Seam sealing technology: A ‘POSSIBLE’ Game changer in garment manufacturing

Seam sealing technology in the past has been used to create sports gear, hazmat clothes, waterproof garments etc.

Garment manufacturing technology has come of age not only in developed nations but also in our country where large scale manufacturing is taking place to meet the rising expectations of the market. Amidst this scenario a new technique of seam sealing is taking over the garment industry by storm. Despite, being costly seam sealing comes with its numerous benefits which can’t be ignored.

Imagine a garment without stitches and you would be ridiculed, because for years cloth seams were being held together through stitches executed by hands or sewing machines. But, with the incoming of seam sealing technology garment manufacturing has reached to the pinnacle where apparels could be made to suit the demands of the versatile market.

Seam sealing technology in the past has been used to create sports gear, hazmat clothes, waterproof garments, outdoor gear etc. though, its usage in the manufacturing of clothing lines will add both quality and comfort to the garment.

Based on the concept of seam sealing a new garment manufacturing venture UNIK has been set up in Bangalore with the collaboration of H&H, a machine manufacturer that specializes in seam sealing technology.

Seam sealing utilizes tapes which come with glue; these tapes are pressed with a machine at the joints. While the tapes are being pressed, heat is applied on the tapes so that the glue may melt and bond with the cloth at the joints.

On the implementation of seam sealing technology in garments, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Business Head, UNIK Technologyz says, “These garments are completely sew-free garment there is no stitching, it is totally bonded with glue instead of thread and overlaid with decorative tapes to give extra value to garment. There is no stitch at all, 90 per cent garment is fully bonded. We are just putting the glues and overlapping the seams and making the garment. As compared to normal garment it is very costly, five times costlier because raw material is totally imported from China, Korea and Taiwan.”

The need for utilizing this new technology arose from the fact that seam sealed clothes were not being manufactured in India as of yet so H&H through this new venture has set a precursor to the manufacturing of seam sealed garments. Rajesh Kumar Sarangi, Country Head H&H says, “Stitching is already there with lot of people, what you can do maximum with the stitching is add something like embroidery or printing but when you want a different look without a stitch that is the segment of garmenting, which is not been picked up in India so well.”

While explaining the purpose behind the venture he further explains, “Purpose of this studio is not only for creating the collection but, we are offering samples, doing actual production for the customers. All varieties are being developed in the centers to be shown to the customers. We have all machines available with us we can do half bonding, full bonded garment we can show you on cotton, leather all the processes can be done. They can pick logos from us, they can buy our machines, even we can provide one piece customized garment. Ample options we have either you can pick up one element or the complete project.”

The new venture may set a revolutionary trend in the manufacturing of seam sealed garments but, it has its own limitations like higher costs and applicability on limited type of fabrics. Though, the owners of venture UNIK have a positive approach for the implementation of the technology. 

Sanjay says, “Unique part of this set up is that we provide glue, decorative tapes and we are attached to all top clients globally like VENICE, PROS Korea etc.  From one bonding machine we have developed into complete back end and front end chain. We can provide anything in any quantity from tapes to glue.”

Seam sealed products in the past have already created milestones and are also being currently donned by the Indian cricket team. 

However, it is not meant for mass production as of yet and is in its nascent stage. The reason behind this is that seam sealed technology is expensive and cannot be afforded by SMEs. Yet, the future of this technology heavily depends on proactive steps by the government in cutting down import duties on these kinds of machines and technology.