As a global leader in hand protection solutions, Dipped Products PLC (DPL) stands out with its ability to tailor gloves to meet diverse customer needs. From medical to industrial applications, DPL’s gloves adhere to stringent quality control measures that ensure superior performance and protection.

One of the key factors in maintaining this high standard is DPL’s adherence to the AQL. But what does it mean, and why is it important?

AQL means Acceptable Quality Level, and is a quality control standard used across various industries, including healthcare and manufacturing, to determine the maximum number of defective items that can be tolerated in a random sample from a production batch. It is a critical metric that helps manufacturers maintain a balance between quality assurance and production efficiency.

AQL is based on a statistical sampling method. Instead of inspecting every glove in a batch, a random sample is tested for defects. If the number of defects within the sample is below the AQL threshold, the entire batch is accepted.

The sampling plan is an inspection procedure of a sample size defined as per the lot size (which are gloves that are randomly selected from a batch of gloves) that is used to determine acceptance or rejection criteria from an inspection batch or lot. The sample size to be tested is set by batch size, AQL level specified in standards as shown in table below  or determined by individual manufacturers.

The lower the AQL number, the stricter the quality control. For industries like healthcare, where safety is paramount, a lower AQL is crucial to ensure the product’s reliability and effectiveness. The number of defects found in the sample determines whether the batch passes or fails.

For instance, gloves with a lower AQL rating – such as 1.5 or below – undergo stricter quality control and have fewer allowable defects.

DPL customizes its gloves to meet customer requirements, tailoring them for specific market segments and applications, whether for industrial, medical, or household use. Each batch is rigorously inspected according to AQL standards to ensure customers receive only the highest quality products.

Common Glove Defects Under AQL Standards

Even under stringent AQL standards, some minor defects are inevitable in glove production. However, DPL ensures that defects are minimized to maintain top-notch safety and usability. Typical defects that may be encountered include:

• Pinholes: Small perforations that compromise the glove’s protective barrier.
• Tears and Break: Splits in the glove material, reducing its effectiveness.
• Inconsistencies in Thickness: Variations in material thickness that impact the glove’s durability and overall performance.

By adhering to stringent quality standards, DPL ensures that such defects are kept within acceptable limits, safeguarding product integrity.

Why AQL Matters for Glove Manufacturers

1. Quality Assurance: AQL helps manufacturers, like DPL, ensure that their products consistently meet high-quality standards. This reduces the risk of defective products reaching customers, maintaining trust and reliability.
2. Cost Efficiency: Inspections based on AQL sampling allow manufacturers to check product quality efficiently without inspecting every item, cutting down costs and production time.
3. Consistency: AQL provides a measurable standard, ensuring consistency across different batches of products.
4. Risk Management: Identifying and controlling defects early helps minimize risk, especially for critical applications like medical gloves. AQL allows manufacturers to set different thresholds depending on the severity of the defects, ensuring maximum safety for end users.

DPL’s Commitment to Quality

At DPL, all gloves are produced under strict AQL guidelines, customized to meet the specific needs of various industries. From heavy-duty industrial gloves to specialized medical hand protection, DPL’s quality control processes ensure minimal defects, maximum durability, and optimal performance. Our AQL compliance ensures that every glove not only meets but exceeds industry standards, offering unmatched protection and reliability.