As outlined by Textile Flowchart in their article, “Flow Chart of Fabric Welding Process,” fabric welding is an alternative joining method for thermoplastic materials in garment manufacturing. This technique, commonly used in the technical textile industry, forms strong bonds without the need for externally applied heat, making it highly efficient for specific applications. The basic flow chart for the fabric welding process includes several steps: applying heat, melting the material, pressing it together, bonding, cooling, and achieving a joined fabric.

In fabric welding, thermoplastic-coated materials are melted and joined in a way that provides both flexibility and durability. While not every fabric is suitable for welding, most thermoplastics show excellent compatibility with this process. Fabric welding has become an invaluable technique in technical textiles, offering a seamless, cost-effective solution for joining fabrics with minimal compromise to strength.

Three main types of fabric welding are commonly used:

• High-Frequency Welding (HF): This method, also called radio-frequency or dielectric welding, joins materials by applying an alternating electric field at 27.12 MHz. It’s particularly effective for thermoplastic-coated fabrics due to its ability to penetrate deeply without external heat.
• Hot Air Welding: Using compressed hot air ranging from 400-750°C, this method softens the thermoplastic surface, which is then pressed together with another sheet to form a bond. Rollers are typically used to apply pressure to the material, creating a durable weld.
• Hot Wedge Welding: In this approach, a heated wedge is positioned precisely at the welding point, generating heat between 370°C and 490°C. The fabrics are pressed together by rollers, resulting in a strong, controlled bond.

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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of Textile Flowchart