Garment Bonding Services, from Bonded Sample to Bulk Production
We develop stitch-free bonded constructions, set up the machines and adhesives, and support bulk production for intimates, activewear, outerwear and technical apparel.
Bonding Technology in the Garment Industry: The Methods We Use
Bonding technology in the garment industry replaces thread with heat-activated adhesive or tape, or with dispensed PUR adhesive. The result is a flatter, lighter seam or edge with no needle holes and nothing to rub against the skin. For technical garment bonding we choose the method for each part of the garment, and often use more than one on a single style.
Hot Press and Vacuum Press Bonding
Even heat and pressure across pockets, zips, logos and larger panels. Our HSP500 pneumatic high-pressure press gives the final press on bonded bras and briefs.
Laydown and Fold-Over Bonding
MK975 laydown and fold-over machines apply adhesive or fabric tape to hems, necklines, waistbands, wings and leg openings, trimming the edge in the same pass.
PUR Dot Bonding
PUR adhesive dispensed in dots or lines stays soft and stretches with the fabric, which suits bras, underwear and other next-to-skin garments. It can be combined with laser cutting.
Lamination and Bonded Components
Fabric-to-fabric lamination, bonded straps and tapes, and bonded components made to your specification, ready to go into your garment.
Adhesive and Fabric Slitting
Adhesive films and fabrics slit to the exact widths your construction needs, so tapes and components fit the pattern.
Ultrasonic Welding
Where the fabric is synthetic, ultrasonic welding joins and cuts in one step, with no adhesive at all. See our ultrasonic bonding service.
Bonding Machines, Adhesives and Process Knowledge in One Group
From Tech Pack to Bulk: How a Bonding Project Works
Construction Review
We read your tech pack and the garment’s application and end user, then mark which seams, edges and components can be bonded.
Adhesive and Film Selection
We choose the adhesive, film or tape for your fabric, its coating and stretch, and the number of washes it has to survive.
Bonded Mock-ups and Settings
We build bonded mock-ups and fix the temperature, pressure and dwell time for each operation.
Testing
Peel, seam and shear strength, EMR (elongation, modulus and recovery) and wash durability tests confirm the bond before bulk.
SOP, Training and Bulk
Settings go into an SOP, your operators are trained, and in bulk the machine settings are checked every two hours, with peel and hydrostatic tests on the line.
Where Bonding Replaces Stitching
Bonding is not an all-or-nothing choice. Many bonded garments combine bonded edges with a few stitched or welded seams. These are the areas where bonding usually earns its place.
| Garment area | Bonding method | What it gives the garment |
|---|---|---|
| Bra wings, underarm and neckline | Laydown bonding, then high-pressure hot press | Smooth, flat edges with no stitch lines next to the skin |
| Brief side seams, gusset and waistband | Ultrasonic sewing and laydown bonding | No ridges showing under clothing, with stretch kept |
| Activewear hems and cuffs | Laser-cut edge with a laydown-bonded hem | A clean finish that lies flat and moves with the body |
| Pockets and zips on outerwear | Hot press bonding | Fewer needle holes and a clean, modern look |
| Tactical and workwear reinforcement | Bonded reinforcement panels and tapes | Added strength at wear points without bulky stitching |
SewFree Activewear Construction
Bonded Bralette Construction
Industries and Garment Types We Bond For
Garment Bonding FAQs: Methods, Strength and Setup
What is garment bonding?
Garment bonding is joining fabric with a heat-activated adhesive or tape, or with dispensed PUR adhesive, instead of thread. It is used for seams, hems, edges, pockets and components where a flat, stitch-free finish matters.
What is bonded fabric?
Bonded fabric is two or more layers of fabric joined into one material with adhesive or lamination. Ardmel laminates fabrics and makes bonded components, such as straps and tapes, to your specification.
Is a bonded seam as strong as a stitched seam?
It can be, when the adhesive, fabric and machine settings are matched. We confirm bond strength with peel and seam strength tests and wash testing before a construction goes to bulk.
Which fabrics can be bonded?
Many of the synthetic, stretch and coated fabrics used in activewear, intimates and outerwear can be bonded. Coatings, finishes and stretch change which adhesive will hold, so we test on your fabric first.
Why do bonded seams peel or delaminate?
The usual causes are an adhesive that does not suit the fabric or its coating, or temperature, pressure or dwell time outside the right range. Bond failures after washing follow the same causes. We find the cause through testing and correct the process. Read more: why bonded seams peel and how to fix it before bulk production.
Can you help us set up a bonding department?
Yes. We recommend the machines and adhesives, set up the process, write the SOP and train your team at your factory, at Ardmel or remotely. Machines and adhesives are supplied through ardmel.com.
Ready to Go Stitch-Free? Send Us Your Bonding Brief
Share your tech pack, fabric or the bond that is failing. We will recommend the method, adhesive and trial that fit.
Explore More Services
Seam Sealing
Waterproof seam sealing with thermoplastic tapes, from first sample to bulk.
Ultrasonic Bonding
Thread-free garment construction using high-frequency vibration technology.
Adhesive & Tape Testing
Compatibility and durability testing for adhesives, seam tapes and bonding materials.
