AI-006 operation manual
release 12.10.29 R01, HMI version 25, plc version 107>, servo version 102>
P.15 of 44
> Principle of Seam Sealing
When seam tape is heated up, the adhesive on the tape is activated. This activated tape is applied
on the water proof coating or lamination of the fabric seam under pressure. When cooled, a strong
bond is formed between the tape and the seam. This bond is so strong that it will prevent
pressurized water from penetrating the sewn seam. As a result, a water proof seam is produced.
A hot air machine, like AI-006, produces hot air with precisely controlled temperature to directly
heat up the adhesive of seam tape. The heated tape and the fabric are feeding into two oppositely
rotating rollers under pressure called nip rollers. The linear speed of the nip rollers is called sealing
speed.
During sealing, hot air is being blown out from the nozzle. The hot air that actually reaches the
surface of the tape is a mixture of hot air from the nozzle and surrounding air, hence the actual
temperature that appeared on the tape is somewhat lower than the nozzle temperature. The farther
the distance between the nozzle and the tape, the higher the percentage of surrounding air becomes.
On the other hand, a higher hot air flow rate will reduce the percentage of surrounding air causing
the hot air temperature appeared on the tape to be higher. So both the nozzle position and hot air
flow rate are very important factors.
So, the major factors that can affect the seam sealing are as follows:
Hot air temperature
Sealing speed
Nozzle air pressure
Air flow rate
Nozzle position
When a consistent product is required, the combination of the above factors have to be set precisely
as their effects towards a proper sealing are all interconnecting.
