What has changed?
In 2016, a new test called TDM-100 was developed for cut resistance.
It’s designed to be used in addition to the existing test. The existing Coup Test remains a critical part of testing, now used to determine when a glove should be elevated to the new TDM test.
Strict testing criteria determines the sharpness of the Coup Test blade and an equation determines the level of cut performance of the glove by exerting a standard 5 Newtons of force against a circular rotating blade.
The test criteria then deems the product to be placed under the new TDM-100 test parameters if a dulling of the blade sharpness is calculated. The TDM cut test becomes compulsory if 60 cycles are recorded at this point.
This new test is carried out by using a constant blade speed of 2.5 mm/s, with a new rectangular blade over a 20mm distance with Newtons of load applied.
A rating of A-F is then recorded based on the Newtons of load. This is now a means of identifying higher cut resistant gloves which would previously dull the blade within the previous EN388 test.
What does this mean for coding?
The additional test means that gloves will carry new coding that can be identified by a 5 or 6 digit score.
It is optional for the manufacturer to state levels 1-5 of (Coup Test) cut resistance as a second digit on the glove score. If the TDM test is conducted an 'X' can be placed at digit 2 in the sequence.
If the glove is not designed for high cut-resistance and therefore not likely to dull the Coup Test blade; the TDM test may not be conducted. In this instance there will be 'X' stated at digit 5 in the sequence, indicating that the test has not been carried out.
If the TDM test is carried out, it is compulsory to state the alphabetic level at digit 5 of the sequence. For example 4X43D.
A sixth digit may be present which relates to a new impact test. This test is only necessary if the glove is intended for impact protection. The test quantifies a straightforward pass or fail, denoted by P or F.
For example 4X43DP.
NB: The presence on an 'X' in any position in the sequence indicates that test has not been carried out.
