Chainmail Short Gloves Factory China

Technical Overview of Chainmail Short Gloves in Industrial Cut Protection

Introduction
Chainmail short gloves represent a specialized category of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed for hand safety in environments where sharp-edge hazards are prevalent. Manufactured by Hebei Linchuan Safety Protective Equipment Co., LTD, these gloves are engineered to provide a balance of protection, dexterity, and durability for tasks in industries such as metalworking, butchery, glass handling, and automotive assembly. This article provides a technical examination of their construction, performance standards, and application-specific considerations.

1. Material Composition and Construction
The primary material in chainmail gloves is stainless steel, typically grades AISI 304 or 316, chosen for its corrosion resistance and strength. The rings are precision-welded or riveted to form a mesh structure. Key specifications include:

• Wire Diameter: Commonly ranging from 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm.

• Ring Diameter (Inner Diameter): Usually between 3 mm and 5 mm, determining the density and flexibility of the mesh.

• Linkage Type: Welded links offer a smoother surface and higher integrity, while riveted links provide historical reliability.
  The glove's "short" design typically covers the palm, fingers, and the lower half of the forearm, allowing integration with longer protective sleeves.

  
  

2. Performance Standards and Testing Data
Performance is objectively measured against internationally recognized standards. The most relevant for cut resistance is the EN ISO 13997:1999 standard, which measures the load (in newtons) required for a straight-edge blade to cut through the material at a 20 mm travel distance. Chainmail gloves typically achieve the highest ratings:

• Cut Resistance: They consistently exceed the maximum level (Level 5 or F in EN 388:2016, equivalent to a load >30 Newtons in ISO 13997). Independent tests on stainless steel mesh often report cut resistance values exceeding 40 Newtons.

• Puncture Resistance: Rated under EN 388, chainmail provides Level 4 or 5 protection against puncture from standardized styluses.
  It is important to note that while offering exceptional mechanical protection, chainmail gloves are not designed for electrical insulation or protection from extreme heat or cold.

  
  

3. Design Features and Ergonomic Considerations
Hebei Linchuan's design focuses on mitigating the inherent weight and stiffness of metal mesh:

• Lining: Gloves are lined with materials like breathable cotton, leather, or cut-resistant synthetic fibers (e.g., HPPE). This lining absorbs sweat, improves comfort, and provides a secondary barrier against fine particulate or liquid ingress.

• Closure System: Adjustable wrist straps or elasticated cuffs ensure a secure fit and prevent slippage during use.

• Dexterity: The short style and tailored finger design aim to maximize finger mobility for handling tools and small components. User studies indicate a measurable trade-off between the level of protection and fine dexterity, which must be considered during hazard assessment.

  
  

4. Primary Applications and Selection Guidelines
These gloves are specified for specific high-cut-risk scenarios:

• Metal Fabrication: Handling sheet metal, stamping parts, or deburring.

• Food Processing: Butchery and boning operations with sharp knives.

• Glass and Ceramics: Handling large sheets or broken fragments.

• Aerospace & Automotive: Assembly involving sharp composite materials or edges.
  Selection should be based on a task-specific risk assessment, considering the type of sharp hazard (blade sharpness, saw teeth, pointed objects), duration of use, and required hand movement.

  
  

5. Maintenance, Limitations, and Lifespan
Proper care is essential for sustained performance:

• Cleaning: Requires regular sanitization, especially in food applications. Stainless steel allows for washing with mild detergents and warm water.

• Inspection: Users must inspect for broken links, cracks in welds, or liner degradation before each use. A single compromised link can significantly reduce protection in that area.

• Limitations: As noted, they do not protect against conductive, thermal, or chemical hazards. Their weight may contribute to user fatigue during prolonged tasks.
  With proper care, the functional lifespan of a chainmail glove can extend for several years, though the liner may require more frequent replacement.

  
  

Conclusion
Chainmail short gloves from Hebei Linchuan Safety Protective Equipment Co., LTD are a technically advanced solution for industrial cut hazards. Their efficacy is rooted in the mechanical properties of stainless steel mesh, validated by standardized performance testing. Optimal safety outcomes are achieved when these gloves are selected as part of a comprehensive hazard control program, with due consideration given to their specific capabilities, ergonomic factors, and maintenance requirements.

References

1. European Committee for Standardization (CEN). (2016). *EN 388:2016 - Protective gloves against mechanical risks*.

2. International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (1999). *ISO 13997:1999 - Protective clothing - Mechanical properties - Determination of resistance to cutting by sharp objects*.

3. Health and Safety Executive (HSE). (2013). Gloves: Selecting and using the right protection for the task. HSG260.

4. ANSI/ISEA. (2016). American National Standard for Hand Protection Selection Criteria. ANSI/ISEA 105-2016.

5. Hebei Linchuan Safety Protective Equipment Co., LTD. (2023). Product Technical Data Sheet: Series 300 Chainmail Short Gloves.