SAFETEX - Laser Welding of Plastic Textiles for Automated Manufacturing of Protective Clothing, Inflatable and Waterproof Devices

This project aims to develop the equipment and procedures required to allow use of laser welding for joining plastic textile panels with robotic manipulation of seams, to overcome limitations and drawbacks of traditional sewing and taping. The main development areas are in the provision of a flexible support for the panels, clamping methods to hold the fabrics and seam in position and in the design of a pressure application device to consolidate the laser weld as it is made. The research is focused in particular on joining of protective clothing, inflatable and waterproof devices.