HOT AIR THERMO-WELDING SERVICES
hot air thermo-welding outsourcing services
Inflatable Innovations uses either Hot Air Thermo-Welding or Radio Frequency welding to manufacture Thermo Plastic Polymer products. All seams are guaranteed to last 5 years.
The hot air thermo-welding process for TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is an industrial and manufacturing technique that uses precisely controlled, superheated compressed air to melt the surfaces of materials. As the softened materials are pressed together, their polymer chains intermingle and fuse upon cooling, creating a monolithic, airtight, and waterproof bond.
The process is heavily favoured in the manufacturing of inflatable boats, dry bags, flexible storage tanks, medical devices, and outdoor gear because it produces seams that are often stronger than the base material itself.
The Core Process: Step-by-Step
1. Heat Application
The materials are overlapped (or butted together) and passed through the machine. A specialised flat or nozzle tip blows a controlled stream of superheated air
directly between the two layers. This non-contact heating softens the TPU coatings to a semi-solid, molten state without burning or degrading the base fabric.
2. Pressure Application
Immediately after the air is applied, the heated material passes through pressure rollers (or pinch rollers). This mechanical force presses the softened TPU surfaces into each other, forcing the polymer chains to entangle and permanently bond.