- 1. What Are PU Coated Gloves and Why Do They Matter?
- 2. EN388 4131X Performance Explained
- 3. PU Coating Technology Explained
- 4. PU vs Alternatives: How Do They Compare?
- 5. Applications & Industries for PU Coated Gloves
- 6. Size & Packaging Specifications
- 7. FOB Qingdao Pricing Tiers for PU Coated Gloves
- 8. OEM & Custom Branding Options
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
What Are PU Coated Gloves and Why Do They Matter?
Polyurethane (PU) coated gloves have become the go-to choice for industries requiring precision hand protection — from electronics assembly lines to pharmaceutical cleanrooms. Unlike heavier-duty leather or nitrile gloves, PU coated gloves deliver a unique combination of tactile sensitivity, breathability, and grip that precision workers depend on throughout long shifts.
At Expedition Safety, we manufacture PU coated gloves at our 80,000+ pair-per-month facility in Linyi, Shandong, with over 15 years of experience supplying distributors, OEMs, and industrial buyers across more than 60 countries. Our CE EN388 4131X-rated PU gloves sit at the intersection of protection and performance — designed for workers who need to feel what they touch.
This guide covers everything procurement managers, safety officers, and wholesale buyers need to know before sourcing PU coated gloves in bulk — from technical specifications to OEM customization and FOB pricing tiers.
◯ Key Takeaways
- EN388 4131X = Abrasion 4 / Coup Cut 3 / Tear 1 / Puncture 1 / TDM X (not tested or below 10N)
- PU gloves excel at breathability and dexterity — ideal for precision assembly, electronics, and cleanrooms
- For oil environments or heavy abrasion, nitrile sandy or leather gloves are better suited
- Expedition Safety MOQ is 6,000 pairs per style; OEM branding requires 10,000+ pairs
- Standard lead time: FOB Qingdao 15-20 days; re-order as fast as 10-12 days
- Available in S through XXL (220–270mm hand span), 12 pairs/bag, 120 pairs/carton
EN388 4131X Performance Explained
The CE EN388 standard is Europe's mandatory assessment for gloves protecting against mechanical risks. Understanding the four-digit performance code is essential for specifying the right glove for your application — and for ensuring regulatory compliance under EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Expedition Safety's PU coated gloves carry the rating 4131X. Here's what each number means:
| Test Property | Code | Level Achieved | Performance Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taber Abraser (Abrasion) | 4 | Level 4 out of 4 | 8,000+ abrasion cycles before breakthrough — excellent for repeated handling |
| Coup Cut (Circular Blade) | 3 | Level 3 out of 5 | Resists 50–100 Newtons of cutting force — suitable for light sheet metal, cardboard |
| Tear Resistance | 1 | Level 1 out of 4 | Resists 10–25 Newtons — adequate for low-tension applications; avoid sharp-edge pulling |
| Puncture Resistance | 1 | Level 1 out of 4 | Resists 20–40 Newtons — protects against small wires and pins; not for hypodermic needles |
| TDM Cut (ISO 13997) | X | Not tested / Below 10N | "X" indicates the test was not conducted or the result fell below the minimum 10N threshold for a numeric rating. Use leather or specific cut-resistant gloves (e.g., EN388 3X4X or ANSI A4+) for high cut-risk tasks. |
For OSHA compliance in the United States, EN388 ratings are widely referenced alongside ANSI/ISEA 105 standards. Expedition Safety's gloves are also tested to ANSI/ISEA 105, giving North American buyers confidence in performance documentation.
PU Coating Technology Explained
Polyurethane is a polymer coating applied to the inner liner of a glove to create a protective, grip-enhancing surface. Understanding the types of PU coating — and how they're applied — helps buyers choose the right configuration for their workforce.
Water-Based PU vs Solvent-Based PU
Modern PU coatings are primarily water-based, which offers two key advantages for industrial buyers:
- Environmental compliance: Water-based systems meet EU REACH and global environmental standards, reducing chemical residue concerns in workplaces
- Worker comfort: Lower residual chemicals mean reduced risk of skin irritation during extended wear — critical for cleanroom and electronics environments
Expedition Safety uses water-based PU formulations in all standard production runs.
Coating Coverage Types
| Coating Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Coating | PU applied to palm and fingers only; back of hand exposed | Electronics assembly, cleanrooms — maximizes breathability |
| 3/4 Coating | PU extends to 3/4 of the back of the hand | Light splash protection with good ventilation |
| Full Coating | Entire glove dipped in PU — complete hand coverage | Fine parts handling where full grip and splash protection needed |
| Fingertip Coating | PU applied to fingertips only; most breathable option | Inspection, quality control, electronics SMD work |
Breathable Micro-Pores
One of PU's most important characteristics is its micro-porous structure. During the dipping and curing process, millions of tiny pores form in the coating. These pores allow moisture vapor (sweat) to escape while preventing liquid water from penetrating — a property sometimes called "breathable waterproofing."
The result: workers experience significantly less hand fatigue and sweating compared to fully rubberized or PVC gloves. In a 2018 HSE study, glove breathability was identified as one of the top factors in worker compliance — workers who remove gloves to dry their hands create a safety gap.
Expedition Safety's 13-gauge polyester liner further enhances this breathability. The high-gauge (thinner) liner creates a smoother, more flexible interior that reduces heat retention between the hand and coating.
PU vs Alternatives: How Do They Compare?
Choosing the right glove coating depends on your specific work environment. Here's how PU stacks up against the four most common alternatives on the market:
| Property | PU (Expedition Safety) | Nitrile Sandy | Nitrile Foam | Latex | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breathability | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★ Moderate | ★★★ Good | ★☄ Low | ★☄ Very Low |
| Dexterity / Tactile Feel | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★★ Good | ★★★★ Very Good | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★☄ Poor |
| Oil & Grease Grip | ★★★ Good | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★★★ Very Good | ★★★ Good | ★★★ Good |
| Abrasion Resistance | ★★★★ Very Good (Level 4) | ★★★★★ Excellent (Level 4) | ★★★ Good | ★★★★ Very Good | ★★★★★ Excellent |
| Food Contact Compliance | REACH; verify per market | REACH; FDA options available | REACH; verify per market | Latex allergy risk | Verify per market |
| Price Point | $$ Competitive | $$$ Moderate | $$ Moderate | $$ Moderate | $ Budget |
| Best For | Electronics, precision, cleanrooms, clean dry parts | Automotive, oil/grease, construction, assembly | General assembly, logistics, light oil handling | Construction, agriculture, wet grip | Chemical splash, budget general use |
Applications & Industries for PU Coated Gloves
Expedition Safety's EN388 4131X PU gloves are engineered for environments where precision, comfort, and reliable grip on dry or lightly-oiled parts are the primary concerns. Below is a breakdown of the key applications and the relevant safety standards to reference:
| Industry / Application | Task Examples | PU Glove Fit | Relevant Standards & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics Assembly | SMT component placement, PCB soldering, cable harness, final QC checks | ★★★★★ Excellent | ESD-sensitive environments may require anti-static liners. PU coating is static-dissipative. CE EN388 4131X provides adequate mechanical protection for component handling. |
| Precision Assembly | Watchmaking, optical assembly, instrument calibration, small hardware installation | ★★★★★ Excellent | 13-gauge liner delivers near-naked-hand sensitivity. OSHA 1910.138 requires appropriate gloves for "sharp or abrasive materials" — Level 3 coup cut protection covers light sharp edges. |
| Cleanroom / Pharmaceutical | Lab sample handling, medical device assembly, GMP manufacturing lines | ★★★★★ Excellent | Low-linting liner. Water-based PU meets cleanliness requirements. Verify cleanroom classification (ISO 14644) requirements with Expedition Safety for specific particle counts. |
| Quality Inspection | Visual inspection, gauge use, dimensional measurement, sorting | ★★★★★ Excellent | High tactile sensitivity essential. PU coating prevents fingerprint oils on inspected parts while maintaining grip on inspection tools. |
| Light Warehousing & Logistics | Picking, packing, sorting small packages, label application | ★★★★ Very Good | CE EN388 Level 4 abrasion handles cardboard and plastic packaging. For heavy corrugated or steel strapping, consider nitrile sandy. OSHA 1910.138 guidance applies. |
| Automotive Final Assembly | Interior trim installation, wiring harness, dashboard components, light mechanical work | ★★★★ Very Good | Light-duty final assembly — not for paint shop (chemical) or underhood (heat/oil). PU's dexterity aids in confined-space installation. EN ISO 21420 dexterity requirements met. |
Size & Packaging Specifications
Correct glove sizing is critical for both worker safety and comfort. An ill-fitting glove creates a hazard — too loose and it can snag on machinery; too tight and it restricts circulation, increasing fatigue. Expedition Safety's PU gloves are manufactured across the full size range below:
| Size | Hand Span (mm) | Palm Width (mm, approx.) | Glove Length (mm, approx.) | Weight/Pair (Size M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 220–230 | 85–89 | 220–230 | 35–45g/pair (Size M) |
| M | 230–245 | 89–93 | 230–240 | |
| L | 245–260 | 93–97 | 240–250 | |
| XL | 260–270 | 97–101 | 250–260 | |
| XXL | 270+ | 101+ | 260–270 |
Standard Packaging
- Inner pack: 12 pairs per sealed poly bag — keeps gloves clean and moisture-protected
- Carton: 120 pairs per master carton (10 inner bags × 12 pairs)
- Carton dimensions: Standard export carton, CBM varies by quantity — contact Expedition Safety for freight calculation
- Custom packaging: Available for OEM orders with custom bag printing from 10,000 pairs MOQ
FOB Qingdao Pricing Tiers for PU Coated Gloves
Expedition Safety offers competitive FOB Qingdao factory pricing structured around order volume. As a direct manufacturer with 12 production lines and 80,000+ pairs monthly capacity, we pass manufacturing efficiency to buyers ordering at scale.
The following table outlines the standard pricing tiers. Exact pricing depends on specifications, coating type, and destination. Contact Expedition Safety for a formal quotation:
| Order Volume | Lead Time | Typical Use Case | Price Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6,000 pairs (Standard MOQ) | 15–20 days FOB Qingdao | Initial order, market testing, small-distributor stocking | Unit price reflects MOQ; best for first-time evaluation |
| 12,000 pairs | 15–20 days FOB Qingdao | Quarterly supply, regional distributor, mid-size enterprise | Improved per-pair pricing vs standard MOQ |
| 36,000+ pairs (Full Container) | 25–30 days FOB Qingdao | National distributor, large enterprise annual contract, retail wholesale | Significant per-pair reduction; 20ft GP container (~45,000 pairs) |
| 60,000+ pairs (Mixed Container) | 25–30 days FOB Qingdao | Multi-product import, retail chain supply, multi-country export | Best unit economics; optimal for container-optimized freight |
Certifications Included at No Extra Cost
Every Expedition Safety PU glove order comes with the following documentation included:
- CE Declaration of Conformity — confirming EN388 4131X compliance
- Factory audit report (BSCI or equivalent, on request)
- SONCAP, KEBS, SASO certificates — available for Nigeria, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia import clearance
- REACH compliance declaration
OEM & Custom Branding Options
For distributors and brands sourcing gloves under their own label, Expedition Safety offers a comprehensive OEM program from our Linyi, Shandong facility. With 15+ years of OEM experience, we support buyers launching or expanding a private-label PPE line.
Available Customization Options
| Customization Type | MOQ | Lead Time Addition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuff / Label Printing | 6,000 pairs | Standard 15-20 days | Custom text, brand name, or size markings printed on the glove cuff |
| Logo Embossing / Heat Stamp | 10,000 pairs | 25–30 days | Brand logo or trademark stamped onto the glove palm — durable, non-fading |
| Custom Liner Colors | 10,000 pairs | 25–30 days | Color-matched to brand palette — requires Pantone reference |
| Custom Packaging | 10,000 pairs | 25–30 days | Custom poly bag printing, retail hang tags, barcode labels, retail-ready packaging |
| Custom Specifications | Case-by-case | Varies | Different liner gauge, coating thickness, or EN388 performance levels — contact Expedition Safety |
New Product Development (NPD) Process
- Brief submission: Share your specification requirements via email or WhatsApp
- Sample development: Expedition Safety produces prototype samples for your approval (sample cost + shipping applies)
- Quality sign-off: You approve sample quality, fit, and performance
- Production order: Mass production begins at the confirmed MOQ and lead time
- QC & delivery: 100% inspection or AQL-based sampling, then shipping under your preferred incoterm
Frequently Asked Questions
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View Wholesale Options WhatsApp +86 157 9997 7731About Expedition Safety: Linyi Expedition International Trade Co., Ltd. (Expedition Safety) is a 15-year-old PPE manufacturer based in Linyi, Shandong, China. With 12 production lines and 80,000+ pairs monthly capacity, we supply CE EN388, ANSI/ISEA 105, REACH, SONCAP, KEBS, and SASO-certified gloves to distributors worldwide. Contact: expeethan@gmail.com