Seam Engineering: Stitchless Seam Technology

Propel LLC proposes to systematically investigate novel stitchless seam technologies with the potential to be used for the design and engineering of existing US Navy clothing end-items. Propel will develop sample seams using the identified stitchless technologies and use these samples to evaluate and rank the novel technologies according to performance test data. Other ranking criteria will also be included, such as cost, domestic availability, equipment requirements and technology readiness level. At least one promising technology from the evaluation and ranking efforts will be down selected for Phase II efforts. The project objective will be a reduction in weight and bulk, while at the same time enhancing performance characteristics such as durability, stiffness, dimensional stability and abrasion resistance, with the existing Navy Working Uniform Parka as the baseline for comparison. The project will seek to down select a stitchless technology that does not compromise moisture vapor transfer, and is able to enhance the ergonomics of the clothing to the user. Propel will also review current test methods for stitched technologies and develop new approaches as needed for the evaluation of stitchless technologies.