The Technical Vault
By SOSCleanroom
ANSI Abrasion Level 4
ANSI Cut Level A2
EN ISO Cut Level B
FORTIX™ Technology
INTERCEPT™ Technology
15-Gauge Construction
Ansell HyFlex® 11-550: why abrasion resistance and grip consistency matter in industrial handling
Ansell HyFlex® 11-550 is a 15-gauge abrasion-resistant industrial glove designed for maintenance, assembly, machinery operations, and repetitive material handling. It combines a nylon, para-aramid, and spandex knitted liner with a FORTIX™ nitrile palm coating that delivers ANSI Abrasion Level 4 performance. The liner also incorporates INTERCEPT™ Cut Resistance Technology, providing ANSI A2 / EN ISO B cut protection for appropriately assessed handling tasks.
Operations takeaway: HyFlex 11-550 is most effective when it is selected as part of a documented industrial hand-protection program that accounts for abrasion, cut exposure, gripping requirements, glove inspection, and replacement criteria. Its combination of abrasion resistance, basic cut protection, and flexibility makes it suitable for routine industrial tasks where the protective ratings match the assessed hazards.
Industrial safety context: where abrasion-resistant gloves fit in repetitive handling
Abrasion is a major wear mechanism for industrial gloves. Repeatedly gripping, lifting, sliding, or positioning components creates friction between the glove surface and the material being handled. Over time, that friction can wear away coatings, expose the underlying liner, and reduce the operator's ability to maintain secure control.
High-contact operations such as equipment maintenance, automotive assembly, plastic injection molding, and routine material handling benefit from gloves designed to resist repeated surface wear. However, abrasion resistance must be considered alongside other mechanical hazards such as cuts, punctures, and tearing.
HyFlex 11-550 combines ANSI Abrasion Level 4 performance with ANSI A2 / EN ISO B cut resistance. This makes it a candidate for general handling where the principal demands involve surface wear, grip, and moderate mechanical protection rather than severe cutting hazards.
Control point: Abrasion resistance measures a glove's ability to withstand surface wear under specified laboratory conditions. It does not establish unlimited service life, high cut resistance, chemical protection, or suitability for every industrial task.
Specifications (SKU controls for RFQs, safety programs, and receiving)
- Product: Ansell HyFlex® 11-550
- Product Category: Abrasion-resistant industrial handling glove
- Construction: 15-gauge knitted liner
- Liner Material: Nylon, para-aramid, and spandex
- Liner Color: Green
- Coating Material: Nitrile
- Coating Type: Foam nitrile palm coating as described in the SOSCleanroom product configuration
- Coating Color: Black
- Coating Coverage: Palm coated
- Coating Technology: FORTIX™ Abrasion Resistance Technology
- Cut-Resistant Fiber Technology: INTERCEPT™ Cut Resistance Technology
- Cuff: Knitwrist
- ANSI Cut Resistance: ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 Level A2
- EN ISO Cut Resistance: Level B
- Mechanical Protection: EN 388:2016 + A1:2018, 4X21B
- ANSI Abrasion Resistance: Level 4
- ANSI Puncture Resistance: Level 2
- Thermal Marking: EN 407:2020, X1XXXX
- General Glove Standard: EN ISO 21420:2020
- Antistatic: Yes, as identified by Ansell; separate ESD program qualification may be required
- Latex-Free: Yes
- Silicone-Free: Yes
- Sizes: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
- Length: 196-248 mm (7.7-9.8 inches), depending on size
- Packaging: 12 pairs/bag; 12 bags/carton; 144 pairs/carton
- Manufacturer Washing Temperature: 40°C (104°F); follow the current instructions for use
Documentation rule: Always confirm glove performance ratings, product dimensions, sizes, and packaging against current manufacturer documentation when establishing purchasing specifications or controlled PPE programs. Ansell's current EN 388 marking for HyFlex 11-550 is 4X21B, not the 4131A rating found in some earlier distributor descriptions.
Performance characteristics (manufacturer-published protective ratings)
- ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 Cut Resistance: A2
- ANSI/ISEA 105 Abrasion Resistance: Level 4
- ANSI/ISEA 105 Puncture Resistance: Level 2
- EN 388:2016 + A1:2018: 4X21B
- EN 388 Abrasion Resistance: Level 4
- EN 388 Coupe Cut: X (no numerical performance level reported for this test position)
- EN 388 Tear Resistance: Level 2
- EN 388 Puncture Resistance: Level 1
- EN ISO 13997 Cut Resistance: Level B
- EN 407:2020: X1XXXX
- Contact Heat: Manufacturer describes performance for contact heat up to 100°C (212°F), subject to standardized test conditions and use limitations
- Abrasion Technology: FORTIX™ Abrasion Resistance Technology
- Cut Technology: INTERCEPT™ Cut Resistance Technology
- Grip: Designed for dry and slightly oily handling conditions
- Protective Construction: 15-gauge liner with black nitrile palm coating
Performance interpretation: ANSI and EN testing systems use different procedures and rating scales. ANSI Abrasion Level 4 and EN 388 Abrasion Level 4 should not be treated as identical test results simply because they share the same numerical level. Similarly, ANSI A2 / EN ISO B describes cut resistance, not puncture or impact protection.
Engineered liner construction: flexibility, INTERCEPT™ fiber, and basic cut resistance
The 15-gauge knitted liner of HyFlex 11-550 combines nylon, para-aramid, and spandex. Each material contributes to the structure and handling characteristics of the glove. Nylon supports flexible textile construction, spandex contributes stretch and fit, and para-aramid fibers are used in protective textile applications because of their mechanical strength.
Ansell also identifies INTERCEPT™ Cut Resistance Technology in the 11-550 liner. This engineered fiber construction supports the product's ANSI A2 / EN ISO B cut rating while allowing a relatively flexible glove profile for routine handling tasks.
Unlike gloves designed primarily for severe cutting hazards, HyFlex 11-550 balances basic cut protection with abrasion resistance, grip, and comfortable handling. The 15-gauge knit supports finger articulation without requiring the bulk associated with some heavier industrial gloves.
Construction takeaway: The liner provides more than comfort. It is a protective component of the glove and contributes to its cut-resistant performance. Coating damage or liner damage should be evaluated before the glove is returned to service.
FORTIX™ nitrile coating: abrasion resistance, grip, and durability
The principal abrasion-resistant component of HyFlex 11-550 is its black nitrile palm coating with FORTIX™ Abrasion Resistance Technology. Ansell identifies ANSI Abrasion Level 4 performance and positions the coating for extended wear life in demanding industrial handling environments.
During repetitive operations, the palm and fingertips frequently contact rough, textured, or contaminated surfaces. The coating acts as a gripping interface while helping protect the underlying liner from direct surface abrasion.
Ansell also identifies reliable grip in dry and slightly oily conditions. This is important for maintenance and manufacturing operations where a small amount of oil or process residue may be present on components.
The black coating helps mask visible dirt during normal handling, although a surface that looks relatively clean may still be contaminated or worn. Visual appearance alone should not determine whether the glove remains suitable for use.
Coating limitation: Nitrile palm coating does not establish full-hand chemical resistance. The glove is not a substitute for dedicated chemical-protective gloves when exposure to solvents, cleaners, fuels, or other hazardous liquids requires a validated barrier.
Abrasion resistance vs. cut resistance: understanding the difference
Abrasion and cutting affect gloves in different ways. Abrasion involves repeated friction and gradual material removal, while cutting involves a sharp edge applying concentrated force to the glove structure. A glove can perform well in one test while offering a different level of protection in the other.
- Abrasion: HyFlex 11-550 provides ANSI Abrasion Level 4 and EN 388 Abrasion Level 4 performance under their respective test systems.
- Cut: ANSI A2 / EN ISO B provides basic protection for appropriately assessed sharp-edge handling tasks.
- Tear: EN 388 Level 2 describes performance under a standardized tearing test.
- Puncture: EN 388 Level 1 and ANSI Puncture Level 2 describe puncture resistance under different test methods.
- Heat: EN 407 X1XXXX indicates limited Level 1 contact-heat performance rather than broad thermal protection.
Selection takeaway: Choose HyFlex 11-550 when abrasion and routine handling are major requirements and its A2/B cut protection is sufficient. If the operation involves more severe cutting hazards, evaluate a glove with a higher documented cut-resistance rating.
Limited contact-heat protection: what EN 407 X1XXXX means
Ansell identifies EN 407:2020 X1XXXX for HyFlex 11-550. The second character, 1, refers to Level 1 contact-heat performance. Ansell describes suitability for contact heat up to 100°C (212°F) under the relevant test conditions.
This rating does not mean operators can hold objects at 100°C indefinitely. Actual protection depends on contact duration, pressure, material properties, glove condition, and the temperature distribution of the workpiece. The remaining X positions do not establish protective performance for other thermal hazards.
Thermal safety reminder: Do not use HyFlex 11-550 as a general-purpose flame-resistant glove, welding glove, or arc-flash glove. For higher thermal or electrical-related hazards, select PPE specifically qualified for those exposures.
What HyFlex 11-550 is designed to do (typical use cases)
- General industrial equipment maintenance and repair
- Maintenance inspection and machinery servicing
- Automotive component handling and assembly
- Plastic injection molding and related handling tasks
- Handling manufactured components with abrasive surfaces
- Handling glass sheets and sharp-edged objects where A2/B cut protection meets the hazard assessment
- General packaging, kitting, and warehouse handling
- Repetitive gripping of tools and industrial components
- Handling slightly oily parts when grip requirements are met
- Handling warm components within the manufacturer's documented thermal limits
Application fit: HyFlex 11-550 is an industrial protective glove with abrasion, basic cut, and limited contact-heat ratings. It is not a sterile glove, cleanroom-processed glove, electrical insulating glove, or general-purpose chemical barrier.
Best-practice use (reduce abrasion, handling errors, and premature glove failure)
- Assess the work environment: Identify abrasion, cutting, puncture, heat, chemical, and machinery hazards before selecting gloves.
- Verify the protective ratings: Confirm ANSI A2 / EN ISO B cut protection and the abrasion ratings are appropriate for the assigned task.
- Choose the proper size: Select a glove that conforms comfortably to the hand while maintaining reliable grip and finger control.
- Inspect the palm coating: Look for thinning, missing coating, punctures, holes, and excessive wear at the fingertips or palm.
- Inspect the knitted liner: Check for broken fibers, tears, holes, or damage that could compromise the glove's protective performance.
- Control contamination: Replace gloves when excessive oil, grease, or debris interferes with grip or presents additional exposure risks.
- Use proper handling methods: Avoid unnecessarily dragging sharp or abrasive materials over the same contact points of the glove.
- Limit heat exposure: Follow the manufacturer's contact-heat guidance and do not assume Level 1 protection is sufficient for prolonged contact.
- Apply approved cleaning procedures: Follow Ansell's current instructions, including washing temperature and any restrictions on laundering or reuse.
- Replace when necessary: Remove gloves from service when coating, liner, grip, or fit no longer satisfies inspection requirements.
Method standardization tip: Establish consistent glove selection, sizing, inspection, and replacement procedures. For high-volume workstations, track glove changes by task to determine whether abrasion, cuts, contamination, or other factors are driving consumption.
Misuse controls & when not to use HyFlex 11-550
- If higher cut resistance is needed: ANSI A2 / EN ISO B should not be substituted for a higher cut rating when the hazard assessment requires additional protection.
- If puncture hazards are substantial: Verify puncture resistance independently and select appropriate protection for sharp points or penetrating objects.
- If chemical exposure is present: Do not assume the palm coating provides full-hand chemical barrier protection.
- If significant heat or flame exposure is possible: EN 407 Level 1 contact heat does not establish flame resistance or suitability for welding, high-temperature handling, or arc flash.
- If electrical insulation is required: HyFlex 11-550 is not a voltage-rated insulating glove.
- If ESD qualification is required: Manufacturer-listed antistatic properties do not automatically qualify the glove for a specific ESD Protected Area.
- If ISO cleanroom or sterile use is required: Select appropriately processed gloves with applicable contamination-control or sterility documentation.
- If rotating machinery presents entanglement risks: Follow the equipment's hazard assessment and operating procedures; gloves may be prohibited near exposed rotating parts.
- If the glove has been damaged: Remove it from service rather than assuming that its original laboratory rating still applies.
Recommended industrial glove pairings (hazard-aligned selection)
Different workstations often require different protective characteristics. HyFlex 11-550 is intended for abrasion-focused general handling, while other Ansell glove models may be more appropriate for higher cut risks, precision handling, specialized ESD control, or thermal hazards.
Why this matters: A general-purpose abrasion-resistant glove cannot automatically replace a higher-cut-rated glove, an ESD-qualified glove, or flame-resistant PPE. Each product has different protective characteristics and must be evaluated against the actual work requirements.
Wear life, inspection, and replacement considerations
The service life of HyFlex 11-550 depends on the materials being handled, surface roughness, contact pressure, task frequency, contamination, and cleaning practices. ANSI Abrasion Level 4 performance indicates resistance under standardized testing but does not establish a fixed service life for every industrial environment.
- Palm coating wear: Inspect for thinning, missing coating, surface damage, or exposed liner material.
- Fingertip abrasion: Monitor high-contact areas where repeated gripping causes localized wear.
- Grip deterioration: Replace gloves when the coating no longer provides the grip required for safe handling.
- Liner damage: Look for holes, broken yarns, cuts, stretching, and changes in structural integrity.
- Contamination: Oil, grease, and other residues may affect grip and glove performance.
- Thermal damage: Inspect for discoloration, stiffness, deformation, or damage following heat exposure.
- Laundering: Follow the current Ansell instructions and inspect gloves after approved cleaning procedures.
- Replacement criteria: Use the facility's documented requirements rather than assuming a universal number of shifts or handling cycles.
Inspection takeaway: Abrasion-resistant gloves often experience progressive wear. Routine inspection helps identify coating and liner deterioration before handling performance or protective integrity becomes unacceptable.
Why buy Ansell HyFlex® 11-550 from SOSCleanroom
- Authorized Ansell sourcing: SOSCleanroom supplies genuine Ansell protective gloves and supports industrial customers with product selection and purchasing assistance.
- Correct SKU selection: Order the exact HyFlex 11-550 product and required size to help reduce unwanted substitutions.
- Flexible purchasing quantities: Choose individual pairs, 12-pair bags, or full 144-pair cases to match operational requirements.
- Manufacturer documentation: Access current technical specifications and protective ratings for supplier reviews, purchasing controls, and PPE evaluation.
- Application support: Compare related Ansell HyFlex and ActivArmr models for different mechanical or specialty hazards.
- Centralized procurement: Source industrial gloves and related consumables through SOSCleanroom to simplify recurring purchasing across multiple workstations.
Manufacturer documentation (authoritative references)
- SOSCleanroom HyFlex 11-550 Product Page:
Click Here
- Current Ansell HyFlex 11-550 Product Data Sheet:
Click Here
- Ansell Official HyFlex 11-550 Product Information:
Click Here
Documentation update notice: Current Ansell documentation identifies HyFlex 11-550 as an abrasion-resistant industrial glove with ANSI A2 / EN ISO B cut protection, ANSI Abrasion Level 4, and EN 388 marking 4X21B. These are the specifications to reference when updating older distributor summaries that list different mechanical ratings. For formal qualification, always consult the current manufacturer documents and the exact product supplied.
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Last reviewed: Oct. 13, 2026 (SOS Technical Staff)
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