{"id":23133,"date":"2026-08-09T11:57:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T09:57:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/niroflex.de\/?p=23133"},"modified":"2026-08-09T11:57:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T09:57:09","slug":"en-iso-13997-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/niroflex.de\/en\/en-iso-13997-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"EN ISO 13997 Explained: Why Does Cut Protection Classification End at Level F?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Anyone comparing technical data sheets for cut resistant gloves will quickly come across terms such as 30 Newton<\/strong>, performance level F<\/strong> or EN ISO 13997<\/strong>. The highest classification level often raises questions. Why does the scale end at F<\/strong>? And why can two materials with different Newton values still receive the same classification?<\/p>\n

The answer lies in the structure of the standard itself.<\/p>\n

What Does EN ISO 13997 Measure?<\/h2>\n

EN ISO 13997<\/strong> describes a test method for determining the cut resistance of materials. During the test, a straight blade is drawn across the sample until it cuts through the material. The force required is measured in Newtons (N)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The measured value is then assigned to one of six performance levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Performance Level<\/th>\nMinimum Value<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
A<\/td>\n2 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
B<\/td>\n5 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
C<\/td>\n10 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
D<\/td>\n15 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
E<\/td>\n22 N<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
F<\/strong><\/td>\n30 N<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This classification provides a consistent basis for comparing the cut resistance of different materials.<\/p>\n

Why Does the Classification End at Level F?<\/h2>\n

This is where many misunderstandings arise. It is often assumed that a material achieving 40 or even 45 Newton should receive a higher classification.<\/p>\n

However, this is not how the standard works.<\/p>\n

EN ISO 13997 defines 30 Newton<\/strong> as the threshold for the highest performance level. Any material reaching or exceeding this value is classified as Level F<\/strong>. The standard does not include any classification above F.<\/p>\n

Why Are Newton Values Still Important?<\/h2>\n

The performance level indicates which classification a material has achieved. The actual Newton value provides additional information about the measured cut resistance.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n