Face shields are a critical piece of safety equipment for individuals working in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. They provide a physical barrier that protects the face and eyes from the impact of high-speed particles, hazardous droplets and liquid splashes that can cause injury or illness. Face shield visors are a critical component of the face shield, and they are available in different materials, including Polycarbonate and PVC.

Polycarbonate is a strong, impact-resistant material that offers superior clarity and visibility compared to PVC. It is also highly durable and long-lasting, and it can filter large parts of UV radiation without losing its strength or clarity. Polycarbonate is the ideal material for use in environments where there is a risk of high-velocity particles or liquid splash.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a low-cost material that offers much worse impact resistance than Polycarbonate. Also, it is not as clear as Polycarbonate, which can affect visibility and hinder the user’s ability to see clearly. Additionally, PVC visors have a lower impact resistance than Polycarbonate visors and may generate small scraps with sharp edges when broken, which can pose a risk of injury to the user. Tests have shown that a 1mm-thickness Polycarbonate visor can tolerate up to at least 120 m/s impact with a 6 mm steel ball, while a 1mm-thickness PVC visor gets penetrated by the same steel ball at only 40m/s.

When choosing a face shield visor, it is important to consider the specific needs of the user and the task at hand. Polycarbonate visors provide superior impact resistance and clarity compared to PVC, making them the best option for use in high-risk environments. They are suitable for use in industrial, medical, and other settings where there is a risk of high-velocity particles or exposure to droplets or splash liquid.

PVC visors are a more affordable option than Polycarbonate, however, they may not provide the same level of protection as Polycarbonate and may not be as durable or long-lasting, and PVC may not even meet relevant safety standards and regulations. In the safety area, especially PPE, we should not choose those products that may put users at potential risk. So, when purchasing a face shield, make sure its visor is made of high-quality Polycarbonate, rather than PVC.

* Do you know not every Polycarbonate Visor is crated equally? Check here to know what’s the difference between Extrusion-grade Polycarbonate visor and Injection-grade Visor.