In daily life, cut-resistant gloves are essential safety equipment for you to protect your hands. They are designed to protect your hands from sharp objects, slicers, laser cutters and other mechanical damage, while also reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. However, how to choose the right cut-resistant gloves is the root of the problem, and different choices will bring different results. Below, we will select the right cut-resistant gloves for you according to your requirements.
What Are Cut-Resistant Gloves?
Cut-resistant gloves are mainly used to protect your hands from cuts, abrasions and other injuries caused by contact when handling sharp tools or using dangerous machines with sufficient mechanical properties such as laser cutters and slicers.
However, cut-resistant gloves are not invulnerable. Instead, they are made by weaving some special materials into the gloves to reduce the cutting damage caused by machines or props. Therefore, these gloves have high cut-resistant and puncture-resistant properties, building a good bridge between the skin and the wearer, protecting your hands while allowing you to work safely.
Key Features of Cut-Resistant Gloves
Cut Resistance
The core of cut-resistant gloves is the ability to resist damage from sharp objects such as machinery and knives through high-density fibers and materials. In short, cut-resistant performance.
Generally speaking, the level of cut-resistant performance is usually determined by the level of the corresponding cut-resistant performance. For example, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) will use professional tests to evaluate the maximum weight that gloves can withstand during cutting.
By analogy, the level ranges from A1 to A9. The higher the level, the stronger the protection provided, and each level corresponds to a different range of cut-resistant loads.
Puncture Resistance
While providing anti-cut protection, some cut-resistant gloves also have a certain degree of puncture resistance, which can effectively prevent sharp objects from piercing into the gloves to protect the hands from injury.
Flexibility and Dexterity
While ensuring certain mechanical properties, the gloves must also be comfortable and flexible when worn. Therefore, these gloves generally adopt a breathable and lightweight design, which not only ensures full finger flexibility, but also ensures that the gloves can be worn for a long time.
Regardless of the type of gloves, there are various sizes to match the wearer’s hands. Relatively speaking, the size that suits your hands can provide the comfort of the gloves.
Grip
Most cut-resistant gloves will add a layer of anti-slip coating on the palms of the gloves and the fingers of both hands to ensure that the gloves will not cause accidents caused by falling off and to enhance the grip of the gloves themselves
Heat and Chemical Resistance
Certain cut-resistant gloves offer additional features according to customer needs, such as heat and cold resistance. Special chemical-resistant coatings can also be added to prevent corrosive substances from harming the hands in hazardous environments.
What Is the Difference Between Cut-Resistant Gloves?
Cut-Resistant Gloves: These gloves are made of materials with high cut resistance, mainly used to reduce risks from cuts, punctures, and tears. While they effectively lower injury risks, they do not guarantee complete cut protection.
Cut-proof Gloves: In theory, these gloves should be completely cut-proof. However, no gloves are entirely cut proof. Even those with exceptional cut resistance cannot protect against every cutting hazard.
What is the glove brake grade?
Glove grade mainly refers to the protective ability of various special types of gloves against special dangers such as cuts, friction, suffocation, etc., and the amnesty level and classification are all determined by the population.
Cut-resistant gloves also have corresponding levels to judge the strength of cut-resistant ability. For example, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) will evaluate the maximum weight that gloves can withstand during cutting based on professional tests, and arrange them in order from low to high.
Understand the Grade Standards of Cut-Resistant Gloves
Many countries have different standards for the grade of cut-resistant gloves, but there are two commonly used international standards: ANSI (American International Standard) and EN388 (European Protection Standard).
EN388
This standard uses a circular blade test to measure the glove’s cut resistance by fixing the glove material to a testing platform and applying a consistent force to a circular blade that moves back and forth across the material. The number of cycles required to cut through the material is recorded and compared to a standard cotton fabric, yielding a cut resistance rating from Level 1 to Level 5.
ANSI
The ANSI standard uses the TDM cut test to determine levels, where a straight blade is applied to the glove material in a single cut to measure the minimum force required to cut through. Based on the cutting force, the gloves are rated from A1 to A9.
Both methods provide clear, standardized ways to determine the cut resistance of gloves, helping ensure appropriate hand protection.
Different Types of Cut-Resistant Glove Materials and Coatings
The materials and external coatings used in cut-resistant gloves significantly impact their performance.
Materials
The base materials of cut-resistant gloves play a crucial role in preventing cuts and punctures. Here are some common types:
Kevlar Gloves: Made from Kevlar fibers, these gloves offer exceptional cut resistance, withstand temperatures up to 450°C, and resist abrasion and tearing. They are lightweight, flexible, and ideal for long-term wear.
Stainless Steel Mesh Gloves: Composed of interwoven stainless steel rings, these gloves effectively disperse cutting forces from sharp objects. They typically achieve ANSI A5+ and EN388 Level F ratings, providing excellent puncture resistance. However, they tend to be bulkier and less suitable for fine motor tasks. Additionally, their production cost is higher.
Dyneema Gloves: Manufactured from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene developed by DSM, Dyneema gloves are up to 15 times stronger than regular gloves while remaining lightweight. They offer excellent abrasion resistance and maintain performance even in wet environments.
Dyneema gloves retain their strength and elasticity at extremely low temperatures and resist chemical corrosion.
Coatings
Coatings enhance glove performance while retaining the base glove’s original functionality.
Nitrile Coating: Provides oil resistance, chemical resistance, and puncture resistance. Nitrile-coated gloves offer a secure grip, preventing accidental slips.
Latex Coating: Enhances elasticity and flexibility, ensuring a snug fit and maintaining finger dexterity. Latex coatings offer comfort during long-term wear and are ideal for tasks requiring tactile sensitivity.
Key Criteria for Choosing Cut-Resistant Gloves
Selecting the right cut-resistant gloves ensures safety and efficiency. Consider the following factors:
Level: Choose gloves with the appropriate cut-resistance rating based on your work environment.
Fit: Properly fitting gloves improve comfort and dexterity.
Durability: Look for gloves with abrasion resistance to extend their lifespan.
Temperature Range: For extreme temperature environments, select gloves with suitable thermal protection.
Grip: Opt for gloves with enhanced grip, especially for wet environments.
Compliance with Standards: Ensure the gloves meet national or international safety standards like ANSI and EN388 for added quality and safety assurance.
Conclusion
Safety is always a priority, and gloves add an extra layer of protection. Investing in the right cut-resistant gloves is the first step to safeguarding your hands. If you’re still unsure how to choose the best gloves, feel free to contact Aibon. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions.
Put on the right gloves and unleash your creativity! Aibon is here to protect you.
How to Measure Glove Sizes – Source: AIBON
Latex gloves– Source: AIBON
Safety gloves– Source: AIBON
Working gloves– Source: AIBON