Portwest CS Cut D18 PU Glove

The Portwest CS Cut D18 PU Glove (A642) delivers Cut Level D protection in one of the thinnest, most dexterous formats available. Built around an ultra-lightweight 18-gauge HPPE, steel fibre, and glass fibre liner with a smooth PU palm coating, the A642 is designed for professionals who need serious cut resistance but refuse to compromise on feel, precision, and comfort.

18-Gauge Liner — Cut Protection That Feels Like a Second Skin

The 18-gauge construction is the standout feature of the A642. Finer than both 13-gauge and 15-gauge alternatives, the 18-gauge knit produces a noticeably thinner, more flexible glove that closely follows the natural contours of the hand. The result is exceptional tactile sensitivity and freedom of movement — critical qualities for intricate assembly, detailed inspection, and any task where heavy gloves slow workers down or reduce accuracy. Despite its lightweight feel, the HPPE and steel fibre blend maintains full Cut Level D protection, proving that advanced cut resistance no longer requires a bulky glove. The seamless liner achieves the highest Dexterity 5 rating under EN ISO 21420.

Smooth PU Coating for Precision Handling

The polyurethane palm coating on the A642 adds a thin, consistent grip layer that enhances handling without masking the tactile feedback the 18-gauge liner provides. PU coatings are valued for their excellent abrasion resistance, minimal thickness, and clean finish — making the A642 particularly well suited to electronics assembly, quality inspection, fine component handling, and environments where lint contamination is a concern. The smooth surface allows materials to slide naturally into position during assembly, reducing the snagging and drag that textured coatings can introduce.

Reinforced Thumb Crotch for Extended Durability

Thin gloves can be vulnerable to premature wear in high-stress zones. The A642 addresses this directly with a reinforced thumb crotch that adds targeted durability between the thumb and forefinger — the area that takes the most punishment during gripping, pinching, and tool use. This reinforcement extends the service life of the glove without adding noticeable bulk to the hand.

Touchscreen Compatible

The A642 works with most mobile touchscreen devices, allowing workers to interact with smartphones, tablets, and touchscreen equipment without removing their gloves. In precision manufacturing and logistics environments where workers frequently reference digital work orders or scan barcodes, this feature eliminates unnecessary interruptions and keeps hands protected throughout the shift.

Contact Heat Protection Up to 100°C

Rated X1XXXX under EN 407:2020, the A642 provides contact heat resistance up to 100°C — a useful safeguard when handling recently machined components, warm tooling, or parts emerging from heat-related processes.

Wash-Certified Performance

The A642 is certified to EN 388 with 3 washes, confirming that its cut protection holds up through repeated cleaning cycles. This gives procurement teams and safety managers confidence that the glove continues to meet its rated protection levels even after laundering.

Dermatologically Approved

Tested and approved for prolonged skin contact, the A642 is suitable for extended wear across full shifts — including for workers with sensitive skin.

Certified Performance You Can Trust

The A642 meets comprehensive international safety standards:

• EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 — Rated 3X42D (Level 3 abrasion, Level D cut resistance, Level 2 tear)
• EN ISO 21420:2020 — Dexterity Level 5
• EN 407:2020 — Contact heat protection rated X1XXXX
• ANSI/ISEA 105:2016 — Cut Level A4, Abrasion Level 6, Puncture Level 3
• CE Certified
• Dermatologically Approved

Ideal Applications

• Electronics and precision assembly
• Quality inspection and finishing
• Fine component handling
• Automotive assembly
• Metal fabrication and stamping
• Electrical and mechanical maintenance
• Construction finishing trades
• Warehousing and order picking

Choosing the Right Gauge — A642 (18g) vs A647 (15g) vs AB625 (13g)

Portwest offers Cut Level D protection across three gauge options, each suited to different working demands. The A642 (18-gauge) is the thinnest and most dexterous — ideal for precision tasks and fine handling where tactile sensitivity is the priority. The A647 (15-gauge) provides a middle-ground balance of dexterity and durability for general-purpose cut protection. The AB625 (13-gauge) offers the most robust liner construction for heavier-duty applications. All three deliver Cut Level D protection; the right choice depends on how much dexterity your task requires versus how much mechanical durability the glove needs to withstand.