Safety glasses are generally used for long periods of time, meaning they need to to provide protection but also be comfortable. Polycarbonate is a great solution because it is lightweight, impact resistant, and provides natural UV protection.
Origin
Polycarbonate was originally developed for aerospace applications including space shuttle windshields and astronauts’ helmet visors in the 70s. Since then, it’s become one of the most used materials for lenses of numerous uses where impact resistance is especially important, including sports and children eyewear.
How It’s Made
The process of making polycarbonate lenses is much different than regular plastic lenses. The process includes heating liquid polycarbonate through an injection molding process, later cooling and solidifying into lenses.
Benefits of Polycarbonate Safety Eyewear
Lightweight
In comparison to glass, polycarbonate is lightweight and incredibly impact resistant for how thin it is. The lightweight feature of polycarbonate is vital because glasses that are uncomfortable and distracting will cause dissatisfaction and less productivity among employees.
Impact resistant
Polycarbonate is 10x more impact resistant than regular plastics. Whereas glass and regular plastics are likely to crack if hit with an airborne object, polycarbonate is softer and therefore can absorb energy.
Natural UV Protection
Polycarbonate blocks 100% of UV rays without the need of an additional coating. UV rays are incredibly damaging to eyesight and employees should be protected from overexposure to these rays.
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