Cut Resistance Standards Defined

Intertex Cut Resistant fabrics are rated and tested to the ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard for Cut, Puncture and Abrasion Resistance.

Cut Resistance

Our fabrics are tested to the ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Cut Resistance standard, based on the ASTM F2992-15 test method. The ASTM test method is the generally accepted and most widely used method to test for fabric cut resistance in North America.

The ASTM test method consists of a 9 level scale, from A1 to A9.  To determine a fabric’s cut resistance level, the fabric is classified by the amount of weight in grams it takes to cut through the fabric. A variable weighted load in grams is placed/weighted on a straight blade to measure cut resistance on a 20 millmeter distance. The higher the number, the higher the level of cut protection.

• A1: Protects to 200 – 499 grams — Light/General Purpose Cut Protection
• A2: Protects to 500 – 999 grams — Light/Material Handling Cut Protection
• A3: Protects to 1000 – 1499 grams — Light/Moderate Cut Protection
• A4: Protects to 1500 – 2199 grams — Moderate Cut Protection – Glass & Metal Fabricating, Food Handling
• A5: Protects to 2200 – 2999 grams — Moderate Cut Protection – Glass & Metal  Manufacturing
• A6: Protects to 3000 – 3999 grams — Moderate/High Cut Protection – Glass & Metal Manufacturing & Fabricating
• A7: Protects to 4000 – 4999 grams — High Cut Protection – Heavy Glass & Metal Manufacturing
• A8: Protects to 5000 – 5999 grams — Very High Cut Protection – Heavy Glass & Metal Manufacturing
• A9: Protects to 6000+ grams — Very High Cut Protection – Heavy Glass & Metal Manufacturing

Puncture Resistance

Intertex Cut Resistant Fabrics are rated for both Cut & Puncture. Although sometimes overlooked when choosing Cut Resistant PPE, Puncture Resistance is an important factor to consider.  PPE should be able to withstand everyday cut hazards from straight/sharp objects, but it should also be able to help protect from unplanned or catastrophic occurrences such as broken/shattered glass/sharp uneven metal edges and points.  Some competing safety fabrics, particularly those that are knitted, have very low or no puncture protection ratings at all.  Always choose Cut Resistant PPE that is rated for both Cut & Puncture Protection.

ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Puncture Ratings are classified from 1 to 5.  Puncture protection is measured by placing the fabric between two plates in a machine, and using a blunt object to measure how many Newtons is required to penetrate the fabric.

• Light Material Handling/Warehousing
• Material Handling, Parts Assembly
• Light Metal Handling, Fabricating
• Glass and Metal Fabrication, Recycling
• Heavy Glass & Metal Fabrication

Abrasion Resistance

Intertex Cut Resistant PPE fabrics are also rated to the ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard for Abrasion Resistance. Abrasion resistance is another important factor when choosing PPE fabrics.  In industries such as Glass Fabrication, applications around cutting table and fabricating areas, abrasion resistance of a fabric is a key consideration in durability and longevity of PPE.  Intertex has some innovative, high wearing fabrics with excellent abrasion resistance which add durability and protection in key areas of our PPE.