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EN ISO 13997 Cut Resistance Test
Introduction
The EN ISO 13997 test method is an important part of the EN 388:2016 standard for assessing the performance of protective gloves against cuts. It measures the amount of force required to cut through a glove material using a sharp, linear blade under controlled conditions.
The cut resistance test under EN ISO 13997 is designed to address situations where high cut hazards are present. Traditional testing (such as the Coup test) may not accurately reflect the glove's resistance when exposed to high-pressure sharp objects, making the ISO 13997 method more reliable for industrial applications like metalworking or glass handling.
Abrasion resistance (0 to 4)
Cut resistance (circular blade - 0 to 5)
Tear resistance (0 to 4)
Puncture resistance (0 to 4)
Cut resistance (linear blade - A to F)
EN 388:2016 Standard - Pictogram with glove protection levels.
Test Methodology
The EN ISO 13997 test involves applying a straight blade across the glove material with increasing force until it penetrates the material. The force required to achieve this is recorded in Newtons (N). This method is ideal for measuring the performance of gloves made from high-tech materials like Kevlar, Dyneema, or steel fibers.
During the test, the blade moves in a single, linear motion across the glove material. As the pressure on the blade increases, it eventually breaks through the material, providing a cut resistance value in Newtons. The higher the Newton value, the more cut-resistant the glove material is.
Cut Resistance Levels (Newton Scale)
The results of the EN ISO 13997 test are classified based on the amount of force required for cut-through, measured in Newtons (N). The classifications are as follows:
- Level A: ≥ 2N
- Level B: ≥ 5N
- Level C: ≥ 10N
- Level D: ≥ 15N
- Level E: ≥ 22N
- Level F: ≥ 30N
Applications of the EN ISO 13997 Test
The EN ISO 13997 test is primarily used for gloves that are designed for industries with a high risk of cuts and punctures, where workers handle sharp objects or materials. These include sectors like:
- Metal fabrication and sheet metal handling
- Glass and window manufacturing
- Automotive assembly
- Construction and demolition
- Mining and heavy-duty equipment handling
Comparison with the Coup Test
The EN 388:2016 standard uses both the Coup test and the EN ISO 13997 test to measure cut resistance, but they differ significantly. The Coup test uses a circular blade and measures how many rotations it takes to cut through the material. However, this test can be inaccurate for materials that dull the blade quickly, such as those with high levels of cut resistance.
Circular Blade used in the Coup test.
The EN ISO 13997 test, on the other hand, uses a straight blade and is more suited for materials that offer high levels of protection, as it measures the force applied, ensuring a more reliable result under high-risk conditions.
Straight Blade used in the EN ISO 13997 test.
The EN ISO 13997 test provides a critical measurement of cut resistance for protective gloves, offering a standardized way to assess the safety of gloves in environments where sharp objects are handled. By understanding the Newton ratings, you can select gloves that offer the appropriate level of protection for various industrial tasks.
