WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Sonobond Ultrasonics announced today that its SeamMaster® ultrasonic bonding machines are being used to help assemble children’s underwear used for bedwetting protection. Several dozen machines have been purchased by companies needing to produce fully-sealed seams that prevent leaks from occurring between the absorbent insert and the rest of the panty. Sonobond machines bond the insert pocket’s water-repellent material to form a leak-resistant barrier that’s strong and comfortable.
Sonobond ultrasonic technology provides the waterproof seams needed in the panty’s inner pocket. Since both the horn and pattern wheel rotate during the fabric bonding process, the seams are also soft and smooth against the skin. The machines can also be used to assemble other types of incontinence panties and personal hygiene products.
Creating an Ultrasonic Bond
Sonobond’s SeamMaster® bonders were originally developed in 1991 to meet tough OSHA regulatory requirements for barrier seams in medical garments and disposable items. Instead of needles, thread, glues or other adhesives, Sonobond equipment uses a patented rotary system, coupled with high-frequency vibrations, to bond 100 percent synthetic woven and nonwoven materials or blends containing up to 40 percent natural fibers.
Resembling a traditional sewing machine, the Sonobond ultrasonic sewing machine channels the ultrasonic vibrations between a rotating horn and wheel, producing a localized heat buildup which causes the synthetic fibers to soften and fuse. This creates a strong molecular bond that’s impervious to moisture. The resulting barrier seams are sealed, secure, ultra-reliable and soft-to-the-touch without the leaking issues caused by stitch holes, glue gaps, fraying or unraveling.
Technology to Speed Production
The SeamMaster® Ultrasonic Sewing Machine seals, seams and trims in one step, making it up to four times faster than conventional sewing machines and 10 times faster than adhesive methods. Since additional measures required by traditional assembly methods to ensure barrier seams are also eliminated, some manufacturers have been able to boost output by more than 25 percent.
In addition to incontinence and personal hygiene products, this sealing capability makes Sonobond’s ultrasonic sewing machines ideal for assembling medical protective apparel that meets AAMI standards for fluid protection. These include surgical gowns, facemasks, caps and booties, as well as disposable healthcare products, such as mattress covers and lint-free wound dressings.
Achieving Life-Saving Specifications
Sonobond’s ultrasonic rotary sewing machines also help manufacturers of body armor achieve National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards that have become increasingly stringent as law enforcement, military personnel, Secret Service and CIA agents, and emergency responders don protective gear to ensure their safety. In fact, most major ballistic vest manufacturers now use Sonobond machines to satisfy NIJ standards requiring body armor to be waterproof, even after submersion for 30 minutes.
Bulletproof materials contained in ballistic vests lose their life-saving effectiveness when exposed to water, so it’s imperative that the seams in the inner nylon shell are perfectly fused. Ultrasonic bonding reduces any risk of water or moisture damage to the interior contents, ensuring personal safety.
About Sonobond Ultrasonics
Founded in 1960, Sonobond Ultrasonics is a pioneering leader in ultrasonic bonding and
welding technology. The company manufactures ultrasonic assembly equipment used by
companies across a broad range of industries, including aerospace, apparel, appliance,
automotive, ballistics, battery, electrical, environmental, filtration, HVAC, medical and solar. With more than 60 years of experience, Sonobond has earned a strong reputation for exceptional customer service and technical support before, during and after equipment installation.
Contact Information
For more information on Sonobond’s ultrasonic bonding technology and equipment, or to submit materials for a free Ultrasonic Bonding Viability Test, click here. For immediate assistance call 800-323-1269, 610-696-4710, or email skarmilowicz@sonobondultrasonics.com.