Glossary and Definitions
for Welding & Seaming

Do you know the difference between hot air welding and wedge welding? From "Automation Machines" to "Webbing," our glossary offers clear explanations of commonly used terms related to fabric welding. This comprehensive resource is designed to help you understand the production, character, and use of welded fabrics. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the world of fabric welding, this glossary is your essential guide to mastering the terminology of Miller Weldmaster's innovative technology.

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Acrylic Material

Acrylic materials are popular in awnings, marine and outdoor leisure products. However, they are not weldable. Industrial fabrics that can be welded with acrylic welding include Sunbrella®, Sunbrella® Plus, Firesist® and other industry acrylic materials.

Acrylic Welding

A thermal bonding process used to join acrylic fabrics by applying heat and pressure with a specialized adhesive tape. Unlike traditional welding, which melts the base materials, acrylic welding creates a strong, durable bond without altering the material's properties. This technique is particularly useful for applications requiring watertight and airtight seams, such as awnings, marine products, and outdoor gear.

Automation Machines

Devices or systems designed to perform tasks automatically, with minimal human intervention. They utilize various technologies, such as sensors, actuators, control systems, and artificial intelligence, to carry out repetitive, complex, or dangerous operations with precision and efficiency. Automation machines find applications in diverse industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and agriculture, enhancing productivity, reducing labor costs, and improving safety standards. Learn More

Acrylic Tape

Acrylic tape in industrial fabric applications is a type of adhesive tape coated with an acrylic adhesive. It is known for its strong bonding properties, durability, and resistance to environmental factors such as UV light, moisture, and temperature extremes. This tape is used to join or seal seams in fabrics, including those used in tents, awnings, and industrial covers, providing a reliable and long-lasting bond. Acrylic tape ensures a seamless and waterproof finish, enhancing the overall durability and performance of the fabric products.

Accumulator

An accumulator is a device used in industrial fabric welding processes to temporarily store and manage material, ensuring continuous operation. It allows the welding machine to maintain a steady workflow by accommodating variations in material feed and take-up rates. This helps prevent stoppages and maintains consistent tension and alignment of the fabric. Accumulators are essential for high-speed production lines, where they balance material flow, reduce downtime, and enhance overall efficiency and productivity.

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Butt seam

A butt seam is a type of seam created by joining two pieces of fabric edge to edge without overlapping them. In industrial fabric welding, this is typically achieved by bringing the edges together and using a welding process to fuse them into a single seam. Butt seams are used to create a smooth, flat join that is both strong and aesthetically pleasing. This type of seam is commonly found in applications requiring a neat finish, such as in banners, tarpaulins, and various types of coverings.

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Custom Technology

Tailored technological solutions designed to meet specific user needs or solve unique problems. Unlike off-the-shelf products, custom technology is developed from scratch or modified to fit particular requirements, providing a precise fit and greater flexibility. This can include customized software, hardware, or a combination of both, offering a competitive advantage through improved efficiency, productivity, and user experience.

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Double Wall

Double-wall fabric is a type of fabric that is made by joining two layers of fabric together with vertical fibers. This creates a strong and airtight material that can be used to make a variety of inflatable products.

Drop stitch

Drop stitch is a construction technique used in the manufacturing of inflatable structures, particularly inflatable paddle boards and air mats. It involves using thousands of polyester threads that connect the top and bottom layers of the material. When the structure is inflated, these threads create a strong, rigid, and flat surface, similar to a solid board. This technique allows for high-pressure inflation, resulting in enhanced stability and durability while maintaining the lightweight and portable nature of inflatable products.

Die

In Radio Frequency (RF) welding, a die refers to a specialized tool or mold used to shape and bond materials. The die applies pressure and conducts the RF energy, which generates heat to melt and fuse the materials at their contact points. The precise design of the die ensures consistent and accurate welds, making it essential for creating high-quality seams and joints in various industrial applications, such as the production of medical bags, inflatable products, and flexible containers.

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Eco-Friendly Material

Eco-friendly thermoplastic materials are types of plastics designed to reduce environmental impact. These materials can be sourced from renewable resources or be engineered for enhanced recyclability. Examples include biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid (PLA) made from corn starch, and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) derived from post-consumer plastic waste. These thermoplastics retain the advantageous properties of traditional thermoplastics, such as durability and moldability, while promoting sustainability through reduced carbon footprint, lower resource consumption, and improved end-of-life recyclability or biodegradability.

Electrode

An electrode in the context of industrial fabric welding, such as RF (Radio Frequency) welding, is a conductor through which electrical current enters and exits the material being welded. In RF welding, electrodes are typically made of metal and shaped to match the desired weld seam. They apply pressure and deliver RF energy to the fabric, generating heat that melts and fuses the material at the contact points. This process creates strong, consistent welds essential for producing high-quality seams in various industrial products.

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Grommets

Grommets are ring-shaped components, typically made of metal or plastic, used to reinforce holes in fabric, leather, or other materials. They provide a durable edge to prevent tearing or fraying and are commonly used in applications such as banners, tarpaulins, shoes, and clothing. Grommets allow for the threading of ropes, cables, or laces, and they are installed using special tools that crimp the grommet into place, securing it around the hole for added strength and stability.

Guide

Guides in industrial fabric welding are devices or components used to direct and control the positioning of fabric as it moves through the welding machine. These guides ensure that the material is properly aligned, maintaining consistent seam placement and quality. They can be adjustable or fixed and are essential for preventing misalignment, wrinkles, or shifting during the welding process. By providing precise control over the material's path, guides help achieve accurate, high-quality welds and improve overall production efficiency.

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High Frequency

High frequency (HF) is a band of radio frequencies that range from 3 to 30 megahertz (MHz). It is used for a variety of purposes, including radio broadcasting, radar, and medical imaging. High Frequency and Radio Frequency are the same terminology. High Frequency is commonly used in Europe and areas outside the US and Canda.

Hot Air

A fabrication technique using precisely controlled heat, speed, and pressure to join thermoplastic materials, creating strong, airtight, and waterproof seams often stronger than the materials themselves. This technnique uses a nozzle of hot air that blows controlled air between the pieces of material you are looking to join without touching material allowing more flexiablity in the shape and size of end product. Learn More

Hot Wedge

A fabrication technique using precisely controlled heat, speed, and pressure to join thermoplastic materials, creating strong, airtight, and waterproof seams often stronger than the materials themselves. This technnique uses an aluminium wedge that heats up the pieces of materials you are looking to join by touching material. Perfect for long straight seams.

Hem

A hem seam is a type of seam created by folding the edge of a fabric back onto itself one or more times and then securing it with stitching, welding, or adhesives. In industrial fabric applications, hem seams are used to create clean, reinforced edges on products like banners, curtains, tarpaulins, and clothing. This technique strengthens the edge, preventing fraying and providing a finished look. Hem seams also allow for the insertion of cords, rods, or weights to add functionality and improve the appearance of the fabric product.

Hem & Rope

A hem and rope seam is a type of seam used in industrial fabrics where the edge of the fabric is folded over a rope or cord and then secured, typically by welding or stitching. This technique creates a reinforced edge that provides additional strength and durability. Hem and rope seams are commonly used in applications such as banners, tarpaulins, and tents, where the rope or cord can be used for hanging or securing the fabric, ensuring it remains taut and resistant to wind or other forces.

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Industrial Sewing

Industrial sewing refers to the use of specialized, high-performance sewing machines and techniques for manufacturing products on a large scale. This type of sewing is used in various industries, including apparel, automotive, upholstery, and technical textiles. Industrial sewing machines are designed for speed, durability, and the ability to handle heavy fabrics and materials. They often perform specific functions such as stitching, seaming, hemming, and embroidery, providing consistent, high-quality results suitable for mass production.

Impulse

a method of welding or sealing thermoplastic materials using controlled electrical impulses to generate heat. This technology employs a system where a heated element, often a band or wire, is rapidly heated and cooled under precise control to create a bond between fabric layers without damaging the material due to prolonged heat exposure.

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Keder

Keder is a type of edging used in industrial fabrics, consisting of a core, usually made from PVC or a similar material, wrapped in a fabric sleeve. It is designed to be inserted into a corresponding track or groove to create a strong, secure connection. Keder is commonly used in applications such as tents, banners, awnings, and boat covers, providing a clean, tight fit that is durable and weather-resistant. This method of attachment allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it ideal for temporary or portable structures.

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Laminate

PVC laminated material involves bonding layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to a fabric or other substrate using adhesives or heat. This process creates a durable, flexible, and often waterproof surface that enhances the material's strength and resistance to environmental factors. Comprises multiple layers, offering greater thickness, durability, and often improved performance in heavy-duty applications.

Laser Lights

Laser lights are used in industrial machines to ensure precise material alignment. They project straight lines or specific patterns onto the material, providing visual guides that help operators position and adjust the fabric accurately before and during the welding process. This ensures consistency, reduces errors, and enhances the overall quality of the finished product by maintaining exact alignment throughout the operation.

Layflat Pocket

a type of pocket that is designed to lie flat against the surface of the fabric when not in use. This pocket is integrated into various fabric products, allowing for added functionality without compromising the sleekness or aerodynamics of the product. Layflat pockets are made by strategically folding and sealing fabric to create a storage space that expands when needed and collapses back to a flat state otherwise.

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Non-Woven Polyester

Non-woven polyester is a resilient material that is resistant to biological damage and does not absorb moisture. It is commonly used in welding applications because it is strong, durable, and resistant to chemicals, mildew, and abrasion.

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Overlap

An overlap seam is a type of seam created by overlapping two pieces of fabric and joining them along the overlap. This is typically done using welding, sewing, or adhesive methods. In industrial fabric welding, overlap seams are common for creating strong, durable joints in materials such as tarpaulins, tents, and banners. The overlapping portion is welded together, forming a seam that can withstand significant stress and environmental exposure, providing a robust and waterproof bond.

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Polyethylene (HDPE)

A strong, durable, and versatile thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum, characterized by a high strength-to-density ratio. It is lightweight, chemically resistant, and suitable for various applications including packaging (bottles, jugs), piping, construction (geomembranes), and consumer goods (toys, plastic bags). HDPE is also weather-resistant, flexible, inexpensive, and highly recyclable, though it relies on petroleum for production and can contribute to plastic pollution if improperly disposed of. Learn More

Polypropylene

Polypropylene weldable material refers to polypropylene plastic that can be joined using welding techniques. This thermoplastic polymer is known for its chemical resistance, durability, and high melting point. It is commonly used in applications requiring strong, seamless bonds, such as in automotive parts, packaging, and piping systems. Welding methods for polypropylene include hot gas welding, extrusion welding, and butt welding, which fuse the material at the molecular level, creating robust and long-lasting connections.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane (PU) weldable material refers to a type of polyurethane that can be joined using welding techniques. This material is known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals. It is often used in applications where a strong, seamless bond is required, such as in the manufacturing of conveyor belts, hoses, and various industrial components. The welding process typically involves using heat or ultrasonic waves to fuse the PU material at the molecular level, creating a robust and long-lasting connection.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) vinyl film is a versatile material commonly used in welding applications. It comes in various forms, including coated PVC, laminated PVC, and vinyl films. Known for its resistance to oils and chemicals, durability, mechanical and chemical robustness, and fire retardant properties, PVC vinyl film is favored in industries such as banners, signs, tarps, tents, and pool liners. It is widely used due to its excellent performance and ease of welding using various techniques like hot air, hot wedge, and radio frequency welding.

PVC Coated Material

PVC coated material refers to fabrics or substrates that have been coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to enhance their durability, weather resistance, and mechanical properties. Involves applying a single layer of PVC onto a substrate, resulting in a thinner, often less durable coating compared to lamination. This coating process involves applying a layer of PVC to the surface of the base material, creating a strong, flexible, and waterproof barrier. PVC coated materials are commonly used in applications such as outdoor furniture, tarpaulins, awnings, and industrial covers, offering benefits like resistance to chemicals, UV rays, and abrasion.

Pocket

A pocket seam is a type of seam used in industrial fabrics where an extra piece of material is folded and sewn or welded to create a pocket or sleeve along the edge. This pocket can be used to insert rods, poles, or cables, providing structure and support. Pocket seams are commonly found in applications such as banners, curtains, and tarpaulins, where they allow for easy installation and removal, and help to keep the fabric taut and properly aligned.

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Radio Frequency

Radio frequency (RF) welding is a fabrication process that uses high-frequency electromagnetic energy to generate heat and melt thermoplastic materials at the joint interface. The materials are held under pressure until they cool and solidify, creating a strong and durable bond. RF welding is known for its speed, efficiency, and ability to create airtight and watertight seals.

Recyclable Material

Recyclable weldable materials are materials that can be both welded using traditional welding techniques and recycled at the end of their lifecycle. These materials are often thermoplastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can be melted and reformed multiple times. This property makes them ideal for applications requiring strong, durable bonds while also aligning with sustainability efforts by allowing the material to be reprocessed and reused rather than disposed of as waste.

Rotary Cutter

**Rotary Cutter**: A rotary cutter is a tool used for cutting fabric and other materials with precision. It features a circular blade that rotates as it is pushed along the material, allowing for smooth and accurate cuts. Rotary cutters can easily cut through multiple layers of fabric with less effort than traditional scissors. Making it easier to finish products or runs of material with a clean, straight edge

Rewind

A rewind material handling machine is used to take up and re-roll fabric or other materials after they have been processed. It ensures that the material is wound neatly and uniformly onto a new roll, maintaining proper tension and alignment. These machines are crucial in production processes like printing, coating, and laminating, where finished or treated materials need to be efficiently collected for further use or packaging. Rewind machines often feature tension control, edge alignment systems, and automated stopping mechanisms for precision and efficiency.

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Standard Machines

A machine designed and manufactured to meet established industry norms and specifications. These machines often perform common tasks within a specific industry or application, ensuring a predictable level of performance, compatibility with other equipment, and adherence to safety regulations. Standard machines typically offer a balance of cost-effectiveness and functionality, making them a popular choice for businesses seeking reliable and proven solutions.

Scrim

Scrim is a lightweight, open-weave fabric used to reinforce industrial materials. It typically consists of polyester or fiberglass and is incorporated into products like tarpaulins, tents, and banners to enhance their tear resistance and durability. The material has a grid-like structure with warp (lengthwise) and weft (crosswise) threads that provide strength in both directions. In industrial fabric welding, scrim is embedded between layers of materials such as PVC or polyurethane, creating a robust composite fabric.

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Thermoplastic

Thermoplastics are a type of polymer material that become soft and moldable upon heating and solidify upon cooling. This reversible process allows them to be reshaped and recycled multiple times without significant degradation. Common thermoplastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are widely used in various industries, including packaging, automotive, electronics, and construction, due to their versatility, durability, and ease of processing.

Tables

In the context of industrial fabric welding machines, a table refers to the flat, stable surface that supports the material being welded. This table aids in material handling by providing a smooth, even platform where fabric can be laid out, aligned, and guided through the welding process. It helps ensure precise welding by keeping the material steady and properly positioned, facilitating consistent and high-quality welds.

Trough

A trough attached to industrial fabric machines is a container or channel designed to hold excess material during processing. This component helps manage and organize the surplus fabric, preventing it from interfering with the machine's operation and ensuring smooth material flow. Troughs are especially useful in applications where long or bulky fabrics are handled, providing a convenient way to store and access the material as needed during the production process.

Tape

tape refers to a strip of material used to join or seal fabrics together. This material is typically made from various synthetic fibers or metals, coated with an adhesive on one or both sides. Tapes can be designed for temporary or permanent applications and may offer specialized properties such as resistance to heat, chemicals, and weather. Tape is commonly used with Acrylic applications as Acrylic is not welded.

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Ultrasonic Welding

Ultrasonic welding is a process used to join materials, typically thermoplastics or metals, using high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations. The vibrations are applied to the materials under pressure, creating frictional heat that melts and fuses the components together. This method is known for its speed, efficiency, and ability to create strong, reliable bonds without the need for additional adhesives or solvents. Ultrasonic welding is widely used in industries such as automotive, electronics, medical devices, and packaging.

Unwind

An unwind material handling machine is used to feed fabric or other roll-based materials into industrial processes. It unrolls the material smoothly and consistently, ensuring proper tension and alignment. These machines are crucial in applications such as fabric welding, printing, and laminating, where precise control of material feed is essential. Features may include adjustable tension control, automatic alignment systems, and braking mechanisms to prevent slack or over-tensioning, thereby enhancing the efficiency and quality of the production process.

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Vinyl Films

Vinyl films are thin, flexible sheets made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or similar polymers. They are used in a variety of applications due to their durability, versatility, and ease of processing. Common uses include signage, automotive wraps, protective coverings, and decorative surfaces. Vinyl films can be coated or laminated and offer properties such as resistance to weather, chemicals, and abrasion. They are often chosen for their ability to adhere to various substrates and can be applied using different techniques like adhesive bonding or heat welding.

Vacuum Tables

Vacuum tables are specialized surfaces used in industrial fabric welding machines to hold materials securely in place during the welding process. They create suction through small holes in the table surface, effectively immobilizing the fabric. This ensures precise alignment and prevents shifting or wrinkling, leading to accurate and high-quality welds. Vacuum tables are essential for handling large or delicate fabrics, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the welding operation.

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Woven

Woven refers to a type of fabric or material made by interlacing two sets of yarns or threads at right angles to each other. The longitudinal threads are called the warp, and the lateral threads are the weft or filling. This interlacing process creates a strong and stable material with a distinct grid-like pattern. Woven fabrics are commonly used in a variety of applications, including clothing, upholstery, and industrial products, due to their durability and structural integrity.

Webbing

Webbing is a strong, woven fabric strip used in industrial applications for its durability and tensile strength. In industrial fabric welding, webbing is often incorporated into products like tarpaulins, tents, and safety harnesses to provide additional structural support and load-bearing capabilities. It can be welded to other materials using techniques like hot air or radio frequency welding, creating robust, seamless joins that enhance the overall strength and functionality of the final product.

Wedge

a heated element used to join thermoplastic materials through heat and pressure. This component is typically made of metal and shaped to match specific welding requirements. The wedge is heated to a precise temperature and then pressed against the fabric layers, melting and fusing them together as it moves along the seam.

Miller Weldmaster Celebrates 50 years!

Glossary and Definitions for Welding & Seaming

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