Hand protection research responds to global needs

The challenge of hand protection in diverse global industries has become the driving force behind the focus that hand protection manufacturers like Ansell have on research.

Commenting on this driving force, Vice President, Ansell Science & Technology, Dr Norman Keane, says: “Innovation has been the core of Ansell’s existence ever since its foundation: not only in its products, but also in the value-added services offered and the way we approach end users.

“The customer intimacy that our sales personnel have enables a rapid flow of information about customer needs. Specialised product selection programs are also used with customers to identify appropriate protection solutions.”

Traditional market research methods identify longer-term ‘unmet’ user needs. Both qualitative and quantitative market research is undertaken for each market segment. This process involves interviewing many stakeholders including end users, safety managers, purchasing managers, shop-floor supervisors and line operators.

“The research also helps Ansell identify the issues faced in factories so we can prioritise R&D goals,” Dr Keane continues. “Innovative concepts may employ current materials technology or the latest materials developments, whichever is appropriate. These concepts are developed for marketing to present to end users for further comment and refinement.

“For example, there is still considerable development in the area of cut-resistant fibres. Increasingly, our customers are demanding a high degree of cut-protection in their gloves, together with a lightweight and comfortable design that provides good dexterity. Kevlar, Twaron and Dyneema are sophisticated fibres which we consistently use in the construction of engineered yarns for cut-protection.”

Another emerging focus is in the field of comfort, particularly in managing sweat.

“There have been a lot of new technologies used in the sports market,” adds Dr Keane. “We have seen golf and soccer shirts that manage sweat. Introducing some of that technology into gloves is a new development that is around the corner.

“In terms of testing, in addition to the standard laboratory tests, we are now using proprietary ‘real-world’ tests. For example, some years ago during the development of our AlphaTec glove, we devised a new grip test to enable us to really show the benefits of and to support our claims for oil grip.

“We are also looking at new types of tests that will analyse abrasion resistance and cut resistance in new ways – these being closer to ‘real-world’ needs than standard laboratory tests.

“We also cross-fertilise ideas across the different business areas within the company. For example, our medical-gloves team are working on products and technologies that we may borrow ideas from and use within the occupational health market. We are always looking to bring together the different synergies that exist within our global and multifaceted business.”

Ansell has two major science and technology facilities - one located in Malaysia and the other in the US. Malaysia is known for its rubber technology and the US facility has strong affiliations with university groups that conduct research on fibres and yarns.