Condom is one of the most popular methods of contraception. It is quite simple to use, safe for health and able to protect against unwanted pregnancy and many sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, the production of condoms today is a very profitable business.
Latex in the production of condoms
99% of condoms are made from natural latex. This is a substance that is the processed juice of special rubber plants. Latex is 92%, but other compounds (vulcanizers and stabilizers) are also present in condoms. They give latex products the required characteristics (strength and elasticity).
Scientists are trying to invent more effective and cheaper substances for the production of condoms. A number of experiments on the use of artificial polymers are being conducted. But such products are made in limited quantities, so latex condom production remains in first place.
Latex features
The natural liquid latex in the manufacture of condoms must be mixed with various chemical compounds that affect the final chemical and physical qualities of the finished products.
I must say that latex rubber can break down under the influence of oxygen, heat and humidity, as a result of exposure to ozone, light and ultraviolet radiation, as well as when contaminated with heavy metals.
To prevent oxidation processes, antioxidants, mainly phenol compounds, are added to latex. Condoms that have not undergone vulcanization quickly lose their shape and have a viscous consistency, so this process is required.
It is corrected by the use of various chemical catalysts and activators, which make latex products elastic and capable of significant stretching. It should be noted that with excessive vulcanization, the condoms become stiff and labile, therefore, it is necessary to take into account the type of vulcanizer, the temperature level and the time of its exposure.
Other materials used in the manufacture of condoms
Condoms can be made not only from latex, but also from other substances. In the manufacture of these products polyurethane can be used. Such condoms are stronger than latex.
They acquire body temperature and are able to fit as tightly as possible to it. In addition, they can be safely used in combination with various lubricants, water and silicone.
The condom market offers tactile products. Their advantages are high elasticity and the most natural sensations when applied. They take the form of the penis and allow you to use any type of lubricant.
For the manufacture of condoms, lambskin is sometimes used. In this case, the intestines of lamb are used. Such products are characterized by natural sensations. Their advantage is hypoallergenic. It should be noted a drawback: such condoms can only be used in combination with silicone-based lubricants.
Condom Species
If we talk about classic condoms, then they have the shape of a cylinder with a drive for sperm at its end. As a rule, they are made of latex and are characterized by a smooth structure, have a lubricant in the form of a silicone gel, which prevents excessive friction.
Condoms can be classified according to several parameters:
- To size. The standard size is 180 mm long and 53 mm wide. Such condoms are suitable for most users. But profitable production of condoms should include the manufacture of special models. So, smaller models are also available. They have a special narrowing that prevents the product from slipping. There are also species with a width of 67 mm and a length of up to 200 mm.
- In shape. Anatomical condoms are produced, which maximize the shape of the penis and allow you to get natural sensations. In addition, they can have ribs, pimples or antennae.
- By the thickness of the latex.
- By appointment (flavored for oral sex or with the addition of an anesthetic to prolong sexual intercourse).
Female condoms
It is generally accepted that condoms are a purely male accessory, but this is not so, since female condoms exist. They have several advantages:
- can be used regardless of erection, since they are placed inside the vagina;
- do not cause hormonal disorders, such as birth control pills;
- they can be inserted into the vagina 6 hours before sex;
- female condoms are made not of latex, but of polyurethane, so the risk of allergies is minimal;
- they are much thinner than usual condoms, therefore they allow you to get maximum pleasure.
It should be noted that the effective use of the female condom requires experience. It is suitable for those couples who do not like the use of the classic male condom and lead to a decrease in erection.
The effectiveness of such female contraceptives is 98%. They are well protected against genital infections and unwanted pregnancy. Therefore, the production of condoms for women is quite common.
Condom Production Steps
Condom production goes through several stages:
- Glass bottles of a phallic form are lowered into narrow baths with a latex mixture.
- Then they are dried. In this case, part of the latex from the flask drains. Condoms are transparent at this stage.
- Next is the re-immersion of the flasks in the latex mixture, which makes it possible to produce condoms of the required thickness.
- After that, with the help of special brushes, the rim of the condom is twisted. Then the products are placed in a curing chamber.
- After the vulcanization process, the condoms become translucent, milky in color and sent to baths with soapy water and ammonia, after which they are knocked down into a special tank with the help of water jets and brushes.
- At the final stage, condoms in special machines are “washed” in room temperature water. In this case, powder is added so that the products do not stick together, as well as a disinfectant solution. Further, the products go to drying.
Equipment used for the manufacture of condoms
Machines for the production of condoms are quite expensive. They cost at least 850 thousand dollars. At the same time, this refers to medium-power equipment that allows you to produce 80-100 million contraceptives per year.
It should be noted that devices from China or India can be purchased at lower prices. Equipment from Japan or devices from manufacturers from Western countries is more expensive.
If we talk about the list of units that are used for the manufacture of medical devices, including condoms, then it should be called a water temperature control unit, a centrifuge and a latex mixture mixer, a cardboard-cutting machine, as well as a gearless and rotary-pulsating device.
Separately, it should be called the technique by which the packaging process of finished products takes place. It is able to automatically load condoms that are subject to packaging, prepares a conveyor belt, and can carry out control stretching.In addition, the function of thermal sealing and automatic lubrication is provided.
Condom Quality Check
Even in cases where the equipment for the production of condoms is of high quality, product defects are possible, therefore the products are tested in a certain way. So, out of 4 thousand products, 100 pieces are selected, weighed and measured.
The obtained parameters must comply with European standards. From the selected products, 5 condoms are also taken separately and checked for their strength in special chambers. Record the volume and pressure of the air that fits in the condom before it bursts.
Next, conduct electronic testing of the entire batch of condoms. Operators manually put products on electrodes that are connected to special devices. A current is passed through them.
In this case, computers register whether it passes through a condom or not. Those products that pass current are emitted, and the rest pass the second stage of testing. Take 30 condoms, put them on the electrode, fill it with electrolyte and lower it into a container, which also contains electrolyte. If it is recorded that the products pass current, the entire batch is considered defective.
If the condoms are tested, they are sent for disinfection, after which the packaging process is performed.
Condom machines
The sale of various goods through machines is a cost-effective and profitable business. Among the advantages should be noted around the clock.
People are used to street vending machines where you can buy newspapers, coffee or carbonated drinks, but the list of products can be expanded. So, selling condoms through vending machines is not only an original, but also a demanded business.
If we talk about the advantages that the condom selling apparatus has, it should be noted its small size, which allows you to place it on a small area in places of significant crowding.
It is worth noting the high demand for such a product, since these products are always bought.
If you specify the cons, it should be noted that the availability of products should be constantly monitored. Like any equipment, such devices can break down, but do not forget about the service for their maintenance. It is at a fairly high level, so minor damage can be solved as soon as possible.
To summarize, it can be argued that condoms are a sought-after product of daily demand.