Custom Machine/Equipment Covers | Industrial Fabrics

Carolina CoverTech is a contract manufacturer of protective products, with services in product development, industrial sewing, heat sealing, and rigid to flexible conversions. These capabilities allow us to engineer high-quality protective, covering, enclosing, and containing materials. Our team applies creativity and technology to overcome obstacles in traditional storage products.

Learn more about the types of industrial cover materials, their applications, and our capabilities.

Types of Industrial Cover Materials

Many types of industrial, high-performance fabrics are available as equipment covers. Each fabric has different characteristics and benefits.

• Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber textile that becomes stronger when wet. Cotton duck is a common industrial fabric that’s strong, durable, and water-resistant.
• Canvas: Canvas is a heavy-duty cotton duck fabric. Its tight weave protects equipment from harsh weather, sun, and wind. Waterproofing treatments for canvas make it suitable for marine equipment covers.
• PVC: PVC is a synthetic vinyl fabric that is durable in all types of weather conditions. It’s easy to clean, flexible, flame-resistant, and water-resistant.
• Polyethylene: Polyethylene fabric is an industrial plastic that is strong, durable, and abrasion-resistant. It can be customized for transparency for see-through machine covers.
• Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a synthetic fabric resistant to chemicals, odors, moisture, and stains. It dries quickly, and the synthetic fibers are non-allergenic. The material also has a variety of indoor and outdoor uses because of its water-repellent properties.

Common Industrial Applications

One of the most popular applications of industrial fabrics is protecting non-waterproof portable storage containers from the elements. Polyethylene spill pallets capture any liquids spilled from storage containers, protecting the environment from contamination. Flexible, built-in bladder systems double their capacity. Both the storage container and spill pallet must be covered to prevent rain from getting inside.

Custom equipment covers are also suitable for industrial and commercial applications. At construction sites, they can prevent soil, stones, and sand from washing away in rain and windstorms. As boat, car, golf cart, and truck covers, the material can protect against damage from the sun. The covers also protect outdoor events from being interrupted by inclement weather.

Other industrial applications of custom covers include:

• Aircraft covers
• Industrial containment
• Portable building enclosures
• Insulation/climate barriers
• Emergency medical response
• Airport transportation and security
• Recreational/offroad vehicle covers
• Electronics protection

Carolina CoverTech Cover Solutions

Carolina CoverTech offers versatile, weather-resistant protection with a range of customization for different shapes and sizes. We design, develop, and manufacture high-quality, industrial fabric products that contain, protect, cover, and enclose. Our covers are reusable and allow for easy repairs to extend their life.

We specialize in waterproof cover systems that protect non-waterproof storage containers from rain. Using RF welding and heat sealing, industrial sewing techniques, and specialty fasteners, our covers offer long-lasting all-weather protection. The material also allows you to digitally print marketing content onto the covers, such as custom logos, names, websites, phone numbers, and slogans.

Download our brochure for more industrial fabric cover solutions.

Contact Our Experts for Premium Industrial Fabric Covers

Since 1858, over 250 companies have relied on our ability to produce weather-resistant, water-tight, and flexible manufacturing innovations. At Carolina CoverTech, we create protective products for golf carts and bags, inflatable bladders, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our custom cover solutions and other capabilities.

RF Welding vs. Ultrasonic Welding

Two commonly utilized methods of plastic welding are RF welding and ultrasonic welding. While both processes utilize heat and pressure to create a strong bond, they achieve them in slightly different ways. These differences can make them suitable for distinct applications. That’s why it is important to understand them before you choose a plastic welding solution for your project.

Below, we provide an overview of RF welding and ultrasonic welding. It discusses what they are and highlights the key differences between them to help readers identify which process is right for their needs.

What Is RF Welding?

RF welding—i.e., radio frequency welding—uses high-frequency electromagnetic energy—i.e., radio waves—to create a bond between plastic components. The energy causes the molecules within the materials to vibrate at faster speeds, which generates heat. The heat melts the materials, enabling them to be fused when pressed together and allowed to cool.

What Is Ultrasonic Welding?

Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations—i.e., mechanical vibrations that are above the audible range—to create a bond between plastic components. The vibrations are produced by a welding sonotrode and applied at the joint line of pieces held together under pressure. This process generates friction and, consequently, heat, which melts the materials, enabling them to fuse together as they cool.

Ultrasonic vs. RF Welding

Initially, ultrasonic welding and RF welding seem highly similar. For example, the two processes produce strong and durable bonds between plastics quickly and cleanly. Additionally, both are energy efficient and eco-friendly. However, when you look at compatible materials and weld size ranges, it is clear they are different enough from each other that they may be used for different applications.

• Compatible materials: Ultrasonic welding is typically used for hard and rigid plastics since these materials carry acoustic soundwaves better than soft and flexible ones. Examples include amorphous polymers and semi-crystalline polymers. RF welding is generally utilized for polar molecular plastics that are thin and flexible since non-polar materials are not affected by radio frequency energy.
• Weld size ranges: Ultrasonic welding is relatively limited in the size of welds it can create due to equipment restrictions. Typically it produces welds that are 3 inches or smaller. RF welding can produce welds in a relatively broad range of sizes. It can create welds that are less than 1 inch in length or welds that are several feet in length.

While the above differences make ultrasonic welding and RF welding suitable for different applications, they are used within some of the same industries. Ultrasonic welding is commonly used in the following industries: appliances, automotive, electronics, medical, packaging, textiles, and toys. RF welding is frequently used in the following industries: automotive, aviation, construction, medical, military, packaging, recreation, and transportation.

RF Welding Solutions From Carolina CoverTech

Both RF welding and ultrasonic welding can be used to form strong bonds between plastics. However, they are appropriate for different materials and weld sizes. Understanding these differences can help you determine which one is right for your next project.

If you decide RF welding meets your needs and require a partner for your project, turn to Carolina CoverTech. As leaders within the RF welding industry, we have the knowledge, skills, and tools to deliver high-quality RF welded components and assemblies tailored to your requirements and restrictions. To learn more about our capabilities or discuss your project with one of our team members, contact us today.