Ballistic Face Shield

Technical Data of WeeTect Ballistic Face Shield 

Ballistic Face Shield: Import Guide

Ballistic face shield refers to a kind of personal armor designed for protecting the wearer from a wide range of ballistic threats.

It is also known as facial armor, and this guide discusses different aspects concerning the face shield, which are fundamental to understand.

Know Material Ballistic Face Shield Is Made From

Ballistic face shield

The primary essence of ballistic is to prevent your face from different ballistic threats.

Hence, it is necessary to understand the specific material used for making it that guarantees such protection.

Besides, the ideal material should never cause harm to your eyes; instead, it needs to enhance vision in different environments.

Ideally, different manufacturers use a wide range of materials to make ballistic face shields.

But the common materials for this type of facial armor include the following;

Polycarbonate

This is a thermoplastic material featuring a unique amorphous sheet.

It is highly transparent since it allows sufficient light to pass through its surface.

Polycarbonate ballistic face shield guarantees adequate protection and exceptional visibility during different ballistic operations.

Mostly, polycarbonate sheets are often attached to the front side of the ballistic face shield.

The material is sturdy hence exhibits excellent impact resistance, which is ideal in ballistic operations.

Moreover, this material provides a perfect fit on the face shield, which is necessary for attaining the required efficiency.

Polycarbonate is an ideal material for a ballistic face shield since it can withstand different temperatures ranging from -40°F to 240°F.

You can also clean it easily using simple detergents, and it is compatible with different coating technologies making it an ideal choice.

Propionate

It is also a suitable material for making ballistic face shields but mostly preferable in ballistic operations where chemical splashes is a concern.

Based on the specific coating technology incorporated on this material, it can exhibit excellent impact resistance.

Moreover, this material is available in different thicknesses making it easy to choose one suitable for making facial armor.

Polyethylene Terephthalate

Commonly known as PETG, this material offers high impact resistance hence suitable for making these masks.

However, it is primarily suitable for indoor applications due to its limited UV resistance.

Besides, it needs more care than polycarbonate material since it tends to be relatively sensitive to harsh conditions.

Acetate

Acetate guarantees high optical clarity, rigidity and exceptional strength in different ballistic face shields.

Ordinarily, this material is barely distorted or becomes limp when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Also, it is highly resistant to scratches and different chemical compounds.

Ordinarily, this guarantees longevity and efficiency since you can use it in different environmental conditions.

Ideally, different ballistic operations are subjected to different environmental conditions.

Thus, when selecting the most appropriate material for your ballistic face shield, it is imperative to consider the exact conditions where you’ll be using it.

Decide Whether You Want Standard Or Custom Ballistic Face Shield Designs

Essentially, when purchasing ballistic face shields, you will always find them in two main categories, which include the following;

Standard Ballistic Face Shields

These are ready-made designs, which you can always find available at the manufacturer.

Ideally, standard designs are manufactured based on the manufacturer’s demands.

In most instances, you can always find these ballistic face shields at unlimited MOQs when purchasing.

Standard ballistic face shields are usually affordable since the manufacturer rarely need any special settings during manufacturing process.

standard ballistic face shield

In essence, they can use same settings to produce a wide range of standard facial armors.

Custom Ballistic Face Shields

As the name suggests, these are the facial armors made-on-order.

Ordinarily, it means you will have to provide your designs to enable the manufacturer to produce precisely what suits your demands.

Manufacturing custom ballistic face shields is usually demanding since it depends on the simplicity or complexity of the designs.

It is the best option to consider when going for OEM or ODM ballistic face shields since you’ll easily create unique designs.

However, producing a personalized ballistic face shield is relatively expensive.

custom ballistic face shield

The manufacturer will always need to set and re-set the equipment severally depending on the actual design of the face shield.

Moreover, it requires additional labor in different aspects, making it more expensive.

Know Protection Level Of Ballistic Face Shield

Primarily, modern ballistic facial armors offer wide-ranging protection levels.

Generally, these protection levels are usually tested in accordance with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

What happens is that the NIJ rates ballistic face shields depending on what rounds the item proved capable of halting during severe testing.

Here is a list of NIJ protection level rating scales of different ballistic face shields;

• Level IIA – This protection rating is tested to stop 9mm and .40 Smith and Wesson ammunition.
• Level II – It can stop 9mm and .357 magnum ammunition.
• Level IIIA – It is a rating to stop .44 magnum ammunition, and .357 SIG fired from longer barrel handguns.
• Level III – safeguards against 7.62mm NATO FMJ lead core rifle ammunition.
• Level IV – This protection rating provides ultimate protection, tested to stop .30 cal steel core armor-piercing ammunition.

Basically, Level II, Level IIA, and Level IIIA ballistic face field protection are not necessarily effective against rifle ammunition.

Protection Levels III and IV can stop ordinary rifle rounds.

On the other hand, Levels I and IIIA are rated to halt numerous handgun rounds.

Ideally, the design of Level IIIA protection is to have ability to stop handgun rounds such as the .44 magnum.

Remarkably, other rounds are not usually tested to determine the ideal protection levels.

However, there is a presumption that a ballistic face shield with ability to stop a .44 magnum can easily protect against a .25 auto or any other lesser-powered ammunition.

Nevertheless, Level III and Level IV provide rifle-rated protection, albeit the differences in their protection level.

But it is advisable always to select a ballistic face shield with a protection level that suits your application or line of work.

Understand How You Manufacture Ballistic Face Shield

Different ways are used in manufacturing ballistic face shields depending on various factors such as actual design and material.

Nonetheless, here are the primary manufacturing techniques of a typical facial armor;

Extrusion Method

It is a common technique among many manufacturers of this component.

Ordinarily, it entails melting the facial armor material into a recommended temperature to make it somewhat molten.

The molten material forms a continuous profile based on the specific settings.

Essentially, the molten polymer is compressed into a dedicated die to create a particular shape.

Extrusion process is easily attainable in making these face shields due to high molecular weight of plastic pellets.

Technically, extruded ballistic face shields exhibit high impact resistance, thus quite durable.

Therefore, it is the most appropriate method for making facial armors used in different ballistic operation environments.

Injection Molding Method

It is quite a popular technique among many manufacturers used to make different ballistic face shields.

Notably, this method involves crafting the facial armor by injecting heated material into a mold.

It is regarded as the most economical technique for producing ballistic face shields in large volumes.

Injection molding is efficient and minimizes wastage of materials during manufacturing process.

Also, this method is repeatable; hence you can consistently produce identical parts as many times as possible.

If you are looking for the best technique for manufacturing a custom ballistic face shield, then injection molding should be your ultimate choice.

In essence, it is easy to incorporate different coating technologies when making face shields using injection molding method.

Therefore, you are confident of getting a highly efficient and reliable ballistic face shield using injection molding process.

Be Clear On Technical Specification Of Ballistic Face Shield

Clear ballistic face shield

Ballistic face shield exhibits a wide range of technical features.

The notable technical specifications include the following;

• Visibility – It offers incredible visibility and hardly interferes with the various ballistic operations.
• Strength – This component features excellent strength to withstand high impact shock.

This protects the face from injuries and shrapnel wounds as well as minimizing damage from bullets.

• Quick-release element – This features guarantees immediate placement and removal making it reasonably practical for ballistic applications.
• Ergonomic– This face shield is ergonomic thus protects bullets against penetrating from front section without necessarily causing substantive discomfort.
  Besides, this face shield features four linings at the frontal area and the cheeks.
  It also has elastic straps for properly fitting and adjusting to structural features of the head and face.
  The temples and whole forehead are padded to keep your face away from impacts of the bullet.

• Easy-breath technology – This face shield inhibits fog and heat build-up inside it.
  Besides, padding creates spacing, separating your face from the face shield.

• Paint – It features scratch-resistant, non-reflective flat paint.
• Aiming – It is designed to enable aiming using external devices. To find the target, it is ideal for adjusting the inclination angle of the head.
  You also need to change the abutment point of the weapon in the shoulder.

• Appearance – It is usually almost impossible to see a face through thermal imagers making this face shield ideal in producing a terrifying effect on enemy.
  Technically, the construction design is somewhat frightening and has a psychological effect on the enemy.

Essentially, all the specifications of a typical ballistic face shield aim at providing efficiency, performance and practicality.

Know Where You Will Use Ballistic Face Shield

Ballistic face shield is used in a wide range of applications, especially where a ballistic threat is a main concern.

Primarily, the essence of this component is to safeguard the face from shrapnel objects and fragmentation.

Hence, its common applications include the following;

Custom ballistic face shield

Military

Most military operations on battlefields involve shooting, which usually subjects your face to danger from the bullets.

Therefore, much military personnel wear this helmet to protect them from bullets and consequent impact.

Security Personnel

Ballistic face shields also come in handy among riot control personnel.

During riots, protestors usually throw different loose objects, which can easily harm the personnel.

However, ballistic face shields repel such loose objects from hitting the riot-control personnel face.

In essence, it makes it easy for the personnel to control and contain the protestors and prevents them from causing further unnecessary damage.

Ballistic Game

This game involves firing the opponent using a ballistic ball to win points.

Of course, the ball-like ammunition is made of somewhat soft-foam material.

Hence, they are likely to bounce off most surfaces they collide against.

So to protect the participants from constant hitting from the ballistic balls, the face shield comes in handy.

Correctional Officers

Ballistic face shields are also commonly used by correctional officers who often wear them to protect themselves from possible attacks from convicts.

In certain circumstances, the prisoners tend to riot while throwing different loose objects towards the correctional officers.

Thus, this face shield comes in handy in safeguarding these personnel from injuries likely to arise from thrown projectiles or weapons.

Choose Suitable Color Of Ballistic Face Shield

Ballistic face shield is available in a host of color variations.

The ideal color is thus dependent on the specific application demands and your preference.

For instance, military ballistic faces shields need to have a relatively dull shade.

It is important since dull hues do not attract attention making it difficult for the enemy to see and attack you easily.

But if your line of duty revolves around blunt impact threats, you can choose a ballistic face shield made of any color.

Technically, the essence of a ballistic face shield in areas exposed to blunt impact threat is to entirely safeguard your skull from being hit by a blunt object.

colored ballistic face shield

Popular colors include brown, dark blue, gray and black.

But you can find this component in a wide range of bright colors such as red, green, yellow, white, purple etc.

The bottom line is the nature of your application determines the choice of perfect color for a ballistic face shield.

Insist On Quality Testing And Certification Of Ballistic Face Shield

Ballistic face shield often undergoes several quality testing to establish whether it meets the required specifications.

Besides, the industrial regulations require this component to attain quality certification authenticating it is fit and safe to use.

One common quality testing and certification of this component is its design and suspension system.

Essentially, suspension of this helmet is vital since it offers it standoff from the head, which is a fundamental aspect of ballistic protection.

This test also aims at establishing whether the face shield meets the ideal ergonomic standards for its particular application.

During the production run, ballistic face shield goes through different core tests to establish their overall quality.

Some of these quality tests include the following;

• Ply orientation tests
• Adhesion and resin set tests
• Trimmed face shield dimensions and weights
• Ply stack test, i.e. weight, thickness, counts
• Shell translucency

Batch testing is another ideal quality evaluation for ballistic face shields.

It guarantees consistency in performance across the whole rolls used in the production process.

Moreover, there is also a visual test to determine the overall finish quality and whether it meets the required standards.

In other instances, you can seek quality testing of ballistic face shields from third-party or independent laboratories.

It is necessary since it makes it easy to compare and obtain unbiased verification regarding face shield quality.

Know Design Characteristics Of Ballistic Face Shield.

When ordering or buying ballistic face shield, it is important to establish the different aspects f design characteristics that suit the application demands.

Ordinarily, you can always find this component in different design characteristics, making it easy to find what fits your needs.

The main design characteristics to have in mind when selecting ballistic face shield include the following;

Weight

Essentially, a ballistic face shield should be lightweight to prevent adding unnecessary weight when you wear it.

Of course, the precise weight of these components is dependent on various but remarkably, the actual material used for making it.

Moreover, its size also determines the actual weight; hence the bigger the face shield, the heavier it is likely to be and vice versa.

However, the average weight of a typical ballistic face shield range between 2.2 pounds to 3.8 pounds.

You can also go for custom ballistic face shield and decide the ideal weight you’d like it to have.

Some of these helmets weigh as low as 1.2 pounds.

Size

Ballistic face shield is categorized into small, medium, large and extra-large sizes.

All these sizes have varied head circumferences, but it is imperative always to ensure you find one that provides a tight fit.

Small size ballistic face shield has a head circumference of up 56 cm, whereas medium-size has a head circumference of up to 57.2 cm.

The head circumference of a large-size ballistic face shield is up to 59.7 cm, while that of extra-large is 59.7 cm upwards.

Often, you can always find custom ballistic face shield sizes depending on the actual dimension you need.

In such instances, you merely need to provide the actual head circumference that matches your needs.

Design

You can find ballistic face shields in different designs.

Ideally, the specific design you select is based on your application.

For instance, military ballistic facial armors have unique styles designed to assist you in adapting to different situations.

Shape

The shape of ballistic face shield is a fundamental design characteristic you should never overlook.

Notably, shape is vital in determining efficiency, practicality and ergonomics.

Hence, when looking for ballistic facial armor, ensure you go for a suitable shape.

Handle

Ballistic face shield’s handle determines whether it will stay in your head tightly once you wear it.

Some handles come with press-to-open clips, which are ideal since you can easily adjust them to fit your head size perfectly.

Choose Appropriate Surface Finish For Ballistic Face Shield

You can apply different surface finishing options on the ballistic facial armors.

Of course, in many instances, the most desired one is dependent on your preference.

It is also dependent on the characteristics of the material used for making the ballistic face shield.

Nevertheless, the common options you may choose include the following;

• Bead blasting – This surface finishing operation involves propelling a stream of abrasive material against surface material of the facial armor to affect the surface finish.
• Matte finish – Essentially, it is a smooth uniform surface with granular texture free from highlights or shine.
• Graphics – It entails imprinting different forms of artwork, such as a pattern, into the surface material of the ballistic face shield.
• Etching – It is a surface modification process, which entails removing sections from the surface material by effect of another material.

Understand Ballistic Face Shield Safety Standards And Regulations

Several agencies oversee conceptualization and implementation of safety standards and regulations surrounding ballistic face shields.

The main standards from approved bodies include the following;

NIJ-0101.06

It is one of the most fundamental standards for ballistic face shields implying additional safety on this component.

Presently, this standard provides comprehensive and rigorous restrictions, which controls facial armor compliance requirements.

In simple words, any ballistic face shield that complies with NIJ-0101.06 standard improves your safety in a wide range of ballistic operations.

Besides, this standard also indicates durability and guarantees ability to endure any emerging stress and probability of wearing out.

OSHA -29 CFR 1910.133

OSHA is an abbreviation for US Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation.

This standard primarily indicates that it is employer’s responsibility to ensure each affected employee uses recommended face protection when exposed to danger.

Moreover, it states that every employee must put on a safety face shield providing side protection if a hazard arises.

Primarily, the essence of OSHA is to protect employees when exposed to possible injuries.

ANSI Z87.1

ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute, and it is a reference standard for occupational and educational eye and face protection devices.

Ideally, ANSI Z87.1 is dedicated to ensuring face shields provide and guarantee safety from impact and chemical splash.

The essence of this standard is to prescribe the performance provisions, design, marking safety face shields and eye devices.

It suggests the choice of facial armor, in this case, is dependent on what represents vital protection ideal for potential hazards.

Ballistic face shields that are ANSI Z87.1 certified often undergo rigorous examinations to ensure they attain the required standards.

EN 166

The aim of this European certification standard is to provide and enhance facial protection.

Any ballistic face shield that meets this certification must protect against high-speed projectiles.

Moreover, any facial armor with this certification must endure an impact of a 6 mm diameter steel ball.

Hence, you will find many ballistic face shields used in various operations certified with this particular standard.

Ensure Ballistic Face Shield Has Necessary Coating Technologies

Surface coating on ballistic face shield is fundamental since it enhances the overall performance, efficiency and durability of the device.

Custom ballistic face shield

Ordinarily, different manufacturers often incorporate different coating technologies of their respective products.

However, here are the main options common in ballistic face shields;

Anti-Scratch Coating

It is a coating technology that features microscopic substrates like silica nanoparticles and Zirconia nanoparticles.

Most anti-scratch coating ingredients are quite hard and tend to prevent any possible abrasion appearing on face shield.

Ideally, anti-scratch coating substrates offer adequate protection on ballistic face shield surface.

Anti-scratch coating is reasonably practical technology on ballistic face shield since you can combine it with different technologies and still attain desired results.

WeeTect ballistic face shield (WBFS) can coat anti-fog layer inside and anti-scratch coating outside to enhance the comfort and longevity of the ballistic visor.

Photochromic Coating

The essence of this coating technology enhances optical clarity of the ballistic face shield, which is quite important.

Photochromic substrates are permanent; hence you are guaranteed durability, and you can also use them to inhibit UV radiations.

Iridium Coating

It is a technology that entails applying different iridium substrates that form a layer similar to a tint on a ballistic face shield.

The essence of this coating technology is to provide more clarity while preventing UVA, UVB and UVC radiations.

Anti-Fog Coating

This technology integrates the standard of molecular interaction enabling ballistic face shield to maintain clarity and resist forming fog.

It is a vital technology on this device since it enables you to use it even in foggy and moisture-laden surroundings.

Ultraviolet Coating

This coating technology is specifically designed to prevent ultraviolet radiations from harming your eyes during ballistic operations.

It prevents your eyes from straining, which in many instances may create discomfort when undertaking ballistic operations.

Know How Much Ballistic Face Shield Costs

There is no definite cost for purchasing ballistic face shields.

In essence, it is dependent on several elements and mainly the following aspects;

• Design and style of the ballistic face shield
• Size
• Type of material used
• Manufacturer
• Coating technology
• Quantity you are purchasing

Choose Best Ballistic Face Shield Manufacturer

When choosing the most suitable ballistic face shield manufacturer, it is important to consider a wide range of factors.

For instance, an ideal manufacturer must exhibit ability to manufacture various designs and styles of ballistic face shields.

Moreover, the suitable company should also provide OEM ballistic face shields and can fulfil large-quantity orders within shortest time possible.

Also, it is advisable to choose a ballistic face shield manufacturer with flexible MOQ and ability to produce high quality, certified devices.

Experience, professionalism and reliability are also among the core characteristics you should look into when picking a suitable ballistic face shield manufacturer.

Technically, Weetect fits all the descriptions mentioned above hence an ideal choice to consider when in need of these products.

Contact us now for all your ballistic face shields.