It’s no secret that protective gloves are necessary when working with sharp tools or machinery, but do you know which material is best suited for the equipment you work with?
Cut-resistant gloves are purposely made with different synthetic materials to provide the optimum level of protection for the job. There are four common types of materials used in cut-resistant glove designs and it’s important to know the nature of each in order to choose the best glove for you.
We’ve explored the science behind these materials, outlined all the features and recommended a pair of gloves in each category to help you get informed and select the right pair of gloves for the task at hand.
DuPontTM Kevlar®
DuPont Kevlar is an aramid fiber that is impressively lightweight, durable and strong. Kevlar fiber has a high tensile strength-to-weight ratio—the material is five times stronger than steel (and was originally used as a replacement for steel in racing tires), yet is light and pliable enough to apply to wearable goods.
Features
- Cut resistant
- Strong (5x stronger than steel on an equal weight basis)
- Flame resistant (will not melt)
- Lightweight & comfortable
- Durable (extended wear times and product life)
- Food safe (complies with FDA regulations for direct food contact)
- Launderable (do not use bleach)
- Available in a wide range of styles
Recommended Gloves
9389PV MEMPHIS TM KS-4 TM KEVLAR® -STEEL
Dyneema®
Dyneema Diamond Technology is an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene that is a progression from the original Dyneema. Much like Kevlar, Dyneema is a lightweight and natural-feeling fiber, but with a much higher tensile strength-to-weight ratio. Dyneema is trademarked as “the world’s strongest fiber” and is light enough to float on water.
Features
- Cut resistant
- Strong (15 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis)
- Excellent abrasion
- Cool to the touch
- Soft & flexible
- Durable (extended wear times and product life)
- Breathable (inherently dissipates body heat)
- Washable (do not use bleach)
Recommended Gloves
9672DT MEMPHIS TM DIAMOND TECH 3
AlycoreTM
Alycore is one of the most effective materials available for resistance to cuts, tears and punctures. Layer-based technology combines multiple layers of metal mesh Alycore to yield higher resistance against the Cut Protection Performance Test (CPPT). Alycore material offers reliable protection and dexterity with a sense of touch due to its high degree of flexibility.
Features
Features
- Cut resistant
- Strong (exceeds ANSI/ISEA and CE cut level 5 test rating)
- Solid (meets ASTM F2878-10 standard for resistance to hypodermic needle puncture)
- Lightweight & flexible
- Launderable (machine wash, line dry)
- Available in palm-only or 360-degree coverage designs
Recommended Gloves
HV100A FORCEFLEXTM Alycore TM
Steelcore II®
Steelcore II combines dual strands of stainless steel, which are wrapped with a soft knit yarn in glove designs. Steelcore material provides a comfortable fit, incredible dexterity and a substantial level of protection.
Features
Features
- Cut resistant
- Soft & flexible
- Food safe (complies with FDA regulations for direct food contact)
- Launderable (machine wash, line dry)
- Available with reinforced PVC coating
- Available in reversible patterns and varying lengths
Recommended Gloves
9381 STEELCORE® II – 7-Gauge
By now, you’ve hopefully identified the gloves that are best suited for the equipment you work with. To find the perfect pair of gloves, check out our wide selection of cut-resistant gloves in the U.S. Standard Products Safety Catalog. As always, stay tuned to our blog for more workplace safety tips, and don’t forget to follow us on social media!