Author: Chantal Manella, Marketing Assistant and Urs Schmid, Technical Sales Support, Leister Switzerland
Urs, how did the PVC-free material perform when welded with the SEAMTEK 900 AT and SEAMTEK W-900 AT?
The Kavalan sunlight is weldable like PVC printing material and the parameters used were very similar to the ones used for PVC material. With the SEAMTEK 900 AT, practically any welding application is possible.
Can you tell us more about the SEAMTEK 900 AT and SEAMTEK W-900 AT?
The multi-arm system, SEAMTEK, is mainly used to weld advertising banners, awnings, elastic tanks, inflatable plastic fabrics, plastic fabric hoses, protective covers, tarpaulins or textile roofs. From 8–64 mm / 0.31–2.52 in, the SEAMTEK 900 AT produces perfect overlap seams, hems, open seams, seams with rope and welds with tape. Even inexperienced users can guide materials with ease.
Furthermore, the SEAMTEK W-900 AT sets new standards in efficiency. The welding speed can be changed during the process just like a sewing machine, allowing the user to weld even the most complex curves. Additionally, only the thin wedge is heated up, making the SEAMTEK very energy efficient. With minimal energy consumption and speeds up to 30 m/min / 98.4 ft/min, different thermoplastics like PA, PE, PU, PP, PVC and many others can be welded together. Sensitive materials frequently used in the advertising industry can be welded just as well and with the same high quality.
Let’s stick to the advertising industry. When we talk about banners, why is the weld so important?
The weld seam is so important on a banner because it allows you to piece together an image from a super-wide banner and reinforce the edges with a hem. The weld creates strength in the joint, allowing you to grommet a banner and attach a fastener or bungee cord to attach it to buildings, fences, backdrops, and exhibit stands.
So back to the PVC-free material you tested. Why are eco products like this so important? Where do you see the trend moving forward?
Times are changing and sustainability is becoming an increasingly important aspect of our society. Considering the large number of banners used each year for only a short period of time, it makes more sense to use materials that are more environmentally friendly than traditional ones. If they have the same processing properties as a PVC material, then it makes even more sense. We (Leister) are certain that this trend will continue to increase in the coming years.
