Investigation of ultrasonic seam strength

Ultrasonic seaming promises much in the nonwovens industry with advantages inherent in the welding of thermoplastic fibres. Here the strength of ultrasonic seams are compared with the strength of lock stitch seams. The term "ultrasonic" is defined. An impermeable barrier is created in the material and various patterns cover fabric with different bond designs. The introduction of ultrasonic systems to the textile industry is relatively recent. Bonding nonwoven materials and uses in the medical industry are described. Ultrasonic welding characteristics of textiles and films are covered with suitable materials listed. Textile applications using ultrasonics are also listed. Welding characteristics are then covered. The text methods using three nonwoven and four woven fabrics are described, supplying the parameters and reporting the results. The process is more suitable for nonwoven fabrics giving more seam strength than is possible for woven materials. (1 fig 6 tab).