How are flea collars made? - briefly
Flea collars are manufactured by incorporating an insecticidal agent, such as a synthetic pyrethroid, into a fabric or polymer strip that is then formed, cut to length, and sealed. The finished bands undergo dosage verification and durability testing before packaging.
How are flea collars made? - in detail
Flea collars are produced through a sequence of controlled operations that transform raw chemicals and textile substrates into a finished pest‑control device.
The process begins with selection of the active ingredient, typically an insecticide such as imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen, or permethrin. The compound is supplied in powdered or liquid form and undergoes purity testing before incorporation into the formulation. A polymer matrix—often a flexible polyester or nylon filament—is prepared by melting polymer granules and extruding them into thin strands that will become the collar backbone.
During extrusion, the active ingredient is blended into the molten polymer at a precisely measured concentration, usually expressed as a percentage of the total weight. High‑shear mixers ensure uniform dispersion, preventing hotspots that could affect efficacy or safety. The mixture is then forced through a die to produce a continuous filament of the desired diameter.
After extrusion, the filament is cooled, wound onto spools, and cut into segments of standardized length (typically 5–12 cm). Each segment is folded or shaped to form a loop that will encircle the animal’s neck. To improve adhesion of the insecticide to the collar surface, a secondary coating may be applied. The coating consists of a solvent‑based solution containing the same active agent and a binding resin; the collar is passed through a spray chamber, then dried in a temperature‑controlled tunnel to evaporate the solvent and cure the coating.
Quality control checkpoints are embedded at each stage. Samples are taken for chemical analysis to verify active‑ingredient concentration, for tensile testing to confirm material strength, and for dimensional inspection to ensure consistent size. Final products undergo a release test in which a simulated animal model is exposed to the collar for a predetermined period; residue levels on the model’s fur are measured to confirm the intended release rate.
The completed collars are packaged in sealed, moisture‑resistant pouches. Labels display dosage information, usage instructions, and regulatory compliance symbols. A batch record accompanies each shipment, documenting raw‑material certificates, process parameters, and test results, thereby providing traceability from raw chemicals to the consumer‑ready product.