When sourcing disposable gloves, it is not only important to know what you are buying, but also how it is made. The manufacturing process plays a crucial role in the quality and reliability of the gloves, which directly affects the safety of the user. In this blog we delve deeper into the world of disposable glove production and explain which aspects guarantee quality.
The production process step by step:
- Preparation of raw materials: Disposable gloves are made from various materials, including latex, nitrile and vinyl. Each raw material must be carefully prepared and purified to remove impurities that could affect the quality of the final product.
- Shaping the gloves:The gloves are formed by diving lines in which ceramic or aluminum hand shapes are dipped into the raw material. This must be done under strict temperature control to ensure consistent thickness and strength across the entire glove.
- Vulcanisation process: For rubber materials such as latex, the vulcanization process is essential. This is a chemical process in which the rubber is heated with sulfur to form crosslinks, leading to a stronger and more elastic material.
- Leaching: After vulcanisation, the gloves are immersed in a water bath to wash excess chemicals and proteins from the latex, which reduces the chance of allergies.
- Quality control and AQL standards: Each batch of gloves is subjected to a quality control, in which the AQL standard (accepted quality level) plays a central role. The AQL determines the maximum number of defects that are possible.
- Packaging: After approval, the gloves are packaged in a sterile environment and provided with the necessary labels with information about the size, type of material, AQL standard, and suitability for certain applications.
AQL 0.65 - Surgical gloves (very high risk).
AQL 1.5 - Chemical gloves with EN374 (high risk).
AQL 4.0 - Gloves for use with food, for example (low risk).
Disposable glove legislation
When sourcing disposable gloves, it is important to take into account the various legislation that guarantees the quality and safety of these products. In Europe, disposable gloves must meet strict EU standards, such as the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425, which forms the basis for trading safe and effective PPE within the EU. Furthermore, compliance with the EN 455 standards for medical gloves and the EN 374 standards for protection against chemicals and micro-organisms is essential. The AQL values, or Acceptable Quality Limit, play a crucial role in this; they determine the level of quality considered acceptable for the batch of gloves during sample inspections.
Which specifications are important?
When sourcing disposable gloves, the specifications are crucial for ensuring safety and functionality. These gloves, ranging from nitrile to latex and vinyl, must meet strict standards to provide protection against chemicals, punctures and biological hazards. Specifications such as thickness, stretch and tensile strength determine durability and ease of use. Furthermore, it is essential to look for powder-free options that reduce allergic reactions and texture for better grip.
Conclusion
Manufacturing disposable gloves is a complex process where every step is crucial for the quality of the end product. From the careful selection of materials to strict adherence to AQL standards, the manufacturing of these essential protective equipment requires sound expertise and precision. By understanding this process, disposable glove buyers can make more informed decisions that contribute to both user safety and efficiency within their organization.
