Life Vest

Type

Offshore 22+ Lbs,

Near-Shore 15.5+ Lbs

Material

Closed-Cell Polyethylene Or EVA,TPU,Tear-Resistant Nylon

Hardware

Straps, Buckles, And Reflective Tape

Certification

Align with ISO 12402, US Coast Guard (USCG), or CE certifications

  • 1. Design and Regulatory Compliance
    • Type Classification:
      • Offshore (Type I): High buoyancy (22+ lbs) for open water.
      • Near-Shore (Type II): Moderate buoyancy (15.5+ lbs) for calm waters.
      • Flotation Aids (Type III): Activity-specific (e.g., kayaking).
    • CAD Modeling: Engineers design shapes, buoyancy distribution, and ergonomics.
    • Regulatory Standards: Align with ISO 12402, US Coast Guard (USCG), or CE certifications.

    2. Material Selection

    • Buoyancy Core:
      • Foam: Closed-cell polyethylene or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) for inherent buoyancy.
    • Shell Fabric: Tear-resistant nylon or polyester with UV and saltwater resistance.
    • Hardware:
      • Adjustable straps, buckles (ITW Nexus®), D-rings.
      • Reflective tape for visibility.
    • Sustainability: Recycled fabrics or biodegradable foam alternatives (emerging).

    3. Cutting and Preparation

    • Foam Cutting: CNC machines or die-cutters shape foam blocks into panels.
    • Fabric Cutting: Laser or ultrasonic cutting ensures precision for shell and lining.

    4. Assembly Process

    • Foam-Based PFDs:
      1. Layering: Foam panels are sandwiched between shell and lining fabrics.
      2. Sewing: Panels are stitched with reinforced seams; bar tacks reinforce stress points.
      3. Hardware Attachment: Straps, buckles, and reflective tape are added.Inflatable PFDs:

    5. Quality Control and Testing

    • Buoyancy Testing: Submerge in water to verify minimum buoyancy (per type).
    • Pressure Testing (inflatables): Inflate bladders to check for leaks or seam failures.
    • Durability Checks:
      • Tensile tests on straps and buckles.
      • Accelerated aging tests for UV and saltwater resistance.
    • Regulatory Certification: Third-party labs verify compliance with USCG, ISO, or CE standards.

    6. Finishing and Packaging

    • Labeling: Attach certification tags, care instructions, and sizing labels.
    • Adjustment: Ensure straps and buckles function smoothly.