d3o-faqs

Here is where we answer all those questions you have about d3o™, how it works, where it came from etc... If there is STILL something that we haven’t answered then just write an email to info@d3olab.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Q. What is d3o™ & how does it work?
A. d3o™ is an Intelligent Shock Absorbing material containing intelligent molecules that flow freely when moving slowly but on shock lock together to absorb impact energy.

d3o does NOT go hard when you hit it, the molecules lock together acting a bit like a net that both ABSORBS and SPREADS the force. You would not actually want something that is protecting you to go hard instantly, because that would hurt. Imagine you are catching a cricket ball / baseball

if you catch it with floppy arms (like a soft foam) the ball will hit your chest (the foam will bottom out)

if you catch the ball with rigid arms outstretched (like a hard shell or solid material), the ball will hurt when it hits your hands, transferring the force through your arms

if you catch the ball using your muscles to push back against the force of the ball, you will spread and absorb it most effectively – this is like d3o™

Q. What is the d3o™ base material?
A. The d3o base material is what d3o™ is derived from – it is used to make d3o™, if you like it’s the “pure intelligent molecules”. This is a useful demonstration that shows how d3o™’s intelligent molecules lock together on impact inside the final material.

The best way to demonstrate d3o’s properties is to make it into a tower, then try to flatten it. This makes you realise that it doesn’t move therefore is temporarily turning into a solid. You can also roll it into a ball and bounce it like a superball.

Q. Where did the name d3o™ come from?
A. Some say it was the name of the room where it was invented, some say it is the chemical formula, the truth is, it’s a bit of both...

Q. Who invented d3o™?
A. d3o was invented by Richard Palmer who founded the company and is now the CEO. Richard sold his house, car, everything to build the company, and thanks to all that we’re still here! You can find out more about Richard here.

Q. Why did Richard invent d3o™?
A. Richard’s a snowboarder, so when he came across these strange materials that are rate sensitive (like the base material) he was inspired to use that somehow as flexible protection, so you didn’t have to worry about getting hurt, and you also maintained the control you need to perform. So, he mixed up some bits and bobs in his blender in the kitchen, and came up with the first ever foam material that behaved differently at low speeds and high speeds - which means soft at slow speeds, and very shock absorbing at high speeds!

Q. I am a sales rep, can you send me some stuff to help me sell my d3o™ product?
A. Yes! Please email us at salesteams@d3olab.com and we’ll send you over some kit.

Q. I am a retailer, can you send me some stuff to help me sell my d3o™ product?
A. Yes! Please email us at retailers@d3olab.com and we’ll send you over some kit.

Q. Can you eat it?
A. No we wouldn’t recommend it...

Q. Is d3o™ toxic?
A. No

Q. I am a student, can you send me some samples?
A. We have so many enquiries every day that it would be impossible for us to send out samples to everyone who enquires so for the moment, sorry guys but we can’t send you samples, if you can’t find everything else that you need on the website then drop us a line at info@d3olab.com and we’ll see what we can do.

Q. I’m an athlete, will d3o™ sponsor me?
A. We have a dedicated team site (http://www.d3oteam.com) where you can sign up to be part of the team. We also have a group of “d3o diamonds” who we work with to test out new concepts that are developed in the lab. We don’t have official sponsored athletes but if you want to get involved in the team and get the chance to become a diamond, then get in touch - the more active you are on the site and the more you talk to us the more likely you are to make it as a d3o diamond!

Q. Where can I buy d3o™ products?
A. Check out the new retailer page at http://www.d3o.com/retailers to find your nearest shop or buy online (this page is currently being built).

Q. How much does d3o™ cost?
A. This all depends on the volume - d3o is not cheap, and costs more than the foam it replaces. d3o is a technical material and should be used in a technical product to enhance its functionality, so you will only find it in high quality products. Contact us at sales@d3olab.com and we’ll talk to you about your idea, if it’s something we think will work and you are in a market we are currently working in then we can work out pricing for you based on your volumes.

Q. How can I work with d3o™?
A. you can download our guide on how we work from here. This will explain the process, who we can work with and can’t and why, and how to get your project going.

Q. is d3o™ washable?
A. Yes d3o can be washed at 40 degrees C

Q. Does d3o™ offer penetration resistance?
A. no it does not but it can be used in combination with other materials (aramid anti-stab fibers (kevlar) / hard shell) to absorb & spread the force of the impact.

Q. Is d3o™ abrasion resistant?
A. No not by itself, it will stand a certain amount of wear & tear but we would recommend that d3o is coated or put behind a window or in a pocket.

Q. Is d3o™ breathable?
A. We make the d3o geometries breathable by putting holes in them to encourage airflow.

Q. Can I just buy the base material?
A. NO

Q. Why can’t I use the base material in my product?
A. The base material is still a liquid, so to use its properties you would have to put it inside something, then you are always limited by the properties of the container that you put it in, for example the properties of water aren’t very exciting when it’s inside a bottle. Liquids are also very heavy, and are not breathable. The smart thing we have done with d3o is maintain the properties of this liquid inside a SOLID material that is very soft & flexible and can be made in almost any shape.

Q. Does d3o™ perform at low temperatures?
A. Yes, we have tested d3o to –20 degrees C without any reduction in performance or significant difference in the feel of d3o.

Q. What does d3o™ bond to?
A. You can heat bond d3o to fabrics using film adhesives, or we can bond it to fabrics when we are molding the parts to give a completely permanent bond.

Q. Is there any technical data I can download on d3o™?
A. You can download the data sheets showing d3o’s performance against other materials from here.

Q. What is the thinnest you can make d3o™?
A. We will advise you on the right thickness for your application, we can do almost any thickness but our standard products are from 3mm to 9mm.

Q. Can you injection mould d3o™?
A. No.