Wave needle and thread goodbye - and

Over the last few years, Empa scientists have developed a novel process that fuses synthetic fiber fabrics - making the "seam" airtight and waterproof. In order to exploit the innovative technology commercially, Empa researchers Alexander Haag and Michel Schmid recently founded the spin-off "Nahtlos", located in the Startfeld innovation center in St. Gallen right next door to Empa. To make conventional seams waterproof, they are "sealed" with tape on the underside. In collaboration with industry partners, Empa researchers Alexander Haag and Michel Schmid have developed a laser-based technology that replaces the two-step-process - sewing and sealing - with a single step: a laser seals the two (identical) synthetic fibers together. Now the seam - and thus the fabric - is not only waterproof but also airtight. Thanks to the new laser technology, garments with new design elements or multi-functional clothing with improved features can be produced. The two researchers have already produced a mattress using "their" laser.