Medical gloves are generally manufactured using a dipping process.

The raw liquid latex is transported to the factory from the plantation or refinery (depending on whether it is natural rubber or synthetic rubber). A number of chemicals are then added to the liquid latex to help develop the specific appearance and technical properties that will be required in the finished product. The latex is then transferred into large tanks and the gloves are made by dipping ceramic formers into the liquid latex, leaving a coating of latex on the outside of the former. This coating is dried by passing the coated formers through a vulcanisation oven that dries the latex into a continuous film and allows chemical reactions to proceed to completion – creating a strong and acceptable end product. The penultimate stage of manufacture involves leaching of the products in hot water to remove any excess proteins or process chemicals that may cause allergic reaction in end-users. Finally gloves are either washed with a polymer or a chlorine containing liquid to reduce the surface tackiness and render them acceptable for use within the medical profession.