3D printing offers a new route to rubber glove manufacturing
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed a 3D printing method for manufacturing rubber gloves that could enable more flexible production, reduce material waste and support more geographically distributed manufacturing.
The 3D-PEP process, developed with industry partner Meditech, uses natural rubber latex sprayed onto a mould, while heating the glove from both sides to vulcanise the material. The approach differs from conventional dipping methods, which rely on large production lines, multiple baths and drying stages between manufacturing steps.
By contrast, 3D printing could allow manufacturers to produce smaller batches without the expense of operating a large production line. Glove thickness and other properties can also be adjusted through changes to the printer's instructions, potentially enabling products to be tailored to specific requirements.
This could be particularly useful for professionals such as surgeons, who may wear gloves for extended periods and need a comfortable fit. Researchers suggest that scanning an individual's hands could eventually allow personalised gloves to be produced.
The method also offers potential manufacturing and supply-chain benefits. Conventional glove production is heavily concentrated in Southeast Asia, leaving global supplies vulnerable to disruption. Smaller 3D printing systems could make production viable in facilities closer to end users, reducing dependence on large, centralised factories and their lengthy set-up times.
The approach does not remove reliance on imported raw materials, however. Southeast Asia is also a major source of natural rubber, although researchers are exploring alternative feedstocks, including Russian dandelion and guayule, that could potentially be grown in Europe.
Natural rubber was selected for its potential environmental advantages over synthetic alternatives. The researchers say it can biodegrade more readily, while 3D printing offers the prospect of reducing manufacturing waste. The overall environmental benefit will depend on factors including material sourcing and production emissions.
Dr Eva Peláez-Álvarez, research fellow in advanced materials at Cranfield University, said the team would now investigate how the manufacturing technique could be adapted for other industries.
The research, A sustainable novel 3D printing of elastomeric products, is published in Nature.
Pic: Toon Lambrechts
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