Evaluation of Methods Used in Heat Sealing Thermoplastic Coated Fabrics.
Abstract:
This two part report covers an investigation of electronic sealing equipment, methods, and techniques for heat sealing selected thermoplastic-coated fabrics. Part one is a comparison of dielectric, thermal, ultrasonic, and thermal impulse methods, for sealing thermoplastic-coated fabrics. Detailed operation manuals for use by shop personnel are provided for each of the methods. Also included is a comparison of the shear and peel strength properties of heat sealed coated fabrics. The dielectric heat sealing process was superior for fabrication of seams on vinyl-coated fabrics whereas, thermal or ultrasonic methods were best for heat sealing polyethylenevinyl acetate, polethyleneethyl acrylate, or polyurethane-coated fabrics. Part two is a detailed study of dielectric sealing equipment power settings required to fabricate various width heat seals, including an analysis of the resulting seam strength. Author