well as better visibility during operation.

Incidentally, as you’ll come to realize later in this guide, most manufacturers using PC rarely integrate various details on such face shields.

In most cases, regardless of the application, polycarbonate sheets are always attached at the front side of the face shields.

Like this:

Polycarbonate face shield

The truth is that such designs are often deliberate as a way of shielding your facial surface and eyes from errant objects or push impacts.

Another vitally important element of polycarbonate sheet on a face shield is that it fits appropriately.

Therefore, it becomes easy to provide efficiency whenever you’re wearing them.

So far from this description, you could be wondering why polycarbonate seems to be the ideal material for face shields.

Let me explain to you the reasons further;

First, this sheet supports a wide range of applications which require demanding high-performance properties.

Additionally, this material can also maintain most of its properties over various temperatures ranging from as low as -40°F to as high as 240°F.

This sheet also provides excellent high impact resistance and sturdiness.

For that reason, you are confident of attaining necessary safety.

PC is generally readily available. You can get it whenever you want it.

It thus implies that should it break or should the need to replace it arises, you’re guaranteed of getting one faster.

Cleaning and maintaining a polycarbonate face shield is relatively easy.

Isn’t this what every user would wish to get?

Undoubtedly yes!

In fact, all you need to do is to make sure that you use the recommended cleaning detergents that do not react with the PC surface.

And apparently, since you’ll be wearing a face shield for varying hours, you’ll definitely not wish to feel like you’re carrying a heavy load on your head.

Well, a polycarbonate is vital in this instance because it is lightweight which thus enables you to concentrate fully in the action you’re undertaking.

This material is also relatively resistant to chemicals, but this is also dependent on the thickness and the coatings the manufacturer incorporates.

Additionally, this material is also compatible with a wide range of coating technologies such as UV filter additives and anti-fog among others.

So basically, the ideal face shield material that we recommend is polycarbonate given that it contains several effective and beneficial properties.

Chapter 3: Manufacturing Process of Face Shield

It is quite obvious that before incorporating any type of face shield material, there is a process that it has to undertake.

The ease and speed of this process depend on a wide range of factors.

But the most important thing regarding the process is to understand the types and their efficiency.

So let’s take a quick look at some of the typicalface shield materials manufacturing processes;

· Injection Molding Face Shield

Well, another vital aspect regarding face shield that you ought to know is its manufacturing process.

Incidentally, the injection molding technology is one of the popular techniques that many manufacturers use to process this product.

Injection molded face shield

This process, in this case, is primarily about shaping the face shield by injecting a heated material into a mold.

Injection molding face shield in most instances require the production of such items in relatively large volume.

The essence of this process is to produce as many parts as possible in quick succession.

Well, injection molding in face shield manufacturing process is fundamentally essential in the sense that it reduces production cost in a significant way.

This manufacturing process also reduces the number of wastes that end up as scrap.

In a sense, it means that does nor cuts the substantial percentage of the original sheet.

The other importance is that this process is repeatable.

It means that the second part which you produce will be practically identical to the first one.

Injection molding process

So it becomes easy for you to reproduce as many similar items as possible using this particular manufacturing process.

What’s more?

Injection mold manufacturing process also allows you to customize the face shield to suit your needs.

You know this is necessary because different applications require varying types of face shields to guarantee effectiveness.

And easy customization arises from the fact that incorporating different coating technologies on the material is also stress-free.

You’ll notice that combining various coating technologies including UV protection, anti-fog and anti-reflective among others would be effortless.

And ultimately, all these indicate that you’ll have an optical class 1 face shield surface which protects your eyes and enhance visibility.

· Extrusion

This is another modern manufacturing process among several face shield manufacturers.

This process in face shield manufacturing simply involves melting of the raw materials and forming the same into a continuous profile.

Simple plastic extrusion process

It is a significant process especially when you need to manufacture face shield materials that have an ultra-high impact resistance.

Chapter 4: Why You Need Polycarbonate Face, Shield

You know in several workplaces or in events that expose you to various risks, the only essential thing you would do is wearing this accessory.

a) Protects Your Face

It is quite evident that the significant role of a face shield is to protect your face, whether partly or in entirety.

This process begins with feeding the material from a hopper into the extruder.

The material then melts gradually using mechanical energy and molten polymer is then forced into a die to form the necessary shape.

Ordinarily, extrusion sheets are as a result of high molecular weight plastic pellets.

And it is for that reason that the extrusion sheets tend to have a better high impact resistance compared to the injection mold sheets.

WeeTect paintball face shield

Therefore, we can say that it helps to cover your face hence protecting it from possible flying objects, errant objects, debris, and chemical splashes, etc.

b) Increase Productivity at Work Place

Secondly, you also need this device because it helps to increase productivity at workplace considerably.

The truth is that when you or any other employee suffers from eye injuries, the production process will certainly slow down.

Full face respirator

At the end of the day, you’ll realize that productivity reduces in a great way hence affecting the overall turnover and causing unnecessary inconveniences.

Wearing this device also eliminates the worries of any possible eye injuries, and it is the safety guarantee that also yields better efficiency.

c) Guarantees Safety all the Time

The other reason you need to wear a face shield is because of its high impact resistance ability.

To a great extent, you stay safe all the time when wearing this device since it is somewhat unbreakable.

Undersea welding

So when you stay safe all the time what you can be sure of is that you will prevent hospital visits and related expenses.

d) Reduces Extra Expenses – Medical Bills and Insurance Claims

As an employer, this aspect is also advantageous to you because you will reduce medical bills and compensation claims by your employees.

You also stay away from hefty fines from regulatory authorities that often resurface whenever workplace accidents happen to your employees.

What usually happens is that such bodies which enforce safety standards tend to investigate causes of workplace injuries.

Possible face injuries at work – Photo courtesy: Work Accidents

And when they find out it was as a result of non-compliance, then it becomes a litigation issue.

By conforming to such regulatory standards at your workplace, you’ll avoid incidents like cuts, burns, and blindness in some cases.

Ultimately, you’ll notice a reduction in productivity, loss of business opportunities and low turnover.

It is also important to note that:

A number of elements contribute to non-compliance of wearing face shields in some instances.

Poor design of face shields and low quality which does not factor in the proper integration of ideal coating technology are some of the reasons.

So it becomes difficult for you or any other person to comfortably wear this safety accessory consistently.

Fortunately, at WeeTect, we factor in all such and many more considerations to ensure that you get the high quality product to enable you to comply.

This goes a long way to make sure that other than merely complying with safety standards regulations, you also improve overall productivity.

Chapter 5: Face Shield Safety Regulations & Standards

You see numerous aspects revolve around the acquisition and usage of the face shield in a wide range of applications.

Particular bodies have the authority to regulate the use of these optical devices in different applications.

And it is for that reason that you need to understand all guiding principles for these devices.

In this case, we want to look at some of the standards from approved bodies which certify the use of face shield devices;

· American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Z87.1

Fundamentally, this is a reference standard for personal occupational and educational personal eye and face protection devices.

This standard helps to make sure that devices for personal eye and face protection offer essential safety from impact liquid splash and radiation exposure.

The truth is that this certification covers a broader aspect of understanding various perspectives of inevitable hazards.

The role of this certification is to prescribe the design, performance provisions, and marking of safety eye and face products.

ANSI

You should also take note that this standard is included in OSHA regulations for personal protective device.

Safety face shields that conform to this standard are broadly applicable in the US.

Specifically, ANSI Z87.1 suggests the choice of safety eyewear revolves around what represents the essential protection best for the possible hazards.

What this means is that this standardincludes information which can help safety experts and workers to make an informed decision when selecting a suitable face shield product.

ANSI Z87.1 certified safety face shields undergo vigorous testing to make sure they protect eyes appropriately.

Some of these tests revolve around exposure to non-ionizing chemicals and radiation, durability, and high impact resistance.

For instance, Mark Z87: Basic Impact: In this case, the face shield shall have the ability to resist impact from 25.4 mm (1 inch) diameter steel ball dropped from a height of 127 cm (50 inches).

Mark Z87: High Impact: In this instance, face shields can resist impact from 6.35mm (0.25 inches) diameter steel ball that travels at a velocity of 91.4 m/s (300 ft/s)

· U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Regulation 29 CFR 1910.133

This particular safety standard presents different clauses that talk differently regarding the actions and recommendations.

In general, it states that an employer has to ensure that every affected employee is using a suitable eye or face protection when exposed to imminent hazards.

It also states that the employer must ensure that every employee wears safety eyewear that provides side protection in case of a hazard.

Furthermore, an employer has to ensure that any employee wearing prescription lenses does so when involved in hazardous conditions in line with the prescription lenses.

Also, this standard indicates that eye and face PPE shall have a distinct mark to facilitate manufacturer’s identification.

OSHA

Finally, the employer must make sure that every employee uses a device with filter lenses with shade number corresponding to the work done.

The essence, in this case, is to help in protecting the employee from injurious light radiation.

· NIJ Standard-0101.06 for Ballistic-Resistance

This is a standard and testing program body that has the mandate to ensure body amour continues to be effective in protecting armed officers.

Here is the truth:

This standard is unquestionably the most significant ballistic resistance standard in the entire world.

NIJ standard

Mostly, the NIJ 0101.06 standard is an implication of additional safety.

Of course, this should be the key element that any manufacturer needs to put in place.

Currently, this standard is arguably the most comprehensive rigorous and stringent authority that regulates armor compliance standards.

What this understandably means is that any tested and certified NIJ 0101.06 body armor ultimately enhances your safety.

Basically, you need reassurance and peace of mind whenever you’re engaging in a risky venture.

So wearing a device that meets this particular standard, it is a plus as it enables you to enhance your efficiency.

In our case though, you may consider wearing a face shield that meets the NIJ 0101.06 standards in various situations.

One would be because you need to attain an increased performance against the various emerging threats at the workplace.

You may also consider this standard when you need to get improved reliability given that products which pass this standard are dependable.

Then lastly you may consider using NIJ 0101.06 standardized products when in need of superior durability.

In any case, this standard guarantees you that the product will cope with any emerging stress and endure the possibility of wearing out.

· EN 166

This refers to the European certification standard which aims at providing and enhancing civilian eye protection.

The face shield that meets this standard must necessarily offer protection against high-speed particles.

Another threshold for the device in this standard is that it has to withstand the impact of a 6mm nominal diameter steel ball.

This is in addition to striking the oculars and lateral protection at the stated speed.

So now that you’ve known some of the fundamental face shield safety regulations and standards, it would also be necessary to understand the ideal coating technologies.

Coincidentally, that is what we want to look at in the next chapter.

Let’s then shift our focus quickly to the next section and discuss these technologies in detail;

Chapter 6: Face Shield Coating Technologies

Ideally, one element that defines efficiency and quality of a face shield material is its compatibility with various coating technologies.

The truth of the matter is that a suitable face shield should integrate a number of such technologies given that application environment will vary.

Nonetheless, quite a number of these technologies are seemingly compatible with the various materials manufacturing face shield, especially polycarbonate.

Now, let’s look at some of them briefly and find out what they entail;

· Anti-fog Coating

This is arguably the most popular coating technology that is used broadly on various face shield materials.

Anti-fog coating technology integrates the principle of molecular interaction, which enables the face shield to remain clear and resist forming fog.

Primarily, it uses hydrophilic ingredients which are vital because they help to manipulate surface tension.

What follows is the formation of a thin transparent layer which allows optimum light to pass through and ultimately prevents visibility distortion.

This technology is vitally significant on face shield since it allows you to use it even in areas with high moisture and heat.

Ordinarily, such surroundings are prone to fogging, and once you have a face shield that incorporates this technology, you’ll be good to go.

Therefore, this technology will substantially help to get rid of any form of moisture that would get to the face shield and try to form fog.

· Anti-scratch Coating

It is also another fundamental coating technology that you can incorporate on a face shield lens material.

This technology contains microscopic ingredients or substrates such as silica nanoparticles, Alumina nanoparticles, and Zirconia nanoparticles among others.

Most of the anti-scratch coating substrates are ordinarily hard hence preventing any imminent abrasion that tends to appear on the face shield.

Technically, these ingredients provide sufficient protection on the face shield surface since it’s the coating that comes in contact with external forces.

So in any event that the face shield gets into contact with a material that causes a scratch, this coating prevents it from getting to the actual surface.

One beneficial aspect of anti-scratch technology on a face shield is that it can combine with other technologies and still provide excellent performance.

What’s more is that it also increases the durability of this accessory and also provides betters visibility properties.

· Iridium Coating

Iridium coating technology plays a vital role in making sure that the face shield maintains its clarity and visibility characteristics.

Primarily, this technology involves applying different iridium ingredients which in turn form a layer similar to a tint on the face shield surface.

Of essence, it means that this technology allows enough light to pass through the surface of the face shield.

Iridium helmet visor

It thus follows that you optimize your ability to have a seamless vision across a wide range of light conditions.

The essence of iridium coating technology on your face shield is that it also helps to entirely prevent UVA, UVB and UVC radiations while offering better clarity.

· Photochromic Coating

This is also another critical type of coating technology that you would consider incorporating in your face shield lens.

Ideally, it offers essential optical clarity which is critical and considerably helps to enhance performance in various applications.

What primarily happens is that the manufacturer embeds molecules of silver halide or silver chloride in a photochromatic face shield material.

This then enhances the transparent properties of these items without a substantial ultraviolet component.

So, in the end, you find that the optical lenses of your face shield tend to darken upon exposure to particular types of light orsufficient intensity.

In this case, it implies that the face shield lenses will now darken substantially within less than a minute of exposure to bright light.

Additionally, this would also take quite some time to clear.

The photochromic ingredients are also permanent which means that you will use it for as long as possible and can also prevent UV radiations.

· Anti-reflective Coating

What you need to understand about anti-reflective coating is that is a technology that can inherently enhance the visibility and performance of a face shield.

It is a simple technology which involves the application of a special dielectric thin film varnish on a lens surface of a face shield.

However, you should take note of the fact that it is an activity that is done in hi-tech laboratories that have all the necessary equipment for the task.

Snowmobile Helmet Heated Shield

The intention here is always to prevent or reduce excess amount of light from reflecting on the lens surface hence causing glare.

Technically in most cases, you’ll find that only a small percentage of light is what passes through the face shield’s lens.

The implication of this is that a significant percentage of that light gets lost to surface reflection causing glare.

Application of this unique dielectric thin film manipulates the ability of lens surface to maintain or increase light reflections.

It is this manipulation that then allows the surface to permeate enough light hence reducing chances of causing glare in a significant manner.

So in principle, you will find that even when you wear these devices in areas which are prone to excessive light, you won’t have any challenges of glare.

· Ultraviolet Coating

This technology is specific when it comes to preventing UV radiations from affecting your eyes and as well as the skin.

UV coating technology is an ideal alternative to conventional solvent-based coating products.

This technology can use a wide range of products in different states such as solids, a waterborne or dual cure.

UV Face shield

Ordinarily, UV coating contains different types of ingredients such as UV Mercury and Gallium lamps.

However, the specific variation is dependent on the preferable color densities and chemistry.

Application of UV coatings typically conforms to the systems such as vertical robotics, which have airless guns and air assist guns.

Mostly, this is to enable the UV coating to cure properly, and it is the reason its application requires more consistency.

UV rays can be so intenseandnaturally, the eyes tend to be vulnerable to the damage that such radiations might cause.

For that reason when you have a face shield that has an ultravioletcoating, then you’re sure of attaining the best performance.

You will rarely strain your eyes from time to time or fell some levels of discomfort making it necessary for you to enhance productivity.

Consolidation of face shield materials with UV coatings often takes place in special labs that have all the necessary apparatus.

· Augmented Reality Technology

This is probably one of the most recent technology that many optical devices manufacturers are incorporating in their products.

The reason is that it somehow involves more advanced technology to produce the best desirable results.

Basically, this technology adds an extra layer of data to your vision.

So then it becomes easy to detect a particular substance that you wouldn’t have noticed without wearing a face shield with this augmented reality technology.

This technology blends the digital world with the actual one via overlays of information or images on how you view the external world.

Visors with augmented reality technology

In this case, it occurs in the form of a simulated screen produced through the face shield lens that you wear.

Alternatively, it can also be delivered by seeing the universe through a smartphone camera and viewing computer-generated products overlaid on the screen.

In a nutshell, this particular technology improves the overall performance of the face shield and thus allowing you to traverse even in risky situations.

Currently, the technology is somehow familiar in face shield with glass materials.

Nonetheless, some manufacturers still include it in other face shield materials mostly polycarbonates.

The superior high impact resistance, as well as high-grade optical clarity, are among the vital elements that make this technology ideal.

In short, these are some of the popular coating technologies that most face shield manufacturers often integrate into the face shield.

But then, where can you get the best polycarbonate face shield with the best technology?

Let’s find out:

Chapter 7: WeeTect Face Shield Solution

Like we have seen in section six of this guide, it is the responsibility of the manufacturers to consolidate the various coating technologies.

So this implies that you need to get a manufacturer that will offer a specialized face shield solution that meets your requirements.

But then, getting such an entity which also understands your particular needs can be somewhat problematic.

Remember several factors have to play when you’re considering the type of manufacturer to seek face shield solutions from.

WeeTect face shield

And this is where WeeTect becomes handy.

Basically, you’d want to know who WeeTect are and what they do.

First, WeeTect is a hi-tech company with outstanding dedication in researching and developing suitable elements for optical solutions.

The aim is to ensure that users stay safe from a wide range of such elements that would cause harm.

For that reason, you can be sure of attaining the best face shield product that suits your specific needs at WeeTect.

Another aspect that makes this company a suitable choice for face shields is expertise in injection molding for optical class 1 devices.

Let me tell you the secret:

Face shield manufacturing process can often be challenging, especially when you do not have the right machines and knowledge.

But at WeeTect, it is something we’ve been doing for a considerable period, hence guaranteeing you the best face shield items.

So regardless of the face shield material you have, at WeeTect will ensure you get it the way you prefer it.

What’s more?

Our knowledge of various coating technologies is beyond reproach.

Clearly, a face shield can only be effective when it incorporates two or more coating technologies.

It becomes safer for you because such technologies are scientifically applied, hence an assurance that your eyes will be safeguarded.

Typically, finding experts that are proficient in integrating these types of optical technologies can be quite challenging.

Reason?

Limited experience, knowledge as well as hi-tech machinery for carrying out the integration procedures of the respective technologies.

Furthermore, at WeeTect, the standard material that we use in various face shields is polycarbonate.

You see – polycarbonate is the best material when it comes to face shields.

It doesn’t matter whether you want:

• Safety face shield
• UV face shield
• Bionic face shield
• Sanitary mask
• Ballistic face shield
• Riot face shield or,
• Medical face shield

WeeTect offers both standard and custom designs.

Of course, with unique designs and coating technologies.

You know what?

WeeTect knows what you want for your product distribution or OEM face shield business.

Conclusion

Well, you can evidently see the different underlying facts revolving around face shields.

The truth is:

You only need to do thorough background research to get suitable face shields, whether for your business or personal use.

From type of material, design, applications to coating technology.

And, I believe you can find all that in this guide.

With this, you will definitely get the right face shield.

Now, back to you?

Do you have a face shield?

Or, are looking for a face shield?

Well, feel free to contact us for free consultations.

Also, protect your loved ones now – simply share this guide with them.