Empa spin-off wants to use lasers for seam sealing
05/10/2017
Alexander Haag and Michel Schmid say the new technology can seamlessly seal synthetic fibre fabrics to make them waterproof and airtight and they have spun off a new company called Nahtlos to try to bring the idea to market.
To make conventional seams waterproof, they are usually sealed with tape on the underside. In collaboration with industry partners the two Empa researchers have developed a laser-based technology that replaces the two-step-process (sewing and sealing) with a single step. A laser seals the two pieces of fabric, making the seam and, therefore, the fabric waterproof and airtight.
The Nahtlos founders will use Empa’s diode laser for product development with customers and partners.
“Many companies are sceptical about the new technology, as the conventional method has worked well so far,” Alexander Haag has said. “But once they understand the advantages of our production method, most of them are thrilled.”
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