Tilsatec’s New Onsite Polymer Laboratory

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At the heart of modern hand protection is the intricate science of polymers. These versatile materials, comprising long chains of molecules, are the core building blocks in engineering gloves with specific, targeted properties. Whether it’s enhancing grip through specialised coatings, or ensuring chemical barrier performance with impermeable films, polymers are the key.

By manipulating the molecular structure and composition of various materials, we can meet the ever-evolving demands of diverse industries. This scientific approach allows us to go beyond essential protection, creating gloves that not only offer cut protection but also provide end users with enhanced comfort, dexterity, and overall performance. 

Tilsatec’s Polymer Laboratory

Tilsatec has expanded its in-house capabilities with a new Polymer Laboratory at the West Yorkshire Head Office.

Being onsite alongside the manufacturing facility is hugely advantageous allowing for rapid prototyping and testing, accelerating our research into specialised technologies that meet evolving industry demands.

Equipped with the latest technology and specialist equipment, this investment enables us to conduct research into new materials and processes, advancing hand protection solutions across diverse industries. Leading this initiative is Masood Shah, our Coatings Research and Development Manager. With over two decades of industry experience, Masood is responsible for creating some of the most innovative coating technologies found on the market today.

Key Research Areas and Capabilities 

The Tilsatec Polymer Laboratory is poised to revolutionize hand protection through focused research in several key areas. We will be developing novel, high-performance polymer blends, meticulously testing and analysing polymer materials, and investigating the intricate relationship between polymer structure and performance.

These research efforts will directly translate into tangible improvements in our range, including gloves with enhanced cut resistance, superior grip, advanced chemical barrier properties, and increased comfort. By understanding and manipulating polymer science at a fundamental level, we can engineer hand protection that ensures the highest level of safety and performance for our customers. 

“Our research in the polymer lab is driven by a goal: to create cutting-edge glove coatings that offer superior protection, comfort, and durability while prioritizing sustainability. 

The performance of gloves in terms of grip, flexibility, and durability is paramount. In the lab, we will focus on designing custom polymer formulations that meet the most demanding requirements of the industries we serve. By experimenting with different polymers and polymer blends, we ensure that the coatings we develop not only provide excellent tactile sensitivity and protection but also enhance glove longevity. 

Sustainability is also a key driver in our research. We are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our products by incorporating sustainable materials, practices and manufacturing processes.

Our lab will be continuously testing new formulations to ensure they withstand practical conditions such as high temperatures, abrasions, impacts, and exposure to chemicals.  

As we continue to push the boundaries of material science, we remain committed to providing safer, more sustainable solutions for users around the world.”

Masood Shah, Coatings Research and Development Manager

Benefits to Customers and Industry 

 At Tilsatec, innovation is our driving force. Our story evolves with each new product, a testament to our commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of our customers. We prioritise close collaboration, sending our team directly to shop floors and engaging with end users to gather invaluable feedback. These insights, combined with rigorous customer feedback from product trials, are fed directly into our research and development process. This allows us to understand the precise needs of the industry, identify critical elements for hand protection, and ultimately enhance worker safety and productivity. We don’t just focus on meeting safety standards; we delve into the daily routines of end users, understanding their specific needs and usage patterns to go beyond the standard norms.  

 Our end user centric approach is amplified by our new Polymer Laboratory, which will lead to more innovative, reliable, and comfortable hand protection solutions. The laboratory will also drive industry-wide advancements, setting new performance standards and contributing to safer and more sustainable hand protection solutions.