A Cutting Apparatus to Aid in the Preparation of Ring Specimens for Tensile Testing of Latex Condoms and Other Thin Elastic Films

Abstract

A new cutting device has been developed for preparing condom ring specimens for tensile testing. The cutting apparatus requires minimal training and produces a consistent specimen. The device, consisting of a die with replaceable blades and a μg for holding the condom, was designed to be mounted on a conventional high-precision lever press. The underlying principles used in the design of this apparatus may be adapted to improve reliability and quality cutting of any thin elastic material that is difficult to handle.