The production process of coated webbing

TPU webbing, known for its strong functionality and wide application range, relies on a precise production process to ensure product performance and quality. The production of coated webbing begins with the selection of standard webbing, followed by multiple processes that result in a final product with excellent waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and tear-resistant properties.

The first step in producing coated webbing is selecting the appropriate raw materials. The inner layer of the webbing typically consists of nylon or polyester webbing, chosen for its strong tensile strength and excellent abrasion resistance. Nylon webbing is usually used in applications requiring high strength, while polyester webbing is more suitable for environments demanding weather resistance and chemical resistance.

The outer coating material is primarily thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). TPU is soft and offers high abrasion resistance and cold resistance, making it ideal for high-end fashion bags and outdoor products. PVC, known for its cost-effectiveness and ease of processing, is widely used in various industrial and consumer products.

Before applying the plastic coating, the standard webbing must undergo certain treatments, including cleaning and drying, to ensure that the surface is free of impurities and moisture, thereby improving the adhesion between the coating material and the webbing. Additionally, depending on customer requirements, the standard webbing can be dyed to give the final coated webbing more personalized and diverse color options.

The core process of TPU webbing production is the extrusion coating. In this step, the treated webbing is fed into an extruder, where the molten TPU or PVC material is evenly coated onto the webbing under high temperature and pressure.

Temperature control in the extruder is crucial—excessive heat can cause the coating material to decompose, while insufficient heat may prevent the material from melting properly, affecting the coating's quality. Additionally, the speed and pressure of the extrusion process must be precisely controlled to ensure the coating's thickness is uniform and adheres firmly to the webbing.

After the extrusion coating, the coated webbing is immediately cooled, typically through a water bath. This process quickly stabilizes the shape of the coating material and enhances the final strength of the TPU webbing.

Surface treatment of the coated webbing is an important step in enhancing the product’s appearance and performance. Based on customer requirements, the surface of the coated webbing can be treated to achieve various finishes, such as glossy, matte, or leather-like textures.

For TPU materials, special molds or coating technologies are often used to achieve different surface effects. For example, a matte finish is usually achieved through surface treatment of the mold, while a glossy finish requires additional polishing during the cooling process.

The cooled coated webbing needs to be cut and shaped to meet the customer's required specifications. The cutting process usually involves laser cutting or ultrasonic cutting, ensuring that the edges are smooth and free of burrs, thereby enhancing the final product's aesthetic appeal and performance.

For some specific applications, secondary processing, such as punching holes, embossing, or hot cutting, may be required to increase the functionality or decorative aspects of the webbing.

Quality control is an essential part of the production process of coated webbing. Routine tests include tensile strength tests, abrasion resistance tests, waterproof tests, and visual inspections. These tests ensure that the TPU webbing meets the expected standards in terms of strength, durability, and appearance.

Once the coated webbing passes quality inspection, it is wound or cut according to customer requirements and then packaged for storage. Special care must be taken during packaging to avoid creases or pressure marks on the coated webbing, as these can affect its lifespan and appearance.

As technology advances, the production process of coated webbing continues to evolve. In the future, with increasing environmental awareness, the use of renewable materials and the reduction of waste during production will become important goals for manufacturers. Additionally, more automated equipment will be introduced into production lines to improve production efficiency and product consistency.