Industry Standards
ASTM-1790-97
This standard used the CPPT machine to measure cut resistance of fabric. This was the first Standardized test method used to measure the load in grams that a textile material could withstand. Cut length in material is 25mm (approx. 1 inch). Uses a 4 inch blade that is only in contact with the material one time.
Advantages: Provided a working system to compare cut-resistant products.
Disadvantages: Microscopic sharpness of blades vary and need calibration. This causes variance from lab to lab (27% average).
CPPT - Cut Protection Performance Test. This test incorporated the ASTM 1790-97 method.
ASTM1790-05
Updated version of the “97” test method. The cut length in the fabric was reduced to 20mm (approx. 3/4 inch). Also uses a 4” blade that only contacts the material one time.
Advantages: Provided a working system to compare cut-resistant products.
Disadvantages: Microscopic sharpness of blades vary and need calibration. This causes variance from lab to lab (27% average).
TDM-100 - Updated version of the CPPT machine. This machine changed the position of the fabric placement and the weight system.
EN388
Used in the European Community Community. A series of tests to measure mechanical performance. Measures Abrasion, Cut, Tear, and Puncture. Remember ACTP!
This is a Coup Text machine. Much smaller and has a circular blade that spins and is pulled across the fabric under a constant weight of 500 grams. The number of cycles are recorded to cut the fabric.
Cut Resistant Cycles EN388
Level 0 |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
Level 5 |
<1.2 |
>1.2 |
>2.5 |
>5.0 |
>10.0 |
>20.0 |
Advantages: EN 388 measures a variety of mechanical risks (ACTP).
Disadvantages: Intense concern and realization that once the blade cycles over the material the blade gets duller with each passing rotation. Inability to measure more cut-resistant engineered yarns containing steel wire. EU is in the process of abandoning this test procedure.
ANSI/ISEA 105
This is the standard that assigns “levels” according to the gram weight from ASTM Testing and utilizes BOTH 1790-07 AND 1790-05.
Level 0 <200 grams
Level 1 >200 to 500 grams
Level 2 >500 to 1000 grams
Level 3 >1000 to 1500 grams
Level 4 >1500 to 3500 grams
Level 5 >3500 grams
Most commonly referred to standard for ANSI Cut Level.