As the first manufacturer in the face protection market to leverage the inherent strength, chemical resistance and clarity of Eastman Tritan copolyester, Bullard today introduced a high-impact faceshield application at the National Safety Council (NSC) Congress & Expo 2010 in San Diego.
The hard-hat-mounted faceshield made with Tritan will be used for industrial operations where debris can come in contact with a faceshield, such as in grinding applications, refineries and laboratories.
"Collaborating with Eastman and participating in this launch of a new material for use in face protection is exciting for Bullard and the industry," said Wells Bullard, product manager, head protection, Bullard. "We're seeing a growing interest in a need for high-impact faceshields that are chemical-resistant. Our company has a reputation for providing high-quality products to ensure end-user safety, and we are proud to be the first in the industry to meet market demands by introducing a faceshield made with Eastman Tritan copolyester."
The faceshield made of Spartech ULTRATUF FS sheet, which is made with Eastman Tritan copolyester, enables end users to meet all face protection needs in one product. By combining the impact resistance of polycarbonate (PC) applications with added chemical resistance, faceshields made of Tritan allow users to benefit from greater protection in a single solution.
The faceshield complements an existing line of Bullard PC faceshields used for high-impact applications. The impact resistance of Eastman Tritan copolyester allows the faceshield to meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Industrial Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Z87+ standards for eye and face protection devices. In addition, Tritan offers improved durability and clarity compared with other materials, creating faceshields that are resistant to vision-impairing scratches that can be caused by flying debris.
Committed to providing customers with American-made and -tested products, Bullard valued that Eastman Tritan copolyester is manufactured in the United States. In addition, Spartech ULTRATUF FS sheet made with Tritan was seamlessly incorporated into Bullard's production process, providing similar manufacturing properties to PC.
"We're confident that working with Eastman and utilizing Tritan will positively impact our position as a leader in safety and innovation," said Bullard.
The Bullard faceshield of Spartech ULTRATUF FS sheet made with Eastman Tritan copolyester will be available through distributors nationwide by the end of 2010.
Since the 2007 introduction of Eastman Tritan copolyester, it has been used in the medical, reusable sports water bottle, infant care, small appliance, housewares, sign and bulk water markets.