Stitchless Seam Engineering

Topic Title: Seam Engineering: Stitchless Seam Technology
US NAVY SBIR PHASE I&II AWARDS
TOPIC No.: N122-134 PHASE II

Contract No.: N00189-15-C-Z087

This project is a technology pathway to the future of garment making – exploring the potential for new Stitchless methods to replace sewing with needle and thread. For our customer - the US Navy – the technology innovations will reduce weight and bulk, improve human factors and result in better performing garments.

The research and development work has resulted in a prototype Stitchless Navy Parka that weighs 30% less than the incumbent and performed well during a U.S. Navy 90-day field trial in Alaska. The Navy testers were highly enthusiastic – with one asking for a lifetimeʼs supply of the garment.

Current work includes developing a stretch waterproof breathable fabric collaborating with Brookwood and Dartex Coatings, both also Rhode Island companies. Prototype stretch garments using this new textile are in now production and will be delivered to the US Navy in September 2017 for a 90-day field trial.