Introduction
In the personal protective equipment (PPE) industry, the cut resistance of safety gloves is a critical indicator of their safety and functionality. As a leading global manufacturer and supplier of industrial work gloves, HANVO Safety is committed to leveraging advanced testing technologies to ensure our glove products provide superior protection in high-risk environments. How to test cut-resistant safety gloves? The SATRA STM 611 Circular Blade Cut Resistance Tester is a cornerstone of our research, development, and quality control processes. This article provides an in-depth overview of the SATRA STM 611’s testing principles, methodology, and its application in evaluating the cut resistance of industrial safety gloves, demonstrating how HANVO Safety utilizes this technology to enhance product quality and meet international standards.
Overview of the SATRA STM 611 Tester
The SATRA STM 611 cut resistance tester is a professional testing instrument designed to assess the cut resistance of protective materials, compliant with EN 388:2016+A1:2018 Clause 6.2. Employing the Coupe Test method, this tester simulates real-world cutting scenarios to measure the ability of safety glove materials to withstand cutting by a rotating blade. Key technical specifications include:
- Blade: High-hardness steel circular blade, 45 mm in diameter, with a hardness range of 700-800 HV.
- Load: Standard test load of 5N (approximately 500 grams).
- Speed: Blade movement speed of 8±2 cm/s.
- Counting Accuracy: 0.1 cycles, providing precise measurement of cutting cycles.
- Safety Features: Equipped with a transparent protective shield and an automatic shut-off mechanism for operator safety.
Renowned for its precision and reliability, the SATRA STM 611 is an essential tool in the global PPE safety glove industry.
Testing Principles and Methodology
Testing Principle
The SATRA STM 611 evaluates cut resistance using the Coupe Test method. During the test, a circular blade, under a constant load of 5N, repeatedly cuts the glove sample at a fixed speed until the material is penetrated. The instrument records the number of cycles required to cut through the sample (Cycles) and compares this with the average number of cycles required to cut through a standard reference material (e.g., cotton canvas) to calculate the Cut Index. The formula for the Cut Index is:
Cut Index = (Sample Cutting Cycles + Average Reference Material Cutting Cycles) / Average Reference Material Cutting Cycles
This index quantifies the cut resistance of the glove material, with higher values indicating superior protective performance.
Testing Procedure
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Sample Preparation:
- Standard samples (typically 50 mm x 100 mm) are cut from the palm area of the glove.
- For multi-layered composite gloves, samples are prepared in their as-used configuration.
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Sample Installation:
- The sample is securely fixed in the test fixture, ensuring it is flat and free of wrinkles.
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Blade Calibration:
- The blade’s sharpness is calibrated using the STM 611C cotton canvas reference material to ensure consistency in test results.
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Test Execution:
- The blade is positioned on the sample surface, and the tester is activated.
- The blade rotates and moves back and forth until it cuts through the sample, at which point the tester automatically stops.
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Result Analysis:
- The number of cutting cycles is recorded, and the Cut Index is calculated.
- The Cut Index is converted into a cut resistance level (1-5) according to EN 388:2016+A1:2018.
Cut Resistance Levels
Based on EN 388:2016+A1:2018, the SATRA STM 611 test results classify the cut resistance of safety work gloves into the following levels:
- Level 1: Cut Index > 1.2 (suitable for low-risk scenarios).
- Level 2: Cut Index > 2.5 (light cutting risks).
- Level 3: Cut Index > 5.0 (moderate cutting risks).
- Level 4: Cut Index > 10.0 (higher cutting risks).
- Level 5: Cut Index > 20.0 (high cut resistance for extreme environments).
Applications in Safety Glove Development
Material Selection and Optimization
HANVO Safety utilizes the SATRA STM 611 to test the cut resistance of various materials, enabling us to optimize PPE glove designs and manufacturing. Commonly used materials include:
- HPPE (High-Performance Polyethylene): Lightweight and high-strength, suitable for Level 3-5 gloves.
- Glass Fiber: Enhances cut resistance, often blended with HPPE.
- Steel Fiber: Provides exceptional cut resistance, ideal for Level 5 protective gloves.
- Polyester/Nylon: Offers basic protection and comfort, suitable for Level 1-2 protective gloves.
By testing different material combinations and knitting techniques (e.g., 13-gauge or 15-gauge seamless knitting), we identify the optimal formulations to meet specific industry requirements.
Quality Control
During our safety work glove production, HANVO Safety conducts regular sample testing with the SATRA STM 611 to verify cut resistance. By comparing test results against target protection levels, we can adjust glove manufacturing processes in real time, ensuring consistent quality across every batch.
Product Certification and Market Competitiveness
The test results from the SATRA STM 611 provide a robust foundation for HANVO Safety to achieve EN 388:2016+A1:2018 certification. Attaining high cut resistance ratings (Levels 3-5) not only validates the superior performance of our PPE products but also strengthens our competitive position in the global safety glove market, meeting the needs of industries such as mechanical processing and glass manufacturing.
Limitations and Supplementary Testing for High Cut-Resistance Gloves
While the SATRA STM 611 excels in testing most industrial protective gloves, it has limitations when evaluating high cut-resistance gloves containing materials like glass fiber or steel fiber. In such cases, the Coupe Test may overestimate cut resistance due to blade dulling. EN 388:2016+A1:2018 designates the test result as “X” for these materials, recommending supplementary testing with the ISO 13997 TDM Test.
To address this, HANVO Safety employs the SATRA STM 610 TDM Tester, which measures the force (in Newtons) required to cut through a sample, providing a more precise cut resistance rating (A-F levels). Examples include:
- Level A: 2-5N (light protection).
- Level F: >30N (exceptional cut resistance).
By integrating both Coupe Test and TDM Test methods, we ensure the accuracy and reliability of our test results.
Technical Advantages of HANVO Safety
- Innovation in R&D: We leverage the SATRA STM 611 to test new materials and processes, developing high-performance cut-resistant safety gloves.
- Quality Assurance: Standardized safety glove testing methods and procedures ensure product consistency and reliability.
- Customer Customization: We tailor glove designs to customer specifications and validate performance through testing.
- Global Compliance: Our products meet EN 388:2016+A1:2018 and ISO 13997 standards, fulfilling regulatory requirements in Europe, North America, and beyond.
Maintenance and Best Practices
To maintain the accuracy of the SATRA STM 611, HANVO Safety adheres to the following best practices:
- Blade Replacement: Blades are inspected and replaced regularly, typically after 5-10 tests.
- Calibration: The STM 611C cotton canvas is used periodically to calibrate blade sharpness.
- Environmental Control: Testing is conducted at 23±2°C and 50±5% humidity to minimize environmental impacts on material performance.
- Data Management: Test records are maintained for quality traceability and customer certification purposes.
Conclusion
The SATRA STM 611 Circular Blade Cut Resistance Tester is a vital tool in HANVO Safety’s efforts to develop and quality-control safety gloves. By utilizing this equipment, we evaluate the cut resistance of materials, optimize product designs, and ensure compliance with EN 388:2016+A1:2018 standards. For high cut-resistance gloves, we complement the Coupe Test with the SATRA STM 610 TDM Test to enhance testing precision. As a world PPE glove industry leader and hand protection solutions provider, HANVO Safety remains dedicated to advancing protective work glove innovation through cutting-edge safety glove testing technologies, delivering safer and more reliable protective solutions to our global safety industry customers and partners.
For inquiries about our products or testing capabilities, please contact the HANVO Safety team. We are committed to providing exceptional service and customized safety support.
