THE VARIOUS TYPES OF INSULATION: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Insulated gloves help protect the hand from either the cold or direct and/or radiant heat. Unlike other utility and work gloves, Insulated Gloves / Heat Resistant are made with a wide variety of various materials from fibers Kevlar to rubber including neoprene. They are most popular of the food, rubber, mechanical, and petrochemical industries but also widely used for boiler room work, handling of molds, adhesive manufacturing, construction and road work, medical autoclaves and sterilizing, and steam cleaning.

Understanding the type of insulation is necessary to provide the right level of protection depends on the type of welding or foundry work being done, the level of heat you’ll be exposed to, and the level of comfort you desire. 

What is Insulation Materials

Thermal insulation is based on the use of substances with very low thermal conductivity. These materials are known as insulation materials. Common insulation materials are wool, fiberglass, rock wool, polystyrene, polyurethane, and goose feather etc. These materials are very poor conductors of heat and are therefore good thermal insulators.

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  Cotton / Foam

  Lightweight and very effective. Cotton foam insulation creates a barrier of air in between the leather and your hand for protection from heat.

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  Wool

  Wool is lightweight and fibrous. The wool fibers contain air, which insulates from both heat and cold and creates a barrier of air in between the leather and your hand for protection from heat.

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  Cotton

  A thinner material with moderate heat protection that is generally used with a stick glove that has a thicker leather to assist with insulation or heat protection. Cotton does not have bulk so it allows for better dexterity.

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  Fleece

  A little thicker than cotton and provides moderate heat protection. Does not have bulk so it allows for better dexterity.

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  DuPont™ Kevlar®, DuPont™ Nomex®, and Para-Aramid

  These linings are extremely strong and primarily used for added cut resistance to gloves. These linings also provide some protection against the heat.

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  3M Thinsulate Insulation

  A breathable and moisture-resistant insulator. The fibers of Thinsulate™ are more effective at trapping air and keeping hands warm while allowing moisture to escape. The colder the temperature, the higher gram insulation the user will want.

  However, the higher the gram, the less flexibility they will have.

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  Acrylic Shell

  Light weight synthetic with minimal warmth that absorbs moisture.

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  Pile

  Thicker heavyweight synthetic wool material.

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  Polar Fleece

  Soft napped insulating fabric made from polyester with moderate warmth.

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  Cotton / Foam

  Lightweight, economical option. Provides warmth and it will absorb moisture.

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  Fleece

  Perhaps the most common, is a lightweight option that is warmer than cotton/foam linings and still less bulky than some insulations.