StPb®
Conventional lead-vinyl core for buyers who prefer traditional lead-based apron construction and economical positioning.
Conventional lead
IndoSurgicals Lead Apron Core Material Guide
Which Radiation Protection Core Material Should You Choose?
IndoSurgicals uses four main core-material families in its radiation-protection garments: StPb®, NoPb®-LT, NoPb®-SL and NoPb®-BL. This guide explains the differences in plain language first, then provides the detailed composition, weight and test data for technical review.
Start Here: Three Things Decide the Right Apron Core
The core material is the shielding layer inside a radiation-protection apron. It affects the apron’s lead equivalence, core weight, flexibility and shielding performance. The outer fabric may change how the apron looks, but the core is what provides the radiation-protection layer.
Choose the protection level
IndoSurgicals mainly offers 0.35 mmPb and 0.50 mmPb lead-equivalent apron constructions.
Choose the core material
Compare conventional lead, lead-free weight, wearing comfort and the type of test documentation required.
Choose the apron design
Frontal, full-overlap and partial-overlap aprons place the protective core differently.
Quick Choice: Understand the Four Materials in 30 Seconds
There is no single “best” core material for every buyer. The useful question is: what is your main priority?
NoPb®-LT
Lead-free lightweight core for a balanced choice between lead-free construction, practical weight and shielding performance.
Balanced lead-freeNoPb®-SL
The lightest lead-free core option listed in this IndoSurgicals range, intended where lower apron core weight is a major priority.
Super lightweightNoPb®-BL
Lead-free core for buyers who specifically want broad-beam test data and associated technical documentation.
Broad-beam tested| Core material | Type | Approx. 0.35 mmPb core weight | Approx. 0.50 mmPb core weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| StPb® | Lead vinyl | 4.62 kg/m² | 6.6 kg/m² |
| NoPb®-LT | Lead-free lightweight | 4.5 kg/m² | 6.0 kg/m² |
| NoPb®-SL | Lead-free super lightweight | 3.9 kg/m² | 5.2 kg/m² |
| NoPb®-BL | Lead-free broad-beam tested | Approx. 4.29 kg/m² | Approx. 6.0–6.04 kg/m² |
Weight note: These values are core-material weight per square metre, not the final finished apron weight. Finished weight also depends on apron size, design, outer fabric, binding, closures, pockets and accessories.
What Do 0.35 mmPb and 0.50 mmPb Mean?
These values describe the apron’s stated lead-equivalent protection level. mmPb means millimetres of lead equivalence; it describes shielding equivalence rather than simply the physical thickness of the finished apron. In the constructions described on this page, IndoSurgicals builds the required level using two core sheets.
0.35 mmPb
Constructed using 2 × 0.175 mmPb core sheets.
0.50 mmPb
Constructed using 2 × 0.25 mmPb core sheets.
Simple way to read this: 0.50 mmPb uses more shielding material than 0.35 mmPb in the constructions shown here. Final apron weight is still affected by the selected core material, apron size and garment design.
How Apron Construction Changes Where the Protection Is Located
Core material selection is only one part of the apron. The garment construction determines where that protective layer sits around the wearer.
Frontal Protection
The protective core is placed on the front side of the apron for users who mainly face the radiation source.
Front protection onlyFull-Overlap Full Protection
Two front panels overlap to create the stated front protection; the source content specifies a 0.25 mmPb back panel.
Front + back coveragePartial-Overlap Full Protection
Each front panel already carries the full stated protection. Where both panels overlap, the source content describes additional combined shielding.
Full protection in each front panel| Apron construction | 0.35 mmPb front arrangement | 0.50 mmPb front arrangement | Back panel stated in source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontal | 2 × 0.175 mmPb | 2 × 0.25 mmPb | Not applicable to front-only design |
| Full-overlap | 0.175 + 0.175 mmPb in overlapped front area | 0.25 + 0.25 mmPb in overlapped front area | 0.25 mmPb |
| Partial-overlap | Each front panel 0.35 mmPb; overlap ≈ 0.70 mmPb | Each front panel 0.50 mmPb; overlap ≈ 1.00 mmPb | 0.25 mmPb |
Detailed Technical Data
The sections below preserve the detailed composition, area-density and shielding/test tables from the original page. They are collapsed by default so a general buyer does not have to read laboratory-style data unless it is needed.
StPb®StPb® — Lead VinylConventional & economical • 0.35 mmPb core ≈ 4.62 kg/m² • 0.50 mmPb core ≈ 6.6 kg/m²
StPb® — Lead Vinyl
Traditional lead-vinyl core for conventional and economical apron construction.
StPb® is IndoSurgicals’ conventional lead vinyl radiation protection core material. It is used for manufacturing lead aprons, frontal protection aprons, full protection aprons, thyroid shields, gonad shields, dental aprons, patient protection shields and other X-ray protection garments.
StPb® is suitable for users who prefer traditional lead-based radiation protection with dependable shielding performance and cost-effective apron construction.
Core Identity
Type: Lead vinyl radiation protection core material
Use: Cost-effective conventional lead apron construction
StPb® Material Composition
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard lead shielding particles | Main radiation attenuation component |
| Polymer / vinyl matrix | Flexible binder that holds lead particles together |
| Core structure | Lead-particle-filled flexible radiation protection sheet |
StPb® Core Sheet Weight / Area Density
| StPb® Sheet / Construction | Approx. Core Weight |
|---|---|
| 0.175 mmPb sheet | Approx. 2.31 kg/m² |
| 0.25 mmPb sheet | 3.3 kg/m² |
| 0.35 mmPb apron construction: 2 × 0.175 mmPb | 4.62 kg/m² |
| 0.50 mmPb apron construction: 2 × 0.25 mmPb | 6.6 kg/m² |
StPb® Shielding Efficiency
StPb® 0.25 mmPb Sheet
| Tube Voltage | Shielding Efficiency |
|---|---|
| 50 kVp | 98.80% |
| 70 kVp | 95.10% |
| 90 kVp | 90.70% |
| 110 kVp | 87.50% |
| 120 kVp | 86.20% |
| 150 kVp | 82.70% |
StPb® 0.35 mmPb Apron Construction — 2 × 0.175 mmPb
| Tube Voltage | Shielding Efficiency |
|---|---|
| 50 kVp | 99.70% |
| 70 kVp | 97.60% |
| 90 kVp | 94.50% |
| 110 kVp | 92.30% |
| 120 kVp | 91.30% |
| 150 kVp | 88.60% |
StPb® 0.50 mmPb Apron Construction — 2 × 0.25 mmPb
| Tube Voltage | Shielding Efficiency |
|---|---|
| 50 kVp | 99.90% |
| 70 kVp | 99.10% |
| 90 kVp | 97.40% |
| 110 kVp | 96.10% |
| 120 kVp | 95.50% |
| 150 kVp | 93.00% |
How StPb® Is Used in IndoSurgicals Lead Aprons
StPb® can be used in frontal protection, full-overlap and partial-overlap full protection apron designs. It is a suitable option for hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres and radiology departments looking for conventional lead vinyl apron protection.
NoPb®-LTNoPb®-LT — Lead-Free LightweightBalanced lead-free choice • 0.35 mmPb core ≈ 4.5 kg/m² • 0.50 mmPb core ≈ 6.0 kg/m²
NoPb®-LT — Lead-Free Lightweight
Balanced lead-free option with slightly lower core weight than StPb®.
NoPb®-LT is a lead-free lightweight radiation protection core material used in selected IndoSurgicals lead-free aprons and X-ray protection garments. It is designed for users who require reliable radiation protection with a lighter construction compared to conventional lead vinyl material.
NoPb®-LT is a polymer-based radiation protection sheet made with lead-free attenuation compounds bonded inside a flexible POE polymer matrix. It is available in 0.175 mmPb and 0.25 mmPb sheet grades, which are used to manufacture 0.35 mmPb and 0.50 mmPb lead equivalent aprons.
NoPb®-LT Material Composition
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fine samarium oxide powder | 41% |
| Ultra-fine cerium oxide powder | 31% |
| Ultra-fine lanthanum oxide powder | 2% |
| Ultra-fine gadolinium oxide powder | 2% |
| Barium sulfate | 2% |
| Ultra-fine bismuth oxide powder | 4% |
| POE polymer matrix | 18% |
NoPb®-LT Core Sheet Weight / Area Density
| NoPb®-LT Sheet / Construction | Approx. Core Weight |
|---|---|
| 0.175 mmPb single sheet | 2.25 kg/m² |
| 0.25 mmPb single sheet | 3.0 kg/m² |
| 0.35 mmPb apron construction: 2 × 0.175 mmPb | 4.5 kg/m² |
| 0.50 mmPb apron construction: 2 × 0.25 mmPb | 6.0 kg/m² |
NoPb®-LT is lighter than StPb® in both 0.35 mmPb and 0.50 mmPb apron construction, making it a practical choice for users who prefer lead-free radiation protection with balanced weight and performance.
NoPb®-LT Shielding Efficiency Under ASTM Narrow Beam Conditions
NoPb®-LT 0.35 mmPb Apron Construction — 2 × 0.175 mmPb
| Tube Voltage | Lead Equivalent | Shielding Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kV | 0.245 mmPb | 98.48% |
| 70 kV | 0.325 mmPb | 98.27% |
| 90 kV | 0.440 mmPb | 97.02% |
| 110 kV | 0.400 mmPb | 94.68% |
NoPb®-LT 0.50 mmPb Apron Construction — 2 × 0.25 mmPb
| Tube Voltage | Lead Equivalent | Shielding Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kV | 0.360 mmPb | 99.57% |
| 70 kV | 0.492 mmPb | 99.60% |
| 90 kV | 0.657 mmPb | 98.88% |
| 110 kV | 0.555 mmPb | 97.30% |
How NoPb®-LT Is Used in IndoSurgicals Lead-Free Aprons
NoPb®-LT is used in selected frontal protection, full-overlap and partial-overlap full protection lead-free aprons. It is suitable for users who want a lead-free apron with reliable shielding, practical weight and good flexibility.
NoPb®-SLNoPb®-SL — Lead-Free Super LightweightLowest listed core weight • 0.35 mmPb core ≈ 3.9 kg/m² • 0.50 mmPb core ≈ 5.2 kg/m²
NoPb®-SL — Lead-Free Super Lightweight
The lightest listed IndoSurgicals lead-free core option for reduced apron weight.
NoPb®-SL is a lead-free super lightweight radiation protection core material used by IndoSurgicals in selected lead-free aprons and X-ray protection garments.
This material is designed for users who need reduced apron weight and improved wearing comfort during long working hours. It is especially suitable for radiology professionals, technicians, doctors and healthcare staff who wear radiation protection garments for extended periods.
NoPb®-SL Material Composition
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fine antimony oxide powder | 35.0% |
| Ultra-fine samarium oxide powder | 30.0% |
| Ultra-fine cerium oxide powder | 11.0% |
| Ultra-fine bismuth oxide powder | 4.0% |
| Barium sulfate | 2.0% |
| POE polymer matrix | 18.0% |
NoPb®-SL Core Sheet Weight / Area Density
| NoPb®-SL Sheet / Construction | Approx. Core Weight |
|---|---|
| 0.175 mmPb sheet | 1.95 kg/m² |
| 0.25 mmPb sheet | 2.6 kg/m² |
| 0.35 mmPb apron construction: 2 × 0.175 mmPb | 3.9 kg/m² |
| 0.50 mmPb apron construction: 2 × 0.25 mmPb | 5.2 kg/m² |
NoPb®-SL is the lightest lead-free core material option among the listed IndoSurgicals core materials. It is recommended where user comfort, reduced fatigue and long-duration wear are important.
NoPb®-SL Shielding Efficiency Under ASTM Narrow Beam Conditions
NoPb®-SL 0.35 mmPb Apron Construction — 2 × 0.175 mmPb
| Tube Voltage | Lead Equivalent | Shielding Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kV | 0.309 mmPb | 99.29% |
| 70 kV | 0.369 mmPb | 98.86% |
| 90 kV | 0.421 mmPb | 96.73% |
| 110 kV | 0.362 mmPb | 93.66% |
NoPb®-SL 0.50 mmPb Apron Construction — 2 × 0.25 mmPb
| Tube Voltage | Lead Equivalent | Shielding Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kV | 0.472 mmPb | 99.81% |
| 70 kV | 0.494 mmPb | 99.60% |
| 90 kV | 0.601 mmPb | 98.58% |
| 110 kV | 0.550 mmPb | 97.24% |
How NoPb®-SL Is Used in IndoSurgicals Lead-Free Aprons
NoPb®-SL is used in selected lead-free aprons where weight reduction is a major requirement. It is suitable for frontal protection aprons, full-overlap full protection aprons and partial-overlap full protection aprons.
For partial-overlap full protection designs, each front panel is made with the full claimed lead equivalent protection. Therefore, the overlapped front area provides additional combined shielding.
NoPb®-BLNoPb®-BL — Broad Beam Tested Lead-FreeBroad-beam documented • 0.35 mmPb core ≈ 4.29 kg/m² • 0.50 mmPb core ≈ 6.0–6.04 kg/m²
NoPb®-BL — Broad Beam Tested Lead-Free
Lead-free core for buyers who specifically require broad-beam test data and technical documentation.
NoPb®-BL is a premium lead-free broad beam tested radiation protection core material used by IndoSurgicals in selected lead-free aprons and X-ray protection garments.
This material is designed for professional medical environments where broad beam tested performance and technical documentation are important. It is suitable for radiology departments, cath labs, C-arm procedures, interventional radiology, dental radiology and diagnostic imaging centres.
NoPb®-BL Material Composition
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fine antimony oxide powder | 28.7% |
| Ultra-fine cerium oxide powder | 24.6% |
| Ultra-fine bismuth oxide powder | 16.4% |
| Ultra-fine gadolinium oxide powder | 4.9% |
| Ultra-fine samarium oxide powder | 4.1% |
| Ultra-fine lanthanum oxide powder | 3.3% |
| POE polymer matrix | 18.0% |
NoPb®-BL Core Sheet Weight / Area Density
| NoPb®-BL Sheet / Construction | Approx. Core Weight |
|---|---|
| 0.175 mmPb sheet | Approx. 2.13 kg/m² |
| 0.25 mmPb sheet | Approx. 3.0–3.02 kg/m² |
| 0.35 mmPb apron construction: 2 × 0.175 mmPb | Approx. 4.29 kg/m² |
| 0.50 mmPb apron construction: 2 × 0.25 mmPb | Approx. 6.0–6.04 kg/m² |
NoPb®-BL Broad Beam Test Performance
NoPb®-BL 0.35 mmPb Apron Construction — 2 × 0.175 mmPb
| Tube Voltage | Broad Beam Attenuation Ratio | Lead Equivalent Result |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kV | 183 | 0.4129 mmPb |
| 70 kV | 71.0 | 0.4116 mmPb |
| 90 kV | 23.4 | 0.4200 mmPb |
| 110 kV | 13.8 | 0.3957 mmPb |
| 120 kV | 11.4 | 0.3814 mmPb |
| 150 kV | 7.51 | 0.3572 mmPb |
NoPb®-BL 0.50 mmPb Apron Construction — 2 × 0.25 mmPb
| Tube Voltage | Broad Beam Attenuation Ratio | Shielding Attenuation | Lead Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kV | 350.05 | 99.7% | 0.47 mmPb |
| 70 kV | 189.24 | 99.4% | 0.59 mmPb |
| 80 kV | 118.77 | 99.1% | 0.66 mmPb |
| 90 kV | 69.74 | 98.5% | 0.62 mmPb |
| 110 kV | 26.43 | 96.2% | 0.58 mmPb |
| 120 kV | 20.60 | 95.1% | 0.55 mmPb |
| 130 kV | 17.09 | 94.1% | 0.53 mmPb |
How NoPb®-BL Is Used in IndoSurgicals Lead-Free Aprons
NoPb®-BL is used in selected premium lead-free apron models where broad beam tested performance is preferred. It is suitable for hospitals, diagnostic centres and procedure areas where users need reliable lead-free shielding with documented performance.
Which Material Fits Which Priority?
| Your priority | Material(s) identified in the source |
|---|---|
| Conventional and economical lead apron | StPb® |
| Lead-free with balanced weight and performance | NoPb®-LT |
| Lowest listed lead-free core weight | NoPb®-SL |
| Broad-beam tested lead-free option | NoPb®-BL |
| Long-wearing comfort priority | NoPb®-SL |
| General diagnostic / radiology use | StPb®, NoPb®-LT or NoPb®-SL |
| Cath lab / interventional use | NoPb®-SL or NoPb®-BL |
Selection note: Use these comparisons as a practical starting point. The final apron design, core material and lead-equivalent protection level should be selected according to the intended procedure, user requirements and the healthcare facility’s radiation-protection policy.
Where These Core Materials Are Used
- Lead aprons
- Lead-free aprons
- Frontal protection aprons
- Full protection aprons
- Thyroid shields
- Gonad shields
- Dental aprons
- Patient protection shields
- X-ray protection garments
- Radiation-protection apparel for hospitals and diagnostic centres
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core material inside a radiation-protection apron?
It is the internal shielding layer. It influences lead equivalence, shielding performance, flexibility and core weight.
What is the basic difference between StPb® and the NoPb® materials?
StPb® is the conventional lead-vinyl option. NoPb®-LT, NoPb®-SL and NoPb®-BL are lead-free core materials made from non-lead attenuation compounds in a polymer matrix.
Which IndoSurgicals core material has the lowest listed core weight?
NoPb®-SL has the lowest listed area-density values among the four options on this page: 3.9 kg/m² for the stated 0.35 mmPb apron construction and 5.2 kg/m² for the stated 0.50 mmPb construction.
Why is NoPb®-BL different from the other lead-free materials?
The source page specifically presents NoPb®-BL with broad-beam test data and positions it for users who require that type of technical documentation.
Does the core weight equal the final apron weight?
No. The listed values are core-material weight per square metre. Finished apron weight also depends on size, style, outer fabric, stitching, binding, closures, buckles, pockets and accessories.
Why can an overlap area show more combined protection?
In the partial-overlap construction described in the supplied content, two fully protected front panels overlap. The source therefore describes approximately 0.70 mmPb in the overlap for two 0.35 mmPb panels and approximately 1.00 mmPb for two 0.50 mmPb panels.
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