Condoms are devices used as protection against sexually transmitted diseases. These rubber sheaths are also used to prevent conception after intercourse. Since the spread of the HIV virus, latex condoms have been of great help in stunting the outbreak of the disease. Since many people still harbor misbeliefs and bias against the condom and its durability, it is important to lay out the thorough process of manufacturing and testing which Durex condoms go through before reaching the consumer. This process takes about four stages of manufacturing and multiple tests for durability and strength.



The first stage involves rigorous quality control tests to ensure that the raw material used in the manufacture of condoms is of the finest rubber latex before ever reaching the production plant. Once it passes these standards, it undergoes a process known as compounding ? stabilizers, preservatives, and vulcanizing agents are added to the raw latex and then rechecked. Latex in its raw form can curdle and turn sour in time, so the process is done quickly and efficiently.

Stage two involves a process known as dipping. The compounded latex is passed through temperature-controlled tanks, and a line of glass formers are dipped in the latex vats. As the formers are retracted, a thin layer of latex film forms around the shafts. The coating is then left out to dry in filtered air to prevent contamination, then dipped again and dried for another time. The latex condoms are then rolled from the glass formers then passed through an oven for vulcanizing. They are then removed from the glass formers by jets of water, this being done after a soaking process which loosens them. They are then left one more time to dry. The next stage involves the rigorous testing of batches of Durex condoms to ensure durability and stability. Batches are subjected to electronic testing to ensure quality; this involves stretching over the batches over a metal former and subjecting them to electric shocks. If breakdowns appear on the film, or if practically invisible flaws are detected, the entire batch is rejected from packaging.

Stage four of the process is the air inflation test, wherein batches of sheaths of condoms go through elasticity and density tests which involves the batches being filled with air up to bursting point. Ideally, a Durex condom can hold forty liters of air or up to nine gallons of water before it pops. After the completion of electronic tests, samples of every batch are taken for more quality control tests, inserted with 300 of water and suspended for about three minutes. They are then inspected for leakages by rolling them on sheets of blotted paper. If a substantial number of samples show flaws or leaks, then the entire batch is rejected and disposed of. If the batch passes this test, more samples are taken and inspected for size and for thickness. Another sampling is done to test the ability to withstand destruction through durability tests. Some samples are weathered artificially to simulate aging while increasing the surrounding temperature, enabling each latex condom the assurance that it meets the end of their five year life before expiration of quality.