What is the difference between a molded and a die cut face shield?
Molded face shields are manufactured by injecting the plastic material under high temperature and pressure into a mold. Injection molded shields can be molded with a built in curvature and have a smooth edge. Generally molded face shield have a higher quality appearance. Die cut face shields are cut with a die from flat stock material. From a performance standpoint the die cut shields perform as well as the molded shields. However, die cut shields are usually manufactured flat (as opposed to curved) and have to be bent into shape to fit into the headgear. Die cut shields can be formed in a separate manufacturing step. The die cutting process often leaves rough edges on the face shields, which creates the appearance of a less finished product. This can be overcome by edging the face shield with an aluminum border. Both injection molded and die cut shields can be manufactured in different thickness, and can be manufactured with different coloration and absorbers.
