Seam Engineering: Stitchless Seam Technology

The focus of Phase II shall be to demonstrate the feasibility of alternative seaming technologies for military use. Building on the work in Phase I and the Phase I Option, the NWU Parka Type I shall be the demonstration model for comparison purposes of technology advances. This high cost garment utilizes both traditional stitching and complex seam sealing techniques, and is an excellent example for comparative assessment of the down selected stitchless technologies. A series of prototype garments will be developed demonstrating the use of the stitchless technologies, and subjected to lab and field test evaluation. User feedback shall be collected through focus groups surveys and other means,. The research efforts will be used to determine factors including performance, durability, reduction of bulk and weight, operational compatibility and ease of care of stitchless garments as compared to stitched garments. The proposed research approach, applying the down selected stitchless technologies to a single garment type, shall effectively demonstrate the feasibility of alternate stitchless seaming and bonding technologies for use more broadly in the construction of all military garments.