Technology of production of elastomeric sleeves

Abstract

Presented is a method of manufacturing opened at both ends thin walled elastomeric sleeves of complex shapes. The proposed technique employs standard dip molding process but with modifications which enable producing of opened at both ends sleeves right from the drying stage and eliminates the necessity of cutting lower dipped ends subsequently to the dipping process. This technique allows sleeves to be manufactured with rolled beads at both ends. The main benefit of the present invention is a possibility of manufacturing sleeves on existing standard automated and semi-automated dip molding lines, traditionally used for manufacturing elastomeric gloves and condoms. The gist of the invention is a composition of a dipping former with a bottom coated by hydrophobic material such as PTFE. This composition impedes buildup of coagulant and coagulum on the bottom. The loose coagulum layer is removed by means of washing off with directed and appropriately timed sprinklers. As a result the bottom of the former is completely clean of coagulum prior to commencement of drying and curing process, whereby the resulting sleeve is opened at both ends. At the bead rolling stage of the process two sets of rolling brushes may be employed instead of one, whereby sleeves with both ends finished with rolled beads are obtained.