Cycling Image
As the UK counts down to the London Olympics 2012, IDC Models, the rapid prototyping and model making division of Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC), is delighted to have made its own contribution to the British Olympic cycling team. IDC Models produced the cycle helmet liners for the British team on site using their high-tech prototyping facilities.
The cycle helmets were first and foremost designed for optimum safety, but also need to be lightweight and streamlined for speed. IDC was able to apply its wide knowledge in this field, having previously developed the revolutionary anti-rotation Philips motorcycle helmets. IDC developed the core safety component of the helmets, the liners. Each liner fits in the space between the aerodynamic outer shell of the helmet and the cyclist's skull, so it was essential that it provided maximum protection in case of an accident.
The helmet liners were manufactured from Styrofoam, which was selected for its light weight and excellent impact absorption. The liners were machined using IDC's Rye CNC milling machine. Forty helmet liners were produced, which then went on to have the final casing with British team graphics applied.
Peter Pendergast, Head of Prototyping at IDC Modelsm comments: ''We are thrilled that our facilities have once again been chosen for Olympic-standard products. This is the second time we have selected; last time we produced the cycle helmets for the British team at Beijing and they came home with gold medals. We wish them the same success at the London Olympics.''
