Partnering with Toray Fluorofibers and fire garment manufacturer Majestic Fire Apparel, Victaulic, a producer of mechanical pipe joining technology developed a leading-edge foundry worker safety coat.
According to a Victaulic press release, the new protection coats offer improved molten metal splash protection as well as enhanced comfort and breathability
The Bogu coat, named after the Japanese word for armour, was first envisioned as part of Victaulic's mission for a world-class safety organisation.
After a year of material tests at the University of Alabama, the team developed both a woven and nonwoven polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) fabric that withstands impact of a 2800 degree Fahrenheit molten iron splash.
Developed with feedback from understanding the working demands of the foundry industry, the coat is engineered to be up to 30 per cent lighter than the industry standard aluminised Kevlar jackets.
When exposed to hot seasonal temperatures and the heat from molten metal, the new Victaulic safety garment offers increased durability and functionality with its breathable vents.
Additionally, the coat is machine washable without degradation and protects its inherent fire retardant properties, unlike the formerly used garments.
"Our previous foundry coat was adequate from a protection standpoint, but it was hot, the fabric did not breathe well and was difficult to launder," said Zach Jerrold, global EH&S manager.
"The BOGU coat provides an equal level of protection but also provides a much higher level of comfort for our employees and the feedback we have received has been very positive," Jerrold added.
"These coats will withstand the rugged foundry environment much better than the existing industry standard outer garments," said Bill D'Amico, Victaulic safety director.
He too added, "We will share this advancement with others in the hopes of advancing foundry safety worldwide and, more importantly, the protection of our most valuable asset, our employees."
