Seam tape is an important artwork for functional outdoor garment and workwear. But have you meet any issues about it? Wrinkles on the fabric surface after seam taped? Seam tape may peel off after washing? The waterproof standard is not ideal for seams? The main reason is related to tape types and operation process. Today let’s find the way to solve them.
There are many different kinds of seam tapes. Different seam tapes should be used in the different fabrics.
- Fabric with PVC/PU coating or membrane
As the above fabrics, we can used the PU tape or Semi-PU tape. Semi-PU tape is mixed the PVC and PU material. The PU tape is 100% PU material and more Eco-friendly than Semi- PU tape. So we suggest to use the PU tape and most of clients choose the PU tape. This tape is used in the normal rainwear.
Regarding the color of the tape, the normal colors are transparent, semi-transparent, white and black. If the membrane is allover print, there will be the same overall print on the tape to match the fabric.
There are different thickness here, 0.08mm, 0.10mm and 0.12mm. For example, the fabric 300D oxford with PU coating, it is better to use the 0.10mm PU tape. If the 210T polyester or nylon fabric, the suitable tape is 0.08mm. In general, thicker tape should be used for the thicker fabric and thinner tape should be used for the thinner fabric. This can make the fabric more flatness and fastness.
2.Bonded fabric with fabrics with mesh, tricot or fleece in back side
As the above fabric, we suggest the bonded tape. It means PU tape bonded with tricot. The tricot color could be same with the fabric, but need MOQ. Which should be checked then. Bonded tape is used in the high-quality outdoor garment (climbing wear, ski suits, diving suits etc.).
Normal colors of the bonded tape are pure black, gray, pure gray and white. The bonded tape is thicker than PU tape. The thickness are 0.3mm and 0.5mm.
3.Non-woven fabric
As the above fabric, we suggest the non-woven tape. Most of the non-woven fabric is used for the medical protective clothing. The advantage of the non-woven tape is stable performance and the soft hand-feeling. After COVID-19, this tape is more and more import for the medical.
The colors of non-woven tape include white, sky blue, orange and green. And the thickness includes 0.1mm 0.12mm 0.16mm.
4.How to control seam tape quality in production
So different tapes should be used in the different fabrics. But how to control the fastness in production?
★The correct fabric should be tested by the tape factory and choose the suitable tape and thickness. They make the tape on the fabric sample as a test. For example washing and after washing to check the fastness, and waterproof etc. After test, the lab will offer the correct data including temperature, pressure, and time. That’s very important data garment factory should follow in production.
★Garment factory make garment sample with seam tape according to the data, then test the fastness after washing. Even result seems no problem, but we still send the sample to the seam tape factory to test with the professional machine in the lab to reconfirm.
★If result is not ideal, then operation data must be improved until everything is ok. Then it could be a fixed operation data which should be followed strictly.
★Once there is the ready-made cloth, it is also necessary to send it to the seam tape factory for test. If it could pass the test, the bulk production should be no problem.
With above process, we can control the seam tape quality in good condition.
The seam taped is a very important workmanship for the functional clothes. If we choose the correct tape with correct process, it can make the fabric smooth and also make the waterproof better. Otherwise, the whole cloth loose the function of waterproof. The wrong operation data also makes the fabric wrinkle and unsightly.
Beside above points, there are still many important things we have to pay attention. Based on 16 years’ experience in the functional clothes for workwear and outdoor garments, we are pleased to share our experience and lessons with you. You are welcome to discuss with us for any issue about seam tape or ask free samples from us. Thank you!
Website: www.greenlandsh.com
Email: greenland@greenlandsh.com
Post time: Apr-23-2021
