It is important to understand the different cut methods and standards used in local and global cut standards in order to interpret the data and specify the correct cut protection gloves and accessories. DuPont created a guide to help specifiers of protective apparel understand them so they can make informed decisions about cut protective apparel performance.
The Science of Cut Protection provides an overview of the following test methods:
- ASTM F1790-97 (1997 test method) — Original standard test method for measuring cut resistance of materials used in protective clothing. Originally developed by DuPont, this method is used by labs that have a CPPT cut test machine. Cut data generated by this method is used to specify ANSI/ISEA cut levels.
- ASTM F1790-05 (2005 method) — This ASTM test method for measuring cut resistance is used by labs that use a TDM cut test machine. The later revision was harmonized with the ISO 13997 cut test method. Although the method can be used for both the CPPT and TDM cut test machines, current practice is to use ASTM 1790-97 for the CPPT and ASTM 1790-05 for the TDM.
- EN 388-2003 — The European norm for protective gloves against mechanical hazards. This test uses the Couptest cut test machine.
- ISO 13997 — International test standard for the TDM cut test machine.
* Note that these test methods are not interchangeable, to learn more about these test methods, the machines used to test gloves, and how to compare the various results, please download the Science of Cut Protection .
