Rogers Corporation Unveils XRD Impact Institute
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January 14, 2014 (Rogers, CONN) – Rogers Corporation, designer and manufacturer of specialty materials including PORON® XRD® Extreme Impact Protection, introduces the XRD Impact Institute, an in-house testing and design support center for customer applications. The new facility will allow brands and designers to take their product from conception to retail with the highest quality testing and engineering support available.
PORON XRD Protection Technology is a multi-purpose foam uniquely designed for wearable impact protection. It provides consistent performance and impact absorption even after repeated impacts and long-term use. Breathable, antimicrobial and lightweight, XRD Technology is ideal for use in protective equipment across the spectrum of team, action and outdoor sports.
“There is not a one-size-fits all solution for designing protective gear,” says Katie Borema, Rogers Development Engineer. “Whether designing mountain biking pads, a ski helmet or protective work boots, a product’s design criteria and intended end use play a role in determining the best impact protection material. We work with our customers to find a solution that meets their specific impact protection, comfort and design requirements.”
Inside the XRD Impact Institute, the XRD Design Team works closely with product designers to meet their specifications. AllXRD formulations provide the same level of durability and reliable impact protection throughout long-term use, but XRD materials are engineered so designers can dial the material in to specific impact protection requirements. The XRD team helps customers construct a matrix that takes into consideration the product’s intended rate and force of impact, desired level of flexibility and varying degrees of thickness. Next, a range of XRD formulations are subjected to a battery of impact tests to determine the most appropriate material for prototyping. Once an XRD formulation is selected, the XRD team can assist with prototype development, making for a more efficient and effective design process.
After a prototype is created, another round of testing is often performed to ensure that the product meets all impact, design and use requirements. The XRD team also tests competitor products and impact solutions to comparatively show the effectiveness of the new XRD protective design. During this final testing, special impact measurement equipment is used to create visual sales tools for both customer internal teams and retailers at the point of purchase. Before, during and after product launch, the XRD team can support these sales tools with joint marketing and PR support as well. Thus, XRD is positioned with the Impact Institute to help brand partners drive sales throughout the product lifecycle. Visit the Poron XRD blog to see the Impact Institute in action with partner Orbit Sports.
The XRD Impact Design Team welcomes the opportunity to work with current and new brand partners and product designers. For more information, please contact Dave Sherman at dave.sherman@rogerscorporation.com.
About PORON® Cushioning
For over 40 years PORON® Cushioning has provided footwear, apparel, and protective equipment brands with a material that supports, protects, comforts, and most importantly, helps athletes stay in the game. PORON Cushioning products are durable yet flexible, so they will not wear or break down like other cushioning products. So, whether you need an insole that will last your next 50K or a new helmet for the start of little league, look for the PORON Cushioning brand to insure you’re buying the best in quality and advanced technology. For more information, visit www.poroncushioning.com.
About Rogers Corporation
Rogers Corporation (NYSE:ROG) is a global technology leader in specialty materials and components for consumer electronics, power electronics, mass transit, clean technology, and telecommunications infrastructure. With more than 180 years of materials science and engineering experience, Rogers provides product designers with solutions to help them power, protect and connect our world with greater reliability, efficiency and performance. Headquartered in Connecticut (USA), Rogers operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, China, Germany, Belgium, and South Korea, with joint ventures and sales offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.rogerscorp.com.
