Julia Jiao© / xjiao@risd.edu / 713.679.1236

Rogers Corporation, leaders in innovative technology and material solutions, developed the PORON Performance Urethane. G-Forms applies designed surfaces and forms to this material to produce athletic wear and consumer electronic products with the production services of Polyworks. PORON Performance Urethane is a Reactive Protective Technology (RPT™), it instantly stiffens upon impact and absorbs over 90% of the energy. G-Form partners with RISD/ID to explore design possibilities with this smart material. The Extreme Impact Body Tape is a hybrid athletic tape that combines the PORON Performance Urethane with existing sports wraps. The end result: a high performance, reusable, and, lightweight body tape for low and high impact sports.
I spent time understanding the performance characteristics of the material as well as the tooling capabilities generously provided by Polyworks. The Body Tape uses sports wraps as a substrate to allow for adequate stretch around various forms on the body and during play. The triangular PORON modules were initially tested using masking tape and chipboard, and then was CAD-ed in Rhino, tooled, and molded by Polyworks.