Radio Frequency Welding (RFW) is a highly effective process used on plastic, nylon, vinyl backed cloth and poly vinyl materials to manufacture a wide range of conformed products. These materials contain a polar molecular structure which can be reengineered to weld a seam that allows cut material to be formed into customized shapes.
Vinyl (PVC), Polyamides (PA) and Acetates with chemical dipoles can be heated using high frequency electromagnetic waves. High frequency welding uses this property to soften the materials for joining. The heating can be localized, and the process can be fast and continuous. In this process, two pieces of material are placed on a table press that applies pressure to both surface areas. Dies are used to direct the welding process. When the press comes together, high frequency waves are passed through the small area between the die and the table where the weld takes place. This high frequency (radio frequency) field causes the molecules in certain materials to move and get hot, and the combination of this heat under pressure causes the weld to take the shape of the die. This type of welding is used to connect polymer films used in a variety of industries where a strong, leak-proof seal is required, such as containing air and liquids. When the materials are compressed, a new bond is formed that is as strong or stronger than the original material. |
