Studson Released SHK-2 Safety Helmet
The new industrial headgear utilizes welded tube architecture to meet updated 2026 lateral impact standards.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Materials Science
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Studson has launched the SHK-2 safety helmet, a new industrial protective product that replaces traditional EPS foam liners with a 100% KOROYD tube interior. This helmet is designed to meet the rigorous ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026 Type II+ safety standard.
Why it matters
The transition from conventional foam to advanced structural tubes addresses the industrial sector's need for enhanced thermal regulation and comfort while improving multi-directional protection. This design shift reflects a broader push to update safety protocols to better account for off-center impact forces.
The SHK-2 features an interior composed entirely of precision-welded KOROYD tubes, marking a 100% shift away from standard EPS foam. It is certified to the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026 Type II+ standard, which mandates testing for chin strap retention and lateral force transmission.
The players
Studson
A manufacturer specializing in industrial head protection that integrates advanced material science into safety gear.
KOROYD
A developer of energy-absorption materials that utilize welded tube structures to replace conventional protective foams.
The details
The SHK-2 utilizes precision-welded tubes—hollow structures designed to collapse on impact—to create crumple zones that absorb energy and heat dissipation pathways. These pathways allow for improved airflow compared to solid foam blocks. The design was finalized through a continuous feedback loop from industrial field crews to ensure the protective shell performs under the demands of off-center force transmission required by the new 2026 standard.
Timeline
The ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026 safety standard was released in 2026, establishing the new testing requirements.
Studson officially launched the SHK-2 safety helmet on September 30, 2026.
The Tech Race
This development follows the recent adoption of the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026 safety standard, which forces a shift away from older EPS-based protection models. The SHK-2 aims to set a new benchmark for compliance by integrating energy-dissipating geometries that address both top and lateral impact threats.
Industrial workers can expect the SHK-2 to provide improved thermal regulation and comfort during long shifts compared to traditional foam-lined helmets. The device is intended for use in environments where ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026 Type II+ certification is required for protection against lateral impacts.
The takeaway
The SHK-2 represents a move toward structural engineering solutions in personal protective equipment, emphasizing advanced energy management over passive foam liners. Industry professionals should monitor the adoption of the 2026 safety standard across their specific work sectors to determine if existing gear requires replacement.
Further reading
For more on evolving safety hardware, visit our Materials Science section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Walls and Ceilings Magazine.
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