Hi All
We cover everything on the Blind Handy Man List.
 What is required to stretch beyond 1.5 cubic feet, about the size of a
watermelon,and has the tensile strength
of 15,000 pounds
psa
and
elongation
before
breakage read on and find out.


. After a curing period of several days, the condoms are sampled by batch 
and tested for leaks and strength. The first such test is the inflation 
test,
in which the condom is filled with air until it bursts. Condoms are required 
to stretch beyond 1.5 cubic feet, about the size of a
watermelon,
before bursting. This test is considered most important because the 
elasticity of the condom keeps it from tearing during inter-course.
. In the water-leakage test, the condom is filled with 10
ounces
(300 ml) of water and inspected for pin-sized holes by rolling it along
blotter
paper.
. Condoms are also tested electronically. This involves mounting each condom 
on a charged stainless steel mandrel. The mandrel is passed over by a soft,
conductive brush. If pin holes are present, a circuit will be established 
with the mandrel, and the machine will automatically reject the condom.

Packaging
. Condoms that have successfully passed these tests are rolled by a machine. 
Rolling the condom makes it easier to package and use. Lubricant and
spermicide
may be applied by a metering pump just before the top wrap is added in the 
foiling process.

Quality Control

Condoms are classified as Class II Medical Devices. According to the Medical 
Device Amendments of 1976 of the FDA, the FDA is required to inspect each 
condom
manufacturing plant at least once every two years. All electrical and 
mechanical equipment must be impeccably maintained. Condom-dipping machines 
are designed
to operate continuously; if they remain
idle,
their mechanisms can get clogged and
rust.
During any downtime, partially cured compound cannot be left in the dip tank 
because it could
contaminate
future production.

All condoms sold in the U.S. must
comply
to specifications that were
voluntarily
developed by condom manufacturers and adopted by the FDA. Condom 
measurements can range from 5.8-7.8 inches (150-200 mm) in length, 1.8-2.1 
inches (47-54
mm) in width, 0.001-0.003 inches (0.03-0.09 mm) in thickness (although most 
condoms range between 0.002 and 0.0024 inches), and the weight cannot exceed
0.07 ounces (2
grams).
Additionally, physical characteristics must include a minimum
tensile strength
of 15,000 pounds
psa
and
elongation
before
breakage
of 625%.

The FDA reviews U.S. company records and spot checks batches for cracking, 
molding, drying, or sticking latex. The organization also tests every lot of
imported condoms. Upon sampling, lots will not pass inspection if they 
reveal greater than 4% failure with respect to the above dimensions, 2.5% 
failure
with respect to
tensile
strength and elongation, and 0.4% failure due to
leakage.

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