Life Vest

• 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.