SBRI CHALLENGE - ENHANCED INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Descriptions

Advances in manufacturing means that it is now becoming possible to make or modify clothing and equipment for each individual, optimising size and weight in the process. With careful design, the current set of standard sizes could be made to accommodate bespoke fittings for each user. This will allow the accurate positioning of body armour and protective headgear, helmets, masks and goggles. Using 3D printed rubber, bespoke inserts can be created quickly and cheaply to make shoes, ear and mouth protectors fit perfectly. Furthermore, the manufacturing equipment to enable this is becoming cheap and portable so that it could provide such equipment on demand and in theatre. In doing so it will improve mobility and reduce the physiological and thermal burden on the user. The work is to be undertaken in accordance with the SBRI application 58605 443221 part 8 submitted to and held by Innovate UK for the Enhanced Individual Protective Equipment Protection programme.