Face shields protect wearers from hazards by covering their entire face or parts of it. These protective devices shield against flying objects, road debris, chemical splashes, and infectious materials.
Industrial Applications and Standards
Protection Requirements
ANSI standards require face shields to withstand specific impacts. The basic Z87 rating means surviving a 1-inch steel ball dropped from 50 inches, while Z87+ rated shields resist a quarter-inch ball at 300 feet per second.
European Standard EN 166 sets three protection levels:
- Mark A shields withstand impacts at 620 feet per second
- Mark B shields protect against 390 feet per second impacts
- Mark F shields resist 150 feet per second impacts
Material Composition
Two primary materials dominate face shield construction:
- Polycarbonate delivers superior impact resistance with excellent optical clarity
- Cellulose acetate provides balanced protection with strong chemical resistance
Manufacturing Methods
Two key processes shape modern face shield production:
Extrusion creates shields with superior impact resistance using high molecular weight plastics. A 0.8mm thick extruded polycarbonate shield can withstand a 6mm steel ball at 120 m/s.
Injection molding allows more complex designs but requires thicker materials – at least 1.5mm to match extrusion’s impact resistance.
Specialized Applications
Medical Use
Healthcare workers rely on face shields during procedures involving blood or infectious materials. Common applications include CPR and general medical procedures requiring infection control.
Military and Law Enforcement
Two varieties serve different needs:
- Non-ballistic shields protect against punches and thrown objects
- Ballistic shields defend against explosions and fragments, particularly in bomb disposal scenarios.
Construction Safety
Construction workers depend on face shields when using metal cutting tools and welding equipment. The shields guard against debris and dangerous sparks during metalworking operations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers from 86 countries manufactured 25 million face shields using 3D printing, laser cutting, and injection molding to supplement disrupted supply chains.