Hohenstein scientists to create customized ergonomic glove

Using state-of-the-art 3D scanners, detailed and accurate virtual hand models and 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.

For work in cold stores, on steel works or on a building site or even when practising different sports, wearers depend on perfectly fitting gloves. However the full functionality of work gloves and sports gloves can only be ensured by the correct ergonomic properties.

Standard DIN EN 420 only specifies hand circumference and length for protective gloves. For instance, until now there has been no precise and validated data of the ratio of hand circumference to finger length, finger circumferences nor any three-dimensional shape information.

Therefore scientists at the Hohenstein Institute have used state-of-the-art 3D scanner technology to develop a hand database. An initial pilot study measured the hands of 100 male test-persons. The 3D data capture enabled 48 longitudinal and circumference measurements for each hand to be recorded and analyzed quickly and accurately.

In addition to the capture of hand dimensions, the innovative digital method enables the generation of "average size hands" to be determined. This is achieved by consolidating all hands which should fit a particular glove size in an elaborate method using specialized 3D software. The results are virtual 3D mouldings which both represent a glove size 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.

In addition to capturing the hand data of the test persons, a questionnaire was completed to conduct some market analysis. From these statements relating to the purchase behavior 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. 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 optimization of current product ranges.

Hohenstein Institute