Textile Glossary

Ultrasonic cutting

Definition

Ultrasonic cutting is used primarily for synthetic textile fabrics. The fabric is not cut with a conventional blade; instead, it is severed by high-frequency mechanical vibrations (ultrasound). This causes the fabric edges to melt, which prevents fraying.

Use in the textile industry

Ultrasonic cutting is used in the garment manufacturing and processing of synthetic woven fabrics, nonwovens, and technical textiles — for example, in the production of sportswear, flag fabrics, and packaging materials made from polyester and polyamide. The process is especially suitable for producing clean, sealed cut edges without additional seaming or edge finishing. It is used in both automated cutting systems and semi-automatic handheld devices.

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Frequently asked question

In thermal cutting, the fabric is separated by the direct application of heat from a heated blade or wire, which can result in wider melt zones and greater thermal stress on the material. Ultrasonic cutting generates heat through high-frequency mechanical vibrations directly at the cutting edge, producing a narrower and more precise seal. Both processes are suitable only for thermoplastic — that is, synthetic — fiber materials and are not suitable for natural fibers such as cotton.

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