Coated Gloves
Coated gloves have become extremely popular lately, due to their added layer of protection that not only adds safety to the glove, but also makes the glove more comfortable. Palm-coated gloves are made from a variety of tough materials, from nitrile to Kevlar, the latter ensuring a superior level of protection.
The nitrile coated gloves are one of the most popular choice, as they are safe and extremely durable. Nitrile somehow resembles rubber, the sole difference is that it does not cause an allergic reaction like latex can cause in some situations, and this happens due to the fact that they are 100% synthetic – this is why nitrile coated gloves are used nowadays for a wide range of applications. These gloves ensure a perfect fit and grip, it offers excellent resistance to tearing and puncturing and it can resist oil as well as certain types of chemicals.
Latex coated gloves share several characteristics with nitrile coated gloves. Basically latex is natural rubber that is high in latex protein – this material is widely used not only for creating coated gloves, but also for producing medical grade gloves due to the high elasticity of the natural rubber, coupled with the great grip and increased comfort. Moreover, the tear resistance is another aspect that makes latex glove coatings stand out from the rest.
Polyurethane is also widely used for manufacturing coated gloves, as it ensures enhanced grip and fit – it is soft, yet extremely tough and durable in the same time. The increased abrasion and cut resistance along with the resistance to puncture have turned polyurethane into a popular coating mainly for cut-resistant gloves. One of the main disadvantages of certain types of coating is that they add bulk and they reduce the touch sensitivity – fortunately, this is not the case with polyurethane, which is a very lightweight material.
PVC coated gloves are efficient, highly resistant to chemicals and very cost-effective as well. They have a great fit and they can come in smooth or rough finish, the latter model ensuring an enhanced grip. One of the main reasons why PVC is such a popular material these days is that it is very versatile and affordable, this is why it is widely used for manufacturing gloves that are used in industries like painting, mining or fishing as well as other light duty industries.
Last, but not least, Kevlar coated gloves are believed to be the most resistant to cuts, abrasions and tears, due to the durability and toughness of the material. Nonetheless, Kevlar coated gloves are not as lightweight as the above-mentioned options.
When it comes to applications, it must be mentioned that different gloves are used in different fields: gloves with a tougher coating that is more resistant to tearing and puncturing are used in metal handling and heavy duty industries, while less durable and resistant gloves are used in light duty industries like the food industry, landscaping or gardening. Other common applications for coated gloves include glass cutting, metal stamping, fishing, sanitation industry, recycling, electronics and computer assembly, constructions or inspection.