Your Guide to Plastic Sheet Sealing Techniques
If you are in the manufacturing sector or just need to order a new plastic sheeting product, it's important that you now the different methods of bonding plastic sheets. The type of bonding used depends on the type of plastic€"vinyl, etc.€"and the type of seal that you prefer. Some methods use old school techniques, such as sewing, and other take advantage of newer scientific developments, such as radio frequency welding. While it's always good to know the language and technology of this industry, it's also important to consult with industry experts on which technique would best suit your needs and the industry standards your products must meet.
Sewing
This technique works best on fabrics, but it can also be used to create vinyl tarps and other plastic sheet products. Though sewing will not always produce the airtight seal of hot sealing, fabric and other porous materials will retain their flexibility. Far from an outdated method, sewing is a common operation for consumer goods like car seats, tents, and other products.
Heat Sealing
Heat sealing has been around for decades, and manufacturers have perfected this technique. By pumping hot air at the edges of the sheeting, manufacturers essentially melt separate sheets together to form a durable bond. Through the use of hot sealing fabric the product will be water tight and no longer have loose threads at its edges. Vinyl and other plastics also benefit from heat sealing, which is often used in conjunction with solvent bonding to create a tighter seal. Ask an industry representative which method would be best for your purposes.
Solvent Bonding
As a chemical means of creating an airtight bond, solvent bonding utilizes a liquid solvent that softens and fuses the fabric or plastic sheeting together in an airtight seal. This technique is commonly used to create tubes and closed chambers. Solvent bonding works well enough on its own for most purposes, but some products benefit more by combining this technique with heat sealing to further soften the component materials and allow for superior bonding.
Radio Frequency Welding
As a newer technique, radio frequency welding fuses edges together through electromagnetic frequency pulses. In addition to providing two and three dimensional sealing options, radio frequency welding allows for die cutting, perforations, and other details that can prove essential for consumer and industry products. Because this technique is ideal for withstanding pressure and maintaining sterility, manufacturers often use radio frequency bonding to create medical-grade products such as IV bags, blood containment units, and other watertight, airtight containers.
Sewing
This technique works best on fabrics, but it can also be used to create vinyl tarps and other plastic sheet products. Though sewing will not always produce the airtight seal of hot sealing, fabric and other porous materials will retain their flexibility. Far from an outdated method, sewing is a common operation for consumer goods like car seats, tents, and other products.
Heat Sealing
Heat sealing has been around for decades, and manufacturers have perfected this technique. By pumping hot air at the edges of the sheeting, manufacturers essentially melt separate sheets together to form a durable bond. Through the use of hot sealing fabric the product will be water tight and no longer have loose threads at its edges. Vinyl and other plastics also benefit from heat sealing, which is often used in conjunction with solvent bonding to create a tighter seal. Ask an industry representative which method would be best for your purposes.
Solvent Bonding
As a chemical means of creating an airtight bond, solvent bonding utilizes a liquid solvent that softens and fuses the fabric or plastic sheeting together in an airtight seal. This technique is commonly used to create tubes and closed chambers. Solvent bonding works well enough on its own for most purposes, but some products benefit more by combining this technique with heat sealing to further soften the component materials and allow for superior bonding.
Radio Frequency Welding
As a newer technique, radio frequency welding fuses edges together through electromagnetic frequency pulses. In addition to providing two and three dimensional sealing options, radio frequency welding allows for die cutting, perforations, and other details that can prove essential for consumer and industry products. Because this technique is ideal for withstanding pressure and maintaining sterility, manufacturers often use radio frequency bonding to create medical-grade products such as IV bags, blood containment units, and other watertight, airtight containers.