Fabrics with a Urethane coating are among the many materials that can undergo the RF welding process to fuse seams together. Many types of products are made with Urethane coated fabric including medical bags and other medical use devices, inflatable life vests, automotive parts, and more. The radio frequency welding process can form airtight and watertight seams for two or more surfaces with Urethane coatings, helping to improve the durability and functionality of the end product.
What is Urethane Coating?
Urethane is a specific type of polymer molecule that is typically used as part of Polyurethane. Products coated with Urethane are water, stain, soil resistant, and are almost 100% impervious relative to medium loss pressure. Urethane coated products are also available in many colors, thickness, and textures to make the material suitable for many types of applications.
Some of the reasons urethane is often preferred over PVC and other plastics include the fact that Polyurethanes are free of Phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), and heavy metals. The material is also less environmentally damaging, decomposes over time, and does not release toxic compounds when incinerated. These benefits make Urethane viable for products in the healthcare, industrial, and food industries, among others.
Using Radio Frequency Welding on Urethane Fabrics
The low conductivity of Urethane makes it viable for radio frequency welding. Through the use of RF welding, two or more Urethane surfaces can be fused together, forming a seal that is strong as, or even stronger than the original material. The seal is resistant to tearing, and Polyurethanes are typically abrasion resistant, preventing damage. Radio frequency welding can be faster than other sealing methods, improving the overall efficiency of manufacturing.
The RF welding process fuses Polyurethane surfaces by using radio frequency electrical current to temporarily melt them and intermingle their molecules. The resulting seam forms a product that that won’t be susceptible to tearing under pressure, which is why the service is often used in the fabrication of containment, inflation, and personal protective products across a wide range of industries. Along with other heat-sealing services, RF welding helps maximize products’ longevity with a hermetic seal.
Find Out if Urethane Fabrics Are Right for Your Product
The experts at SealWerks can help you determine if Urethane coated fabric material is right for you and meets the requirement of your product or help you to find another suitable material. We can also help you with product design and provide the best fabrication process to create products that meet your functionality and quality expectations.