What types of fabrics can be Sewn or RF-Welded?

Sewn

RF Welded

PVC Coated or Laminated Fabrics

This material is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated or laminated polyester, which makes it water- and air-tight. However, sewing the seams can cause leakage due to needle perforations. For this reason, we opt to weld PVC-coated and PVC-laminated materials when a completely leak-proof seal is required.

Flexible Vinyl Fabrics

Vinyl is also made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic plastic polymer. The production process for vinyl involves two main components:

Ethylene: A hydrocarbon derived from crude oil or natural gas.

Chlorine: Extracted from salt (sodium chloride) through a process called electrolysis, which separates chlorine from sodium.

Thermoplastic Fabrics

*If scrim inside

Thermoplastics also come in films without a reinforcing scrim, which provides stability to the material. A pure thermoplastic film is stretchable depending on the density of the plastic. We do not recommend sewing plastic films, as the perforations from stitch holes can lead to easy tearing. However, if the thermoplastic contains a polyester or nylon scrim, the material can be sewn or welded with Radio Frequency.

Nylon or Polyester Fabrics

*If coated

Nylon and polyester fabrics can be coated with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) on one or both sides. As mentioned earlier, RF welding requires these thermoplastic layers; otherwise, the nylon or polyester material must be sewn.

Canvas Fabrics

Canvas is a heavy-duty, plain-woven fabric typically made from cotton, linen, or sometimes polyester blends. It is known for its strength, durability, and versatility. Historically, canvas was made from hemp, but cotton and linen are now more commonly used.