Tapping of Rubber Latex
Natural latex comes from the rubber tree (Hevea Brasiliensis). Special cells in the tree, called laticifers, produce latex, a milky sap that oozes from cuts in the tree. Rubber trees are cut at night when humidity is high, so the flow lasts longer before the cut dries. One rubbers tree yields 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup of latex each night before the cuts stop dripping. The latex is collected in the early morning. This is the first step in the making of the Kimono Condom.

Latex Tank
After collection, the raw latex is stored in a latex tank. Latex tanks are also used for transport and storage before processing.

Quality of Latex Test
In this critical test, technicians analyze latex for quality before it is used to make the Kimono condom and MAXX condoms. The quality of latex determines the elasticity and strength of the Kimono condom. Only the highest grades of latex can meet the specifications for condom manufacturing.

Compounding Process
Compounding is a multi-step process in which ingredients that strengthen, preserve, and stabilize raw latex are mixed into the latex. Several unique compounds are used to make the Kimono condom and MAXX condoms. Shown here is one of several mixers in which latex compounding takes place.

Dipping Process
After the latex is compounded, it is dispersed in a dipping tank. Shafts called mandrills are placed into the pool of latex. The shape of the mandrill creates the shape of the Kimono condom. After dipping, the mandrill passes through drying and curing ovens that help strengthen the Kimono condom.

Pinhole Testing
After production, the condoms are tested. One by one, each and every Kimono condom is electronically tested for microscopic pinholes. In this test, condoms are placed over metal forms that are sent through an electrical field. The insulating characteristic of rubber allows this test to find microscopic holes and thin spots, through which electricity can pass and be detected. Pinhole testing ensures that each Kimono condom is of the highest quality before wrapping.

Wrapping
The Kimono Condom is then lubricated and hermetically sealed. Each condom is enclosed in its own Kimono condom wrapper.

Packaging
Packaging is the final step in the production of commercially available condoms. Foil wrappers are collected and boxed by machine. The condoms are now ready to ship to customers around the world.

Below are more tests that help ensure consistent quality in Kimono condom and MAXX condoms.

Water Burst Test
In this test, a condom is tested to see how much water it is able to hold. Water stretches the front of the condom and weighs it down. Its ability to contain the water and withstand the forces on it is evaluated. The results are judged against national and international standards to ensure the highest quality.

Tensile Test
Clamps grip segments of the condom and pull it apart. The point at which the condom snaps is recorded and reviewed to make sure that it surpasses both national and international standards. Kimono Condom can stretch up to seven times their normal length. Such testing ensures the condom has the necessary elasticity and strength.

Air Burst Test
Condoms are placed over air tubes, secured, and placed under air pressure. The amount of air the Kimono condom can hold and the and air pressure they can withstand before bursting help to determine their overall strength. The results are recorded and weighed against national and international standards. Latex condoms can expand to hold 18 liters (5 gallons).

Water Leakage Test
Condoms are randomly selected from production lots and tested to ensure that there are no holes. They are filled with water and blotted to make sure no water leaks out. This test confirms the earlier tests.

Aging Test
An accelerated simulation is created to mimic the effect of time on the condom. The photo shows a special oven used to control temperature and environment during this test. The results help ensure that latex condoms, when stored properly, will perform reliably.