EN388 protective gloves performance tester

The EN388 protective gloves performance tester is a comprehensive system that includes several key testing devices, such as the Martindale wear tester, glove cut index tester, tear resistance tester, and puncture resistance tester. These tools are used to evaluate different aspects of a glove's durability and protection level. The Martindale wear tester operates by applying a controlled pressure to circular samples, which are then rubbed in a circular motion along a Lissajous path. This means the movement involves two perpendicular directions with a simple integer frequency ratio, creating a harmonic motion pattern. The test continues until the sample is damaged, defined as a hole penetrating through the material. The performance is measured by the number of cycles before failure occurs. This tester follows the specifications outlined in EN ISO 12947-1. The total weight of the load block and specimen holder must be (595 ± 7) grams, ensuring a pressure of (9 ± 0.2) kPa is applied during the test. The glove cut index tester uses a rotating blade under a fixed load to cut through the sample back and forth. It’s important to note that this test is not suitable for gloves made from extremely rigid materials, like metal chain gloves. The blade should apply a force of (5 ± 0.05) N, and the maximum cutting speed should not exceed 10 cm/s. The tear resistance tester measures the force needed to propagate a tear in a rectangular sample. The test is conducted by pulling the sample at a constant speed of (100 ± 10) mm/min, and the system must have low inertia to ensure accurate readings. The highest tear force recorded for each sample determines the rating, with the lowest value among four tests being the final rating. If the sample isn’t fully torn even after 75 N, the test can be stopped, and the maximum force achieved is noted. The puncture resistance tester evaluates how much force is required to push a steel needle through the glove. Unlike other sharp objects, the steel needle used must meet strict standards and the device must measure forces between 0 and 500 N. The needle moves downward at a rate of 100 mm/min until it has displaced 50 mm relative to the sample. The peak force is recorded, even if the sample hasn't been fully pierced. These tests collectively provide a detailed assessment of a glove’s mechanical performance, helping ensure it meets safety and durability requirements for various applications.