In today’s interconnected and technologically advanced world, industries rely heavily on sensitive electronic components and precise machinery. While often overlooked, a hidden threat frequently lurks: static electricity.
In today’s interconnected and technologically advanced world, industries rely heavily on sensitive electronic components and precise machinery. While often overlooked, a hidden threat frequently lurks: static electricity. This unseen force can damage valuable equipment, disrupt production, and, critically, pose significant safety risks in flammable or explosive atmospheres, known as ATEX zones.
At SHOWA, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the very foundation of their 70-year legacy. They believe that true hand protection isn’t merely about creating a barrier; it’s about engineering solutions that anticipate complex challenges and empower professionals to perform their best work safely and efficiently. That’s why they’re incredibly excited to unveil SHOWA AP800, a new pinnacle in their specialized glove portfolio. This isn’t just a glove; it’s a testament to their commitment to solving intricate industrial problems through cutting-edge design and material science.
Join SHOWA for a behind-the-scenes look at the development story of SHOWA AP800, and understand why this glove is set to redefine electrostatic dissipative gloves and become an indispensable tool in environments where static is a critical concern.
The project to develop SHOWA AP800 was initiated to address the evolving, next-generation needs for safety in environments impacted by “hydrogen” and the demands of “DX” (Digital Transformation).
In any advanced industrial setting, the presence of flammable materials is a given. From solvents and coatings to fine powders and gases, these substances are the lifeblood of innovation. But they also carry an inherent, often invisible, risk: static electricity. A single, unseen spark is all it takes to trigger a devastating ignition.
The rise of new, highly volatile materials, such as those in the emerging hydrogen economy, served as a powerful catalyst for us. It compelled us to re-examine the adequacy of existing safety measures. They asked a critical question: Are conventional safety gloves truly sufficient to protect workers in these potentially explosive atmospheres?
SHOWA concluded that a new approach was needed. They recognized the urgent need for a glove engineered not just to protect from chemicals or abrasion, but to actively eliminate the root cause of static-related ignitions. This realization was the true beginning of the AP800’s development story.
Their primary mission became solving a complex materials science challenge: how to make an entire glove, particularly its durable rubber coating, conductive. A glove that could provide a safe and reliable path for static charges to dissipate, neutralizing the threat of a spark. Achieving this without sacrificing the flexibility, grip, and durability essential for intricate work was the core obstacle SHOWA's R&D team dedicated themselves to overcoming.
While tackling this fundamental safety issue, they remained focused on the reality of the modern workplace. Digital Transformation (DX) is no longer a buzzword; it’s the operational standard. Technicians across all sectors rely on touchscreens and tablets for their daily tasks.
A safety glove that forces a worker to choose between protection and productivity is a flawed solution. Therefore, creating a glove with flawless touchscreen performance was a non-negotiable part of SHOWA's design criteria. The breakthrough came when their conductive compound, designed for static dissipation, also proved to be exceptionally effective for touch interaction. This single innovation elegantly solved two critical problems.
The SHOWA AP800 is the result of this journey. It is a solution born from acknowledging a universal industrial hazard, designed to provide a higher level of safety for anyone handling flammable materials. It empowers workers to perform their jobs safely and efficiently, fully protected from unseen dangers while staying connected to the digital tools that drive their industry forward.
The development of AP800 was driven by a single, ambitious goal: to create a glove that not only met the most stringent electrostatic properties (ESD) standards but also delivered the renowned comfort, dexterity, and durability that professionals expect from SHOWA.
The result is a meticulously engineered glove designed for environments where precision and static control are paramount:
Advanced Liner Design: SHOWA AP800 features a 13-gauge seamless knit liner, crafted from a Microfiber polyester static dissipative yarn. This innovative blend provides inherent anti-static properties, preventing triboelectric charging (static generated by friction) and ensuring controlled dissipation of static electricity. This places it firmly in the static dissipative range (105 to 1011 Ohms/Square surface resistivity), crucial for protecting electronic components.
Embossed Microporous Foam Nitrile Palm Dip: The glove’s palm is coated with an embossed microporous foam nitrile dip. This advanced coating offers a robust grip in various conditions while maintaining exceptional breathability. Importantly, the nitrile formulation is latex-free, reducing the risk of allergies for sensitive users.
Touchscreen Compatible: In modern industrial settings, seamless interaction with digital interfaces is key. AP800’s touchscreen compatible design means workers don’t need to remove their gloves, minimizing contamination risks and enhancing workflow efficiency.
Silicone-Free and Fingerprint-Free: For sensitive manufacturing processes, silicone-free gloves are essential to prevent contamination of delicate components. AP800’s fingerprint-free surface further ensures product integrity, critical for applications like intricate parts handling or electrical wiring.
A glove’s claims are only as strong as its certifications. SHOWA AP800 is proudly certified under the rigorous EN 16350:2014 standard for electrostatic properties. This critical certification confirms the glove’s safe usage in potentially hazardous ATEX zones, where a static spark could trigger an explosion or fire.
Beyond ESD properties, AP800 also meets the robust mechanical performance requirements of EN 388:2016+A1:2018 (4111A), indicating excellent abrasion resistance, good tear resistance, and adequate puncture resistance. This blend of static control and physical protection makes the AP800 a truly versatile and reliable choice.
The unique combination of ESD protection, tactile sensitivity, and durability makes SHOWA AP800 the ideal choice for a range of specialized trades and applications:
Automotive Repairs and Maintenance: Protecting sensitive onboard electronics during servicing.
Intricate Parts Handling: Ensuring no static damage to delicate components in manufacturing.
Light Assembly of Oil-Coated Pieces: The robust grip maintains control even with oily parts, while ESD properties remain active.
Mechanical and Engineering: For general precision work where static control is beneficial.
Install Electrical Wiring: Preventing static-induced damage to wiring and connected devices.
SHOWA AP800 is more than just a new product; it embodies SHOWA's core philosophy:
Vertical Integration: They control every step of the manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished product, ensuring unmatched quality and consistency. This also allows them to rapidly innovate, bringing specialized solutions like the AP800 to market efficiently.
Relentless Innovation: Their in-house R&D teams are constantly pushing the boundaries of material science and ergonomic design, ensuring SHOWA gloves address emerging industry needs and set new benchmarks for performance.
Unwavering Quality and Compliance: Every SHOWA glove meets stringent global standards. For AP800, this means validated ESD properties and robust mechanical protection, giving you complete confidence.
SHOWA AP800 is a testament to the company's dedication to providing specialized, high-performance hand protection solutions. It’s a reflection of their “behind the scenes” commitment to innovation, problem-solving, and ultimately, empowering workers in critical environments.
This article previously appeared on SHOWA's blog.
SHOWA stands for the highest degree of hand protection and innovation. With 9 production facilities across the globe, 5,500 employees worldwide and over 100 researchers, we innovate globally and locally. We pioneer the quality, performance and protection to give ordinary hands extraordinary abilities.
