Laser-Welded Seams The Future?

Instantly waterproof laser-welded seams could be the future for outdoor clothing, taking over from the conventional stitched and taped method used by the major manufacturers.

British scientists at the Welding Institute in Cambridge have succeeded in producing a shirt made from Viscose and Polyester fibre using the new technique and say that it can be applied to all sorts of materials including breathable waterproof clothing and fleece.

The technique should be particularly suitable for waterproof clothing and works by coating the edges of the fabrics to be joined with a dye which absorbs infra-red radiation. A low-power infra red laser is then trained on the joint, melting the fabric slightly and welding it together. Modern taped seams are highly effective, however laser welding would create very marginally lighter garments and, presumably, be a simpler process once refined.

The process is claimed to be highly suitable for use on an industrial scale, though whether it will cut the costs of outdoor clothing seems (geddit) unlikely.

For the original story, see the New Scientist web site.