Ansell, a leader in health and safety solutions, has collaborated with DSM Dyneema, a developer of Dyneema Diamond Technology material, to produce HyFlex 11-318, a new ultra-light cut-resistant range of safety gloves.

Both glove styles, the HyFlex 11-318 and the HyFlex 11-518, which was the company’s first glove made with Dyneema Diamond Technology, are said to offer a unique combination of low weight and superior comfort through the use of an innovative fibre that is 50% thinner than the materials normally used to make cut-resistant gloves.

The HyFlex 11-318 glove, featuring an ultra-fine 18-gauge knit construction, is made with Dyneema Diamond Technology fibre, providing it with EN Level 3 cut protection.

Durable and comfortable

“A lot of customers tell us they want a glove that they can forget they are wearing,” commented Adrian Rusu, Director, Global New Product Development, Ansell. “They see gloves as a constraint in their work. With the HyFlex 11-318, we are taking another step in removing that constraint, we are giving users a bare-hands sensation without reducing the level of protection.”

Durable and comfortable, the HyFlex 11-318 is designed to offer an ideal hand protection solution for workers in the automotive, aerospace, electronics and white goods segments of industry.

The design features spandex fibres in the knuckle and palm areas of the glove, which is said to guarantee a snug and comfortable fit. It also makes these gloves the go-to choice for applications in assembly, packaging and product inspection, where users handling small parts with sharp edges require enhanced dexterity and optimum tactile control.

Applications

The uncoated design is particularly suited for applications where touch and flexibility are important, such as for handling small parts, the manufacturer reports. Uncoated gloves, such as the HyFlex 11-318, also are cooler than coated gloves, providing extra comfort and reducing perspiration.

Incorporating carbon fibres is said to help to eliminate static electricity, important when handling components in electrical and electronic systems, for example.

This also taps into the trend for gloves that not only protect the user, but also the product they are handling and the process on which they are working. Moreover, because the gloves are silicone free, they can be safely used in a paintwork environment, according to the company.

Dyneema Diamond Technology

Dyneema Diamond Technology fibre is an enhanced version of Dyneema ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre, incorporating micro-particles for extra cut resistance in each filament.

“Ansell has created a glove with a true wow factor, and Dyneema Diamond Technology is a critical enabling element, evidence of our company’s commitment to partner with industry leaders to create the world’s safest hands,” said Nico Janssen, Business Manager, DSM Dyneema. “It only takes a quick hands-on trial for any sceptics to be convinced that such thin gloves can provide the necessary protection from workplace cut hazards.”

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