RF Welding Technology

RF Welding, also known as “Dielectric Welding”, is a proven technology used to fuse polymers for high performance applications. Simply stated, a high intensity electromagnetic field is directed through multiple layers of film that is compressed between electrodes. The high frequency radio energy of the magnetic field creates excitement at the molecular level of the films, causing the simultaneous release of heat and a “welding” of the like-kind materials. The resultant bond is usually as strong as the original materials.

The technology works best with polymers that have a high dipole (inherent electronic polarity) such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethanes (PU), and polyamides (nylon and Kevlar). Certain polyolefin materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, are not good candidates for RF Welding as a result of their weak dipoles and resistance to excitement by RF energy. In the US the most common RF welding frequency is set at 27.12 MHz, but frequencies vary depending on country.