Hourglass International: Premium Protection Solutions at MTE Solutions
Hourglass International: Premium Protection Solutions at MTE Solutions
Hourglass International is a U.S.-based manufacturer of hand and face protection under the HandPRO® and HCE® brands, supplying gloves and cleanroom masks engineered for medical, cleanroom, laboratory, semiconductor, electronics, and industrial manufacturing environments. Their product line spans nitrile, vinyl, and latex materials across standard exam, controlled environment (ISO 5/Class 100), and extended-length configurations — with clean class certification, powder-free construction, and lot traceability for regulated industries. MTE Solutions carries the full Hourglass International lineup with competitive pricing and bulk purchasing options for OEM and production environments.
Hourglass International Product Comparison
| Product | Material | Clean Class | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| HandPRO™ AirSoft900 Nitrile Exam Gloves | Nitrile, powder-free | Exam grade | Healthcare, laboratory, inspection tasks requiring tactile sensitivity and comfort; soft feel with strength and flexibility |
| AQUA1900 Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves | Nitrile, powder-free | General purpose | Industrial, veterinary, and general-purpose applications requiring reliable barrier protection with ease of motion |
| HandPRO Series 1700 Controlled Environment Nitrile Gloves | White nitrile, powder-free | ISO 5 / Class 100 | Cleanroom and controlled environment electronics assembly, lab work, and manufacturing where contamination control is critical |
| HandPRO 1550 Clean Class 100 Vinyl Gloves | Vinyl, powder-free, latex-free | Class 100 | Latex-allergy sensitive environments; cleanroom and controlled manufacturing conditions requiring latex-free barrier protection |
| HandPRO 6200 Nitrile 16″ Clean Class 100 Gloves (Case of 1,000) | Nitrile, extended 16″ length, powder-free | Class 100 | Critical cleanroom applications requiring full forearm coverage; continuous barrier protection against particles and contaminants |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between exam-grade and controlled environment (ISO 5/Class 100) nitrile gloves?
Exam-grade nitrile gloves (like the AirSoft900) meet FDA 510(k) requirements for medical examination use — they are tested for barrier integrity, biocompatibility, and freedom from defects, but are not manufactured in a controlled environment and may have higher particle counts. Controlled environment gloves (like the HandPRO 1700, ISO 5/Class 100) are manufactured and packaged in cleanrooms, tested for particle counts per ISO 14644 or Federal Standard 209E Class 100, and are appropriate for semiconductor, electronics, and pharmaceutical cleanroom use where particle contamination from the glove itself is a concern. Use exam-grade for healthcare and lab; use controlled environment for ISO-classified cleanrooms.
When should I choose vinyl gloves over nitrile for cleanroom use?
Vinyl gloves (like the HandPRO 1550) are the correct choice when latex allergy is a concern and nitrile is not required for chemical resistance or durability. Vinyl provides a reliable barrier for light-duty cleanroom tasks and is generally lower cost than nitrile. However, vinyl has lower puncture resistance and less conformability than nitrile, making it less suitable for tasks requiring fine dexterity or extended wear. For most electronics and semiconductor cleanroom applications, nitrile is preferred; vinyl is appropriate for lower-risk handling tasks in latex-sensitive environments.
Why choose extended-length (16″) gloves for cleanroom applications?
Extended-length gloves like the HandPRO 6200 provide forearm coverage that standard wrist-length gloves do not — critical in applications where the operator’s forearm may contact the work surface, product, or cleanroom environment. In ISO Class 5 and Class 100 environments, any exposed skin is a contamination source; extended gloves worn over cleanroom gowning sleeves eliminate the gap between glove cuff and sleeve. They are also used in chemical handling applications where splash protection beyond the wrist is required.
Does MTE Solutions offer volume pricing on Hourglass International gloves?
Yes — MTE Solutions offers competitive pricing and bulk purchasing options on Hourglass International products for OEM, medical device, and production environments. As an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certified distributor, we can provide the documentation and lot traceability support required for regulated manufacturing. Contact our team to discuss volume requirements and pricing for your facility.
