Investigation of the strength of ultrasonically welded sails

Abstract

Purpose -Today when the newest high-tech fibers and sophisticated material constructions are used for the production of sails, forming 3D sail shape from 2D sailcloth has still remained very primitive because classic sewing techniques are mostly used. Since, the clothing and technical textile industry has been recently using some of contemporary joining techniques (ultrasonic, thermal, high-frequency) replacing classic sewing, this paper seeks to investigate the possibility of ultrasonic welding in the production of sails, and the strength of obtained bonds. Design/methodology/approach -Concerning the aim, sails were made employing the classic and modern (ultrasonic) joining technique whereby bonding parameters such as amplitude and welding speed, geometry of anvil wheels were varied. Objective quality evaluation of the bond made in such a way, was performed in order to be more exact about its strength. Findings -Based on the obtained results it has been concluded that ultrasonic welding may successfully replace the classic sewing of sails, selecting an anvil wheel with suitable engraving and optimal parameters of welding (speed and amplitude). Practical implications -Selection of optimal welding parameters not only increases the sail's bond strength in comparison with classic seam, but also provides sail air impermeability, being one of the basic aerodynamic requirements for sail making. Originality/value -This paper has presented the novel and successful approach in 3D sail shape forming from 2D sailcloth.

A study on ultrasonic welding of nonwovens used for surgical gowns

“…These process parameters are adjusted to meet the requirements of the end product. The weld area, fibre type, material weight and number of layers are the other important variables in ultrasonic welding of textiles (Textiles Intelligence Limited, 2006; Prabir, 2011; Vujasinovic et al , 2007; Mao and Goswami, 2001; Nikolić et al , 2007; Kawabata and Niwa, 1989).…”

Seam properties of ultrasonic welded multilayered textile materials

“…Popp [10] reported that parameters such as clamping force, vibration amplitude, and velocity of ultrasonic welding sonotrode directly influence the quality of the finished product. Vujasinovic et al [11] analyzed ultrasonic sailcloth bonding as an alternative to classic sewing using an anvil wheel with appropriate engraving and optimal welding parameters such as speed and amplitude. Also, Hayes et al [12] compared ultrasonically welded seams, sewn and sewn/tape-sealed seams used for waterproof polyester fabric.…”

Surface roughness of fibre reinforced composite sails as quality indicator for their appropriate use

“…Requirements regarding the quality of the material used for sail manufacture have not been clearly defined and past experience still plays a major role in selecting proper material. This is why only a few research papers have been published so far regarding testing and characterisation of sailcloth fabrics [2,5,7]. The purpose of the investigations presented here was to explore the possibilities for objective characterisation of sailcloth surface smoothness/roughness, as one of the preferable sail property, which has not been yet investigated in deep and fully understood.…”