Lokatt Helmets
Reference number | |
Coordinator | Lokatt Sports AB - KTH Innovation |
Funding from Vinnova | SEK 235 281 |
Project duration | March 2019 - March 2021 |
Status | Completed |
Venture | Innovative Startups |
Call | Innovative Startups step 1 spring 2019 |
Important results from the project
** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** During the project, Lokatt Sports AB has developed a helmet design and a manufacturing methodology adapted for the manufacture of outer shells for ski helmets with bio-based PLA plastics. The project has shown that ski helmets with outer shells made of the project´s newly developed PLA plastic and shaped with Lokatt´s methodology are resistant to penetration of sharp objects and shock absorbing in accordance with CE standard EN1077b. The next step is to demonstrate scalability in production.
Expected long term effects
** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The tests carried out (EN1077b) show that Lokatt´s prototype helmets perform in line with competing helmets on the market and pass both the penetration protection and force absorption test. This good results has been achieved, among other things, by increasing the crystalline structure of the outer shell plastic through tempering-optimized manufacturing processes. With the newly developed design optimized for this manufacturing process, work on quality-assured production and repeatability is expected to progress.
Approach and implementation
** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The project has been carried out with an Lean Startup-methodology. Design prototypes have been manufactured with 3D printing. Functional prototypes have been manufactured using tools for existing helmet models in the factory to save costs and cut lead times. This method has made it easy to compare how helmets made with Lokatt bio-based plastics perform in relation to the same helmet model made of standard plastics. This has also served as a clear starting point for iterations with regard to design and process optimization.