ANSI Z87.1 is a critical standard developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in collaboration with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). It outlines the performance specifications and testing criteria for protective eyewear in occupational and educational environments. This standard ensures that safety glasses, goggles, and face shields can withstand potential hazards such as impact, non-ionizing radiation, and chemical exposure.
One of the fundamental assessments outlined in ANSI Z87.1 is the drop ball test for safety glasses. This procedure is crucial for verifying the impact resistance of lenses used in personal protective equipment (PPE).
The purpose of the drop ball test is to simulate real-world scenarios where safety glasses might be subjected to sudden impact. It evaluates whether the lens material can absorb and distribute energy without shattering or penetrating, thus safeguarding the wearer’s eyes.
According to Section 9.6 of ANSI Z87.1:
A steel ball of 25.4 mm diameter (1.0 inch) and weighing 68 g (2.4 oz) is used.
The ball is dropped from a height of 127 cm (50 inches) onto the lens positioned on a rigid headform, which mimics the human face structure.
The lens must remain intact, with no cracking or penetration, after the impact.
Each material and coating combination must be tested on four devices, ensuring reliable consistency.
To achieve repeatable and reliable testing, specialized equipment is required. The FBT-01 Ball Drop Tester from Cell Instruments is designed to meet and exceed this standard. It offers:
Precision electromagnetic ball release for consistent impact energy.
Adjustable impact height and ball specifications for versatile test setups.
HMI touchscreen and PLC control for industrial-grade testing stability.
This makes it ideal for protective eyewear manufacturers, PPE quality control departments, and third-party testing labs that require ANSI-compliant impact testing.
Adhering to ANSI Z87.1 through reliable drop ball testing ensures that safety glasses can withstand everyday industrial hazards. With Cell Instruments’ advanced solutions like the FBT-01, you gain confidence in your product’s compliance and protection capability.
Let Cell Instruments be your partner in achieving excellence in materials testing and ANSI Z87.1 compliance.
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