All 6 Types of Face Shield for 2022
                     All 6 Types of Face Shield for 2022
different types of face shields to find yourself the right safety gear!
Many professions involve people wearing face shields to protect themselves 
or the people they are serving. In the foodservice industry, they are worn to 
prevent workers from contaminating food with bacteria or viruses. On the 
other hand, on construction sites, those involved in welding or grinding will 
sport them to protect their faces from flying sparks, dust, and debris. People 
in healthcare, grocery stores, salons, etc. wear them while carrying out 
certain tasks, and nowadays, due to COVID–19, people regularly put on face 
shields while going out too.
So, does that mean a face shield can shoulder the responsibilities of all 
trades?
No, different types of face shields are available for different works. Allow 
us to present them to you in-depth!
Varyious Types of Face Shield
As we mentioned before, face shields come in several types–each holding its 
own unique features. Their characteristics make them suitable for certain 
jobs as protection from various particles are offered.
Headband Face Shield
A face shield that starts and forms a tight band around your head and then 
extends till the bottom of your chin is known as a headband face shield. It 
allows amazing ventilation properties and padded straps which combine to 
let the wearer work in comfort while wearing it.
This particular type of face shield is mostly used by people in health care or 
grocery stores where one needs to avoid coughing onto others. It also 
manages to block out quite a bit of dirt.
Wide Face Shield
Such face shields are pretty similar to headband face shields, except that 
they are wider and thus, cover a bit of your ears too. A band is present 
around the forehead to hold the shield tightly into position and stop sparks or
dust from getting in and causing inconvenience.
A string is provided that connects one upper corner of the face shield to the 
other. When somebody wants to wear the shield, they should pull back the 
string and allow it to wrap around the back of their head while the plastic 
front covers the face.
Food-Grace Plastic Shield
As you could have guessed by the name, such shields are the ones used by 
bakers, chefs, and other people in the food industry. They avert exhaled gas 
from the food and stop contamination of any form to ensure the good health 
of all consumers.  
Food-grade plastic shields also have a similar build to headband face shields.
They are a tad bit longer and the plastic exterior spreads out towards the 
back to create a better fit.
Disposable Face Shield
Such face shields are made for single-use and hence, have a very low price. 
As they are made to be discarded after single-use, disposable face shields 
have poor durability. It gets scratched easily and can even develop cracks or 
tears after harsh usage.
Disposable face shields are usually brought by people for daily use during a 
pandemic. They can wear it while running errands or visiting stores to put a 
stop to germs traveling into their face.
Pivot Face Shield
If you are looking for flexible face shields, this is the one you should consider
investing in. A pivot is present on top of the face shield, which allows you to 
pull it up and reveal your face while in use. This makes it extremely suitable 
for those who use grinding or welding tools as they can lift it up and eat or 
communicate with others.
Pivot face shields have a durable build that lets people use them for a long 
time. They are shaped exactly like food-grade plastic shields and so offer 
similar ventilation features.
Face-shield With Built-in Goggles
When it comes to safety, face shields with built-in goggles have the most to 
offer. Not only is your entire face curtained, but an added layer is used to 
protect your eye from damage. Lab technicians, construction workers, and 
welders can, therefore, use such face shields to narrow down the risks 
associated with their field of work.
Materials Used for Making Face Shields
Face shields vary between types but they can be further differentiated 
through the material they are made of. Here are some common materials 
used to manufacture face shields:
Polycarbonate
Face shields made out of polycarbonate tend to be used for welding or 
grinding tasks. This is because of the material’s toughness that lets it stand 
resiliently against impact. It also remains unaffected by heat so sparks will 
not melt the surface. Other than sparks, dirt and debris, polycarbonate face 
shields will also keep your face out of UV rays’ way. Sunburns can be easily 
prevented and chances of skin cancer are reduced.
Problems with face shields made out of this material include the fact that 
they get damaged upon contact with chemicals. Cleaning is made difficult, 
as you never know how certain types of cleaning agents will react to its 
body.
Mesh
Although face shields manufactured out of mesh do not resist impact, 
chemical damage, or UV rays, their ventilation alone serves as an 
outstanding feature. Mesh allows a proper airflow that lets the wearer 
breathe comfortably while working. Sweating and any feelings of stuffiness 
are reduced, making it ideal for workplaces that have a damp environment.
Acetate
Acetate is a material that is plant-based. It can be used to construct face 
shields that cause absolutely no hindrance to your line of vision. Your 
breathing will not cause it to fog up, making it ideal for lab technicians or 
salon use.
Impact resistance allows acetate face shields to be free from cracks and 
scratches. Unlike the other materials, it also manages to stay intact at a wide
range of temperatures and offers flexible usage. A hypoallergenic feature 
also makes it suitable for all customers.
The only problem with acetate includes its cost. It manages to be more 
costly than PETG or polycarbonate because of all the advantages it brings.
Propionate
Another common matter used to make face shields is propionate. This does 
not have too many commendable properties except for its high resistance 
against chemical splashes. One can hence, use it in chemistry or other 
science labs to patrol their face from rashes and burns.
Other than this, in terms of vision, propionate manages to be better than 
acetate. Users can easily continue with their work while also receiving 
optimum protection.
PETG
This is a thermoplastic polyester with a praiseworthy strength that increases 
longevity. Properties include an excellent chemical resistance that allows it 
to be used in labs or hospitals. One can sterilize it with cleaning solutions to 
keep it free from bacteria or viruses.
PETG face shields are extremely easy to make since cutting them requires 
little effort. Nevertheless, due to their amazing features, you will have to pay
a big sum for purchasing them.
FAQs
Do you need a face shield for grinding?
Yes, face shields must be worn while grinding. This is because dust and 
debris are produced while working, which can get into your nose or mouth 
and obstruct your health. Besides that, sparks can cause the facial skin to 
burn.
What is a hooded face shield?
This is a type of face shield made for kids. It consists of a hood that can be 
zipped up with a frontal shield to cover your entire head from dust or dirt.
What type of eye and face protection should be worn for heavy grinding?
Safety goggles are a must since they prevent broken parts or dust particles 
from getting into your eyes. Face shields are also made a must in some 
places to offer an added layer of protection.
Can I reuse a face shield?
Most face shields can be reused as long as they have not suffered from 
cracks or scratches. However, disposable face shields should only be worn 
once as their protective properties face a decline after a single use.
Related topic: types of motorcycle helmet
Conclusion
With all the different types of face shields mentioned and described, you 
probably already know which is the right pick for you. Thoroughly go through
the article before you decide on a type and material.
If you are still confused, here are our most favorite options that you can look 
into for further input.
Keep your face safe and have a fun time shopping for face shields!