Hohenstein scientists determine measurements for gloves that fit

Scientists from the Hohenstein Institute are creating a database of hand measurements to improve the fit of protective gloves for use in cold stores, steelworks, building sites etc, or for sporting use.

Using state-of-the-art 3D scanners and detailed and accurate virtual hand models, hand measurement tables are being created which can be used by glove manufacturers to create customised ergonomic gloves. The actual market shares of the different sizes, which have been extrapolated from the measurement data, provide an additional tool for optimum market coverage.

Standard DIN EN 420 only specifies hand circumference and length for protective gloves, says the Hohenstein Institute, and until now there has been no precise and validated data of the ratio of hand circumference to finger length, finger circumferences or any three-dimensional shape information.

Hohenstein’s initial pilot study measured the hands of 100 male test subjects and the 3D data capture gathered 48 longitudinal and circumference measurements for each hand.

In addition to hand dimensions, the innovative digital method enabled the generation of ‘average size hands’ to be determined by consolidating all hands which should fit a particular glove size, using specialised 3D software. The results are virtual 3D mouldings which represent a glove size, both in its measurable dimensions and also in its three-dimensional form.

In an additional step towards the virtual fit test, average hands can also be used to analyse clothing physiology aspects, says the institute.

Test subjects also completed a questionnaire relating to their preferences and purchasing behaviour and the institute has used this data to determine preferences and the handling and fit of gloves.

From these statements relating to the purchase behaviour of consumers, preferences as well as the handling and fit of gloves was derived. However, further measurements are required to be able to develop a reliable and representative hand size database covering all hand sizes, says the institute.

The Hohenstein Institute is still seeking interested industry partners who would like to use the results of the hand measurements and the resulting generated data for their product development and optimisation of current product ranges.