The latex consuming industry is virtually separate from the remainder of the rubber consuming industry as the techniques employed (materials and machinery) are different. The main process used is dipping (immediately below), but latex is also employed in cellular products, extruded products, cast products, carpet backings and as an adhesive. Latices (mainly synthetic) are also used in paper manufacture and in paints.

Dipping

Dipping is used in the manufacture of gloves (medical examination, surgeons, household, industrial and electricians), balloons (both toy/promotional and meteorological), condoms and catheters. The principle is the same for all forms, but there are significant differences in the techniques used for manufacturing individual products. The main principle is that a former (typically porcelain for gloves; glass for condoms) is dipped into a bath of coagulant (typically a solution of calcium nitrate); then into a bath of prevulcanized latex; then the latex/former is dried and vulcanized; then the latex article is stripped from the former; the former is cleaned; and... Typically, latex dipping takes place on a continuous line and there are a large number of formers.

To reduce friction (to assist donning) and inhibit adhesion to each other dipped articles may be treated with a separating agent: corn starch, chlorination, flock (household gloves), or silicone lubricant (condoms). Talc is no longer used as a separating agent. Balloons may be printed either as part of manufacture, or at a later stage.

Fabrication is followed by testing and packaging, and in the case of sterile medical gloves sterilization. Products may be packaged individually or in boxes (as in examination gloves).

Foam rubber

A major use of latex (natural and styrene butadiene) is in foam rubber which is used in upholstery and in mattresses and pillows where it is more hygenic than many of the alternative materials and is less dangerous (in the case of fire) than polyurethanes. Latex foams are prepared by the aeration of compounded latex followed by the addition of a gelling agent which sets the rubber phase without destroying the foam structure. The foams are formed in a mould where vulcanization takes place.

Extrusion

The major product of extrusion is latex thread. The industry employs specialized machinery and "know how" and supplies its output to textile firms who cover the latex with cotton or artificial fibres [fibers] to enable it to be incorporated into a vast range of garments, including hosiery and footwear. The latex is extruded through glass capilliaries and the fine threads are drawn through long tunnels where drying and vulcanization takes place. Fine tubing is sometimes manufactured on the same equipment.

Casting

Latex may be cast continuously to form sheet which may be used as a backing to form concrete, the manufacture of garments, etc. Cast latex can be produced in a wide range of colours and thicknesses.

Latex can also be cast on a small scale to produce moulds which in turn can be used to reproduce objects made from plaster or other materials capable of setting at low temperatures. The latex moulds are easily stripped and re-used.

The same technique has found widespread use in archaeological work where a cast can be made in-situ and the artefact can be reproduced off-site for study, etc. Similarly, cast latex is used in theatrical make up, in stage scenery and in cast toys.

Adhesives

Latex is widely used as a safe adhesive for use with children (there is no danger from solvents) and for work involving paper, textiles, etc. Latex adhesives are used in footwear, self-seal envelopes, and (relatedly) as can sealants.

Carpet backings

Latex is used both as an adhseive and as a foam backing material in carpets and rugs. Both natural and synthetic rubbers are used.

Other methods

Latex (mainly styrene butadiene) is used in large quantities in paper manufacture mainly in coated papers. Latex paints are based on polyvinyl acetate: natural rubber has been unsuccessful in finding an outlet in paints other than in chlorinated rubber paints.

Prevulcanized latex

Prevulcanized latex consists of latex pre-compounded with its vulcanizing ingredients and partially vulcanized before the latex is fabricated.