What are welding gloves?
During welding, our hands face many dangers. For example, in MIG, TIG, and stick welding scenarios, we encounter high temperatures and flying sparks. There is also intense ultraviolet radiation that can damage the skin. All of these can harm the hands. Welding gloves are made of high-quality heat-resistant materials . They possess a certain degree of toughness. However, there are various types of welding, and different scenarios present different hazards! This article will take 5 minutes to help you learn more about gloves suitable for different types of welding!
Selection Based on Welding Type
Welding work can be mainly divided into three types based on the work scenario: MIG welding, TIG welding, and Stick welding. They have different risks during processing. And the materials and characteristics of the corresponding protective gloves also differ.
MIG
MIG refers to Metal Inert Gas welding, which produces a large amount of sparks and heat. This process is continuous. It generates more heat than TIG welding, so MIG welding requires gloves with better heat resistance.
MIG welding glove materials: Typically made from more durable leather:
- Pigskin
- Goatskin
- Deerskin
- Cowhide
The lining is usually made of heat-resistant insulating material.
Features: High heat resistance. Key areas such as fingers, palms, and backs of hands are reinforced for protection. Long cuffs that cover the arms and wrists.
MWL002-MIG Welding Gloves
The outer layer is made of high-quality cowhide. It offers excellent heat resistance and cut protection. It prevents scratches and burns during MIG/Stick welding applications.
Features:
- High-quality cowhide combined with composite nylon for both heat resistance and flexibility
- Specific protection for key areas such as the palm and back of the hand
- Provides continuous protection against high temperatures and flying sparks
TIG
TIG refers to Tungsten Inert Gas welding. The process generates arc radiation, requiring UV protection. The operation requires more complex and precise control. Thus, UV protection and flexibility are crucial.
TIG welding glove materials: Typically made from more flexible and lightweight leather:
- Deerskin
- Goatskin
- Kevlar stitching
- Heat-resistant cotton and wool (lining)
Suitable for handling small, precision components. Kevlar stitching provides heat resistance. The lining offers ample protection.
Features: Lightweight, highly flexible. High comfort level, better fit to the hand, and easier finger manipulation.
MWL003 – TIG Welding Gloves
The biggest advantage of these gloves is their sensitivity. Made from top-grade goatskin leather, they provide a precise fit to the hand. They are lightweight and easy to use. And they are suitable for precision work such as welding small components.
Features:
- Made from highly flexible goatskin leather for a close fit and precise operation
- Elastic cuff design for improved wrist flexibility
- Complies with EN 407 heat resistance standard (4144)
Stick Welding
w’wThis refers to shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). It’s the welding process that generates the most heat and sparks. Thus, flame resistance and heat resistance are crucial considerations.
Materials for Stick Welding gloves: Typically made of heat-resistant leather:
- Elk hide
- Cowhide
- Kevlar thread
These materials can withstand high temperatures . And they are thick and heavy, providing excellent protection.
Features: Long cuffs (because of the large amount of sparks, providing greatest protection)
Note: Stick welding has the highest requirements for glove flame resistance! When choosing gloves, pay attention to heat and flame resistance to prevent accidents.
MWL001 – Stick Welding Gloves
Primarily used in heavy industrial settings involving high temperatures and sparks. Made from composite leather with excellent heat resistance. Features a lining made from heat-resistant materials such as aramid fibers.
Features:
- Excellent durability and tear resistance
- Suitable for high-temperature and stick welding applications
What materials are welding gloves made of?
Welding environments involve high temperatures and numerous sparks. So welding gloves are made to protect the skin from injury. They primarily use animal leather as the main material. And they are lined with materials that offer excellent heat resistance and insulation.
Common leathers used in welding gloves:
- Top-grain cowhide: THas a tighter fiber structure, high durability. And it is water and oil resistant. However, its tear resistance is relatively poor.
- TSplit cowhide: TOffers superior heat resistance and excellent breathability. Allowing for extended use of the welding gloves.
- TGoatskin: TVery lightweight, oil-resistant, weather-resistant, and highly flexible. they are often used in welding applications requiring precision work.
- TElk hide: TExcellent high-temperature resistance, high flexibility. It is a good fit to the hand.
- TDeerskin: TExcellent heat resistance, wear resistance, and flame resistance. It is very comfortable and one of the most popular materials.
- TPigskin: TRemains soft even after being wet and dried. It is oil-resistant, but has poor heat resistance.
Other materials used in welding gloves:
- Aramid: Excellent durability and high-temperature resistance. Melting point up to 500°C. Often used as stitching and lining.
- Flame-retardant cotton: One of the most commonly used lining materials. They have high flame retardancy. Does not melt easily in high-temperature environments.
- Fiberglass: Used for lining; can withstand high temperatures of 537.8°C.
Combinations of any two or more of these materials will further enhance the heat resistance of the gloves.
Key point: Different welding gloves have different performance. They depends on the improved performance of the glove lining materials . And the leather processing technology.
How to Choose the Best Welding Gloves?
- Comfort and Durability: Comfortable and well-fitting gloves allow for better work. The welding environment often wears down gloves. Durable and wear-resistant gloves will last longer. Consider the season as well. Winter makes hands colder and reduces dexterity. Winter welding gloves should also provide warmth.
- Appropriate Size: Choose the right size. Use a soft measuring tape to wrap around your palm, starting from the base of your thumb and index finger. Read the length.
| Size | inches | cm |
|---|---|---|
| 2XS | 5″ – 6″ | 12.7 – 15.2 |
| XS | 6″ – 7″ | 15.2 – 17.8 |
| S | 7″ – 8″ | 17.8 – 20.3 |
| M | 8″ – 9″ | 20.3 – 22.9 |
| L | 9″ – 10″ | 22.9 – 25.4 |
| XL | 10″ – 11″ | 25.4 – 27.9 |
| 2X | 11″ – 12″ | 27.9 – 30.5 |
| 3X | 12″ – 13″ | 30.5 – 33.0 |
How to Choose High-Quality Welding Gloves?
MTIDE focuses on developing high-quality, heat-resistant welding gloves with excellent protective performance. We have developed welding gloves suitable for different welding scenarios. Including TIG welding, MIG welding, and stick welding. This ensures that workers’ hands are fully protected in all situations. Our welding gloves are tested under simulated harsh welding environments. Through repeated testing, we have launched the best-performing welding gloves. If you would like to learn more about welding gloves or how to choose the right welding gloves. Please feel free to contact us!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of gloves are most often worn by welders?
Welders most commonly use leather gloves. For the hands against high temperatures and flying sparks. Leather gloves provide better protection . Unlike other rubber gloves, synthetic gloves, or fabric gloves. leather gloves are less likely to be burned through. For more demanding processing environments, a heat shield can be added to the back of the hand.
Are TIG and MIG welding gloves the same?
TIG gloves and MIG welding gloves are different. Before we discuss the gloves, we need to understand the differences between these two welding methods. The main difference lies in how the welding wire is processed. MIG welding requires one hand to support the wrist of the other hand. Thus, it’s crucial that the gloves don’t slip off during high-temperature processing. TIG welding produces a very bright light, and the welding movements are more precise. So, a high degree of flexibility is also required.
Is it OK to pick up hot metal using welding gloves?
Although welding gloves provide heat insulation and protection. they can be used to briefly pick up hot metal in very urgent situations. But, they cannot be used to hold hot metal for extended periods. This is because the heat resistance of welding gloves is limited; they only provide a certain level of protection for a limited time. Thus, they should not be used to hold hot metal for prolonged periods.
