Sonobond Ultrasonics Announces Trademark Registration Approval for Its SeamMaster® Ultrasonic Sewing Machines


Sonobond is recognized as a Worldwide Leader in Developing and Refining Ultrasonic Technology for Nonwoven and Woven Synthetic Materials



WEST CHESTER, Pennsylvania – Sonobond Ultrasonics announced today that it has been awarded trademark registration for its complete line of ultrasonic "sewing" equipment that bonds nonwoven and woven synthetic materials.  The units are now known as SeamMaster® Ultrasonic Sewing Machines.  They include general purpose and high profile models, table-mounted cutter/sealer units, and modules for original equipment manufacturers. 



The Sonobond Advantage

Though comparable in appearance and operation to traditional sewing machines, Sonobond's equipment uses ultrasonic vibrations, instead of needles, thread, glues or other adhesives, to bond materials that are synthetic or blends containing up to 40 percent natural fibers.  The machines use a patented rotary operation, where both horn and pattern wheel rotate at the same time to cut, sew and trim in one pass.  The result is ultra-reliable and soft-to-the-touch seams achieved up to four times faster than with conventional sewing machines and 10 times faster than with adhesive methods, enabling some manufacturers to boost their production output.



Two Decades of Developing Innovative Equipment



Sonobond introduced its first SeamMaster® Ultrasonic Sewing Machine in October 1991 to meet demands for safer medical garments, such as gowns and face masks, and disposable items, including mattress covers, surgical wipes and wound dressings.

  

"Due to its reliability in producing bonded edges and secure seams without stitch holes, glue gaps, fraying or unraveling, the first SeamMaster® Ultrasonic Sewing Machine met tough OSHA regulatory requirements for barrier seams," Alleman explains.  The machine has also proved its versatility in assembling other medical disposables and protective equipment, filters and thin film packaging.



The SeamMaster® High Profile Ultrasonic Sewing Machine is currently Sonobond's most popular model due to its large pattern wheel, high clearance and ability to accommodate bulky materials and hand-guided operations with tight tolerances and curves.  In fact, the machine is used by most major manufacturers of body armor throughout the world to seal the outer nylon shell of ballistic vests and produce a bond so reliable that it complies with National Institute of Justice submersion test standards to protect the inner layer of ballistic-resistant materials from water leaks.



The SM10 Ultrasonic Cutter/Sealer model is a table-mounted unit with a 16" x 20" operating area and an easily interchangeable pattern wheel located in the center.  It can handle a variety of patterns up to 10mm wide, slitting and sealing two layers of material and eliminating fraying and unraveling along the sealed edge.  Much faster than either conventional sewing or adhesive machines, it operates at speeds of up to 60 feet per minute.



Sonobond also produces SeamMaster® Ultrasonic Sewing Machine Modules for original equipment manufacturers in the textile industry.  The units feature Sonobond's rotary system and allow for integration of ultrasonic seaming, slitting, crosscutting and trimming capabilities into special-purpose ultrasonic bonding machines.



Ultrasonic Bonding for Diverse Applications



Ultrasonic bonding occurs when the materials to be joined are placed between the ultrasonic bonder's horn and rotating wheel.  High-frequency vibrations result in localized heat buildup that causes the synthetic fibers to soften and fuse, creating a durable seal. 



Applications for Sonobond's SeamMaster® Ultrasonic Sewing Machines have exploded over the past two decades, in part due to the equipment's versatility, minimal training requirements and more than 500 interchangeable pattern rollers.  For example, in the textile and apparel industries, Sonobond units have been used for slitting, embossing, lace making and stitching.  The machines are used to assemble draperies, window shades, awnings, blankets,tablecloths, pillows, athletic accessories, carpets, banners, flags, aviation insulation panels, netting, ribbons, and all types of garments. 



SeamMaster® Ultrasonic Sewing Machines have even been used by Cornell University fashion design students to create functional or decorative details – such as spaghetti straps, appliqués, decorative flowers and pin tucking – streamlining conventionally time- and labor-intensive processes.  The equipment has also been used to assemble apparel and finish garment edges, including voluminous hems on sheer fabrics. 



Manufacturers of oil containment booms have found the Sonobond machines essential for producing inner polypropylene boom socks with seams strong enough to support an eight- to ten-fold increase in weight due to oil absorption.  Additionally, filter manufacturers have used the equipment to make custom and specialty bags, sleeves, pads and other filtration products for the chemical/pharmaceutical, automotive, environmental, food/beverage and manufacturing industries.



Says Alleman, "Our clients find that SeamMaster® Ultrasonic Sewing Machines provide assembly solutions whenever sewn seams are not adequate to satisfy end-use requirements or to provide an acceptable appearance for the

finished product."



Free Materials Bonding Test



Recognizing that companies have unique manufacturing requirements, Sonobond offers a no-cost, no-obligation Ultrasonic Bonding Viability Test, producing sample assemblies with potential customers' own nonwoven or synthetic fabrics.  "This enables manufacturers to match our equipment to their specific application and confirm that our products will deliver the quality ultrasonic bonding they need," Alleman notes.  If a decision is made to purchase Sonobond equipment, the company continues to work closely with its customers, providing service and technical support before, during and after delivery and installation.



A Pioneer in Ultrasonic Technology

Sonobond Ultrasonics is a worldwide leader in the application of ultrasonic bonding and welding technology.  In 1960, Sonobond, then known as Aeroprojects, received the first patent ever awarded for ultrasonic metal welding.  During the intervening 54 years, Sonobond has earned an outstanding reputation for its pioneering work and quality-engineered products.  Today, Sonobond manufactures a complete line of ultrasonic bonding and welding equipment for a wide variety of customers in the automotive, appliance, electrical, HVAC, ballistics, aerospace, filtration, medical, and apparel industries.



Learn More



For more information on Sonobond Ultrasonics technology, specifics on the company's bonding equipment and instructions for submitting materials for a free Ultrasonic Bonding Viability Test, visit Sonobond's website, www.SonobondUltrasonics.com, phone 800-323-1269, or contact Vice President Melissa Alleman directly at MAlleman@SonobondUltrasonics.com.




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