Cushion element for detonators

An improved detonator has a cushion element 11 disposed within a channel of the detonator housing 13. The element is provided with resilient, pliable and shock absorbant surface for contact with, and retention of explosive material 20, 22 in the detonator housing. A signal communicating surface such as a membrane or hole is formed on the element for communicating an initiating signal to the explosive material; as shown this is a hole 35 which may be covered by a mesh (40) or membrane (43). The element 11 may be of paperboard, polyethylene, rubber or polyurethane. A cushion element having a diametric interference fit with the wall of the housing 13 is inserted into the channel, and pressed towards the enclosed end of the housing for compacting the explosive material between the element and the housing closed end. A plurality of cushion elements may be detachably supported by a sheet for simultaneous insertion into a plurality of detonator housings.