As a company, D3O is world-renowned for using special product design and advanced chemistry to develop innovative and high-performance impact protection solutions.
D3O technology is currently used worldwide by leading sports, electronics, defence, industrial, and motorcycle companies to improve protective and / or performance qualities.
When it comes to sportswear such as running shoes, the D3O technology is used to create flexible and soft materials that retain high shock absorbing qualities. Their molecular structure enables the material to lock on impact, dissipating the resulting shock and consequently reducing its force. Other benefits of the unique polymer blends include:
- Flexibility
- Abrasion resistance
- Temperature stability
The material was first discovered by UK engineer Richard Palmer in 1999, at room D3O (hence the name) at the University of Hertfordshire. The Canadian and U.S. ski teams first used the material in their race suits at the Winter Olympic Games in 2006, with impressive results.
D3O Product Development
To create the most suitable products, scientists manipulate the D3O polymer blends to obtain certain properties that complement the intended usage. Every instance of material development is expertly and carefully analyzed, evaluated, and tested in a controlled environment. If, for example, a material is being developed for extreme temperature use, such as desert or arctic wear, a special conditioning unit will heat or cool it before testing for efficiency.
The majority of D3O testing is for impact resistance. An impact rig drops a weight onto the material and measures both deceleration and force. These weights can assume many forms that resemble actual impacts, such as a runner’s foot striking the road or a head moving inside a crash helmet. Materials are also stretched and compressed using a tensometer to confirm durability under stress.
Any items intended to be worn, such as gloves, shoes, and base layers of protective clothing, are put through specialised machine washing and drying trials to confirm that they demonstrate ongoing performance after each use.
D3O materials are used to create both customised and standard impact protection items with innovative and advanced shock absorption abilities. The design process starts in a 2D environment, moves to a 3D CAD platform, and is then rapid prototyped. The latter facilities enable the product development team members to test different densities, thicknesses, and shapes to achieve ideal comfort, impact protection, and flexibility properties needed for the final application. Only after all of these trials are satisfied is the material sent off for mass production.
About Enertor Advanced Technology Insoles
Enertor insoles are designed to prevent a number of common running injuries and provide more comfort. Designed by leading podiatrists to reduce your risk of injury, the unique design features support your foot throughout training. Enertor insoles are enhanced by D3O impact protection technology, which means they can provide more shock absorption than any other insole. Our expertise, combined with the patented D3O shock absorption technology, enables Enertor to deliver the most advanced injury prevention insoles on the market today.
Enertor insoles are available online HERE .
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