Polyurethane foam’s protective properties make it one of the most versatile products on the planet. Companies use Polyurethane foam for packaging, insulation, shipbuilding, electronics, fire protection, and shock and vibration dampening.
It’s one of the most durable synthetic substances known to man. And yet, it’s spongy enough to soften the blow of a high-speed impact.
For this reason, Field Wall Pads utilizes polyurethane foam as a central component in engineering our sports wall pads? Below is a brief description of the features and properties of foam and why it’s valuable in the sports world.
How Does Polyurethane Foam Absorb Impact?
In many sports, athletes often slam into walls, sports equipment, sports announcer tables, and a wide array of other items in athletic facilities. They often collide with walls while running at high speeds. The impact can cause athletes to suffer a severe concussion if the crash is head-on.
The challenge that facility managers face is how to lessen the blow when collisions occur.
Polyurethane foam absorbs kinetic energy while without creating resistance to impact. In other words, an athlete can run into a wall pad and not bounce back off. Most polyurethane pads provide a density range of three to five pounds per cubic foot.
While this may not seem like much, it can produce exceptional vibration dampening and cushioning for heavy items such as muscle-bound athletes.
What also sets foam apart is that its sponge-like composition makes it incredibly durable. It retains its shape instantly after an impact. This is the same type of material that companies use to protect underground missile silos, earthquake-prone buildings, large but delicate items, and mechanical equipment.
If it’s good enough to protect large equipment, it’s good enough to protect large athletes.
Polyurethane Tests Prove It’s Viability in Sports
Two years ago, the North American National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) released a study based on several tests of athletic equipment such as helmets and other padding.
The tests were performed on helmets that athletes wear in baseball, football, cycling, and cricket.
In each test, manufacturers reinforced the helmets with polyurethane foam. NOCSAE exposed the helmets to varying levels of impact that simulated real-world scenarios. The tests were evaluated using the STAR rating system developed by the University of Virginia. The result was that the helmets received a 0.3-star rating, the second highest rating in an evaluation.
Equipment that is reinforced with polyurethane foam drastically improves safe conditions for players in high-intensity environments.
The foam that is used to reinforce helmets is the same foam that is used to reinforce wall pads. The difference is that sports wall pads are often much thicker and can absorb more energy.
Field Wall Pads: Offering Superior Impact Resistance
If you are looking for a proven method for protecting your athletes on the court or on the field, Field Wall Pads offers superior protection from concussions and other injuries sustained during competition. You can use our pads on walls, bleachers, floors, and other high-risk areas.
To find out more about our innovative products, call us today at 800-257-6406, or message us on our contact page.