MHP Industries Ltd. used vacuum forming machinery from London-based Ridat Co. to make distinctive red helmets for the British Olympic cycling team.

MHP is based in High Wycombe, England.

MHP worked with Crux Product Design Ltd. and UK Sport to produce the aerodynamic helmets to existing safety standards for the cycling team and the wheelchair racing teams.

The goal was to form the helmet shells as a single piece, but the design did not lend itself to vacuum forming. MHP used a Ridat semi-automatic vacuum former.

Features of the machine include ceramic heaters with multi-zone control, power-assisted and timer-controlled heater box movement and a hinged clamp frame powered by two air cylinders. The mold chamber is fully sealed.

MHP acquired two additional Ridat thermoforming machines in 2011.

Tel. 011 44 20 8458 6485, fax 011 44 20 8455 5056, email dsg@ridat.com.