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AS Quality Center
Customized product testing – directly at NITRAS
With the AS Quality Center, NITRAS has its own state-of-the-art testing laboratory – a central component of our comprehensive quality management system. In order to meet the ever-increasing demands for safety, precision, and reliability, we carry out systematic product testing here. State-of-the-art testing technologies and an experienced team of experts ensure that our products meet the highest quality standards before they go into series production or are delivered to the customer.
Tests are carried out in accordance with internationally recognized standards as well as our own specially developed test methods. This enables us not only to reliably meet binding standards, but also to identify deviations at an early stage and take targeted countermeasures. Our goal: to ensure the quality and protection of our products even more efficiently and precisely – and to provide our customers with well-founded test results and practical application recommendations.
The AS Quality Center stands not only for tested quality, but also for practical expertise, transparent testing processes, and trust in the NITRAS brand. With the integration of the laboratory, we are expanding and strengthening our quality management in the long term—through more precise testing procedures, faster feedback loops, and even closer integration with development and production. Initial feedback confirms that this step sends a clear signal for responsible product quality and noticeably increases the long-term reliability of our brand.
At AS Quality Center, we deliberately use state-of-the-art testing technologies to ensure that our products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance with standards. We exclusively use specialized testing equipment that allows us to analyze physical and chemical properties precisely, reproducibly, and under realistic conditions.
ESD testing
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) poses a serious risk in many industrial sectors—particularly in electronics manufacturing, the semiconductor industry, and in potentially explosive working environments. To ensure that our products meet these sensitive requirements, we carry out targeted ESD testing of safety shoes at the AS Quality Center.The testing is carried out under strictly defined laboratory conditions. The tests measure whether the shoes are able to reliably and controllably dissipate electrostatic charges.
The focus is on precisely determining the electrical resistance. Only if this is within the standard-compliant limits can safe use be guaranteed. This not only prevents damage to sensitive electronic components, but also effectively eliminates potential ignition hazards.
With this test, we make an important contribution to product safety and document the suitability of our ESD-compliant models for safety-critical working environments in a transparent, traceable, and standard-compliant manner.
Chemical permeation test
At the AS Quality Center, we conduct targeted chemical permeation tests to evaluate the protective effect of our chemical protection gloves at the molecular level. The tests are carried out in accordance with the EN ISO 374-1 standard and are an essential part of the quality assessment.In the permeation test, the outside of a glove material is brought into continuous contact with a defined test chemical. The time it takes for the substance to completely penetrate the material layer is then measured – this is known as the breakthrough time. The longer this barrier holds, the higher the protection classification of the product.
To perform these tests, we use the high-precision Qumat 401, an automated testing device specially developed for measuring the permeation of chemical protective gloves. It enables standardized and reproducible evaluation under realistic conditions.
The results obtained not only serve for standard-compliant classification, but also provide a sound basis for decision-making in practical use: from short-term chemical contact to heavily contaminated working environments with permanent exposure.
Checking for paint wetting-inhibiting substances
In certain industrial sectors—particularly automotive production, painting technology, and bonding technology—surface cleanliness is of utmost importance. Even the slightest traces of so-called paint wetting interfering substances (PWI), such as silicones, oils, fats, or additives, can cause paints to fail to adhere, coatings to run incorrectly, or adhesive bonds to fail.At the AS Quality Center, we specifically check whether gloves are PWI-free and can therefore be used without hesitation in sensitive production processes. We use recognized testing methods that simulate the potential release of interfering substances under realistic conditions. The aim is to ensure that the gloves used have no negative impact on downstream processes such as painting, bonding, or coating.
Measuring grip strength
Grip strength is a decisive criterion for the practical suitability of protective gloves. We test how well different materials and coatings perform on dry, wet, or oily surfaces. Using standardized test procedures, we measure the force required to grip, hold, and move objects under realistic conditions. This ensures that the glove not only protects the wearer but also offers optimal control and safety in everyday work.
Abrasion resistance
A key test is the abrasion resistance test in accordance with EN 388, which we perform using the Martindale device. In this test, the material is subjected to a specified load under defined pressure and uniform friction movements, with both the number of cycles and the material loss being documented. The aim is to determine the material's resistance to mechanical abrasion – an essential indicator of the durability and resilience of protective gloves in everyday use.Cut resistance (TDM)
We use the TDM machine to test cut resistance – a standardised procedure in accordance with EN 388 that delivers particularly accurate and consistent measurement results. Unlike conventional coupe tests, the TDM procedure measures the actual force required to cut through a material with a straight blade at a controlled speed. This allows the cut resistance of glove materials to be objectively evaluated and reliably classified in accordance with standards.
Tear and puncture resistance
For mechanical stress tests, we use our universal testing machine to perform tear and puncture resistance tests in accordance with EN 388. The tear resistance test determines the force required to tear a cut material further—an indicator of structural strength. The puncture force test measures a material's resistance to penetration by sharp objects. Both tests provide important parameters for the resilience of protective gloves in demanding work environments.Conductivity and pH tests
We also test the material-related properties of gloves, which contribute significantly to product safety and skin compatibility. The conductivity test determines whether the glove material can conduct or insulate electrical currents. The specific electrical resistance is measured to ensure that the electrical properties of the material meet the requirements of the respective protection class.The pH test is used to evaluate the skin compatibility of the gloves. The pH value of the glove material is determined using aqueous extracts. The aim is to ensure that the gloves are in the neutral to skin-friendly pH range.
Basis weight checks
Determining the basis weight is a fundamental test parameter for assessing material quality and consistency in textiles. We determine the basis weight by weighing a defined material sample and relating it to its surface area. Deviations from the target value can indicate production errors or material changes and provide important clues about the durability, density, and feel of the fabric.Evidence of vulcanization accelerators
At the AS Quality Center, we specifically test glove materials for residues of vulcanization accelerators used in the manufacturing process of rubber and latex products. These substances can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Using analytical testing methods, we determine whether such residues are present and in what concentration.Tests for fingerprint resistance
For applications in sensitive areas—such as glass processing, quality control, or the display industry—it is crucial that gloves do not leave fingerprints. We test whether the material leaves residues, streaks, or fingerprints on glass surfaces. The evaluation is carried out under standardized lighting conditions on reference glass. This test ensures clean, residue-free use in optically critical applications.
Looking for the right protection?
We recommend the right chemical protection gloves
Choosing the right chemical protection gloves is complex—it depends on many factors: the type and concentration of the chemical, the duration of wear, the working environment, and mechanical stress. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.That is why we offer targeted product recommendations at the AS Quality Center: Based on standard-compliant tests, we analyze important material properties such as permeation, degradation, and chemical resistance. From these results, we derive a recommendation as to which type of glove is suitable for your specific application. Whether occasional contact or permanent exposure – we help you find the optimal protective glove for your requirements. This ensures that you not only work in accordance with standards, but also in a practical and safe manner – with confidence in the right choice.
Need help with your selection? We are happy to advise you.
Get recommendations for suitable protective gloves now.
Behind the testing procedures at AS Quality Center is a team of highly qualified specialists who use their technical expertise, precision, and keen awareness of quality to ensure that our products meet the highest standards. Our laboratory technician, Mr. Rainer Meissner, has in-depth knowledge in the areas of materials testing, chemistry, and quality assurance. Through continuous training, we always remain up to date with relevant standards and testing methods.
Whether EN 388, EN ISO 374, or internal test protocols—our team knows the requirements in detail and implements them routinely, reliably, and in compliance with standards. The precise execution of tests, professional evaluation, and complete documentation are just as much a matter of course for us as the critical analysis of results and their practical interpretation.
In close coordination with departments such as development, purchasing, and production, we ensure that test results are not viewed in isolation, but are used specifically to optimize products and processes. In this way, daily testing experience becomes lived responsibility – and systematic quality work becomes real added value for our customers.
