Latex gloves, made from an aqueous dispersion of natural rubber particles, are an essential type of hand protective equipment. Depending on their use, they can be categorized into disposable gloves, household latex gloves, industrial latex gloves, and medical latex gloves. Known for their anti-slip grip, wear resistance, puncture resistance, and chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, grease, fuels, and other solvents, latex gloves are widely used across medical, cosmetic, and precision electronics industries.

While rubber gloves and latex gloves are both derived from rubber and often mentioned together, they are distinct materials with differences in material, usage, and production process.

1. Material

Rubber gloves are generally made from dry rubber, which offers a firmer tactile feel. In contrast, latex gloves are made from aqueous rubber dispersions, giving them a softer touch. Latex gloves feature a textured fingertip design to enhance grip and reduce slippage, and a palm print-free design for added protection during sensitive tasks.

2. Usage

Rubber gloves are widely used in industrial applications, such as electricians’ insulating gloves due to their insulating properties, and some types are suitable for household cleaning. Latex gloves, however, have broader applications, extending to automotive manufacturing, battery production, fiberglass industries, aircraft assembly, aerospace environmental cleaning, and other high-tech industrial environments, in addition to traditional medical and household uses.

3. Production Process

Rubber gloves are typically produced from rubber sheets or films using impregnation and molding methods. Latex gloves involve a more sophisticated dipping process, where soluble rubber is emulsified and applied to glove molds. After dipping, the molds are sent to an oven for preliminary drying, with fiber inner sleeves added before vulcanization. The gloves then undergo demolding, inflation testing, low-temperature sizing, medium-temperature drying, and dehydration, ensuring consistent quality, flexibility, and durability.

4. Performance

While rubber gloves focus on durability and insulation, latex gloves provide superior anti-slip, puncture resistance, chemical resistance, aging resistance, and oil resistance. These properties make latex gloves ideal for medical, cosmetic, and precision electronic applications, as well as high-tech industrial environments.

Conclusion:

Understanding these differences helps you select the most suitable gloves for your needs, ensuring maximum safety, comfort, and performance in any application. Choose latex gloves for versatility and protection, and rubber gloves when industrial durability is the priority.