Thermoplastic Urethane thin film

[MarcSylex]

I'm electrical seeking advice about materials. I want to use an Ultra Sonic hand held welder to weld TPU on fabric. The welder I'm thinkng of purchasing is 500Watts and operates at 20khz.

I'm not sure what types or grades TPU comes in I just know I need something thin and can be bonded with this hand held welder.

any advicve would be great. I would hate to have TPU can is too thick were it can't be bonded (to fabric that is).

Thanks

 

[kenvlach]

What is the fabric?
Polyurethane is a thermoset plastic, so it doesn't take to welding. However, you can ultrasonic weld a themoplastic to it.

 

[patprimmer]

Thermoplastic polyurethane can be made in film form, but I agree, polyurethane coated fabrics are usually made by calendaring process with uncured thermosets being applied and cured with rollers.

Regards

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[MarcSylex]

I figured I could use TPU and fine weld designs for my own pair of gloves or pairs pants.

I thought companies that make sports gloves use TPU on the palm portion of the gloves enabling better gripping.

It would be great if the thermoplastic was abrasion resistant. Any suggestions?

Thank you both for your response.

 

[MarcSylex]

I actually just referenced from somewhere that sing ultra sound to weld is pretty poor as you guy said, but RF might work for TPU sinec the heat generated is much greater. Problem with thatis I would still need a hand held version for the shop.

 

[patprimmer]

You need to get a fabric with the PU already laminated to it. I am sure they are available, as it is the normal way to make the best quality imitation leather.

You will not be able to laminate with a welder. You will blow holes in the PU before it sticks properly.

Hot air and roller wheels are used to make things from PU/woven fabric laminates. I have seen divers dry suits made that way.



Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[MarcSylex]

I can't use fabrics with PU already on it because for my apllication I want to hermitically seal objects within the thermoplastic. I'm sure companies wouldn't manufacture hand held sonic welders if you couldn't do this. If not thermsoplastic PU then some other kind of thermoplastic must be used.

thank you

 

[patprimmer]

You have my advice

You are free to accept it or ignore it, but what you propose will not work.

Regards

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Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[MarcSylex]

patprimmer

I respect yours and kenvlach's comments.

Kenvlach can the roller as you mentioned have etches made into them so that I can roll over areas I don't want to have TPU'ed?

For example could I etch a line in the roller and roller over something so I don't heat over the TPU covering that area?

Thanks

 

[patprimmer]

You should visit a PVC tarpaulin maker and a sail maker. Both will have equipment for welding thermoplastic sheet and fabric coated with thermoplastic.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.