Shared Equipment

HenSWEAR Team members share a variety of equipment for fabricating wearables and electronic components, as well as for testing of wearables. Explore the list below to find out more about our capabilities and who to contact in order to receive training and access to each type of equipment.

Ultrasonic Welding Machine

Description: An ultrasonic (US) welding machine is a machine that uses ultrasound waves to seal together fabrics. It can be used as an alternative to traditional sewing machines that create holes in fabric for threaded seams.

Training:

  1. Review the following items:
    1. Training session video provided by company
    2. Instructional videos
    3. Review manual
  2. Demonstrate steps involved in machine operation, describe necessary precautions, and demonstrate safety/cleaning procedures in the certification checklist.
  3. Complete the University of Delaware’s Shop and Tool Safety Training

Requesting Access: Contact Dr. Michele Lobo (malobo@udel.edu) or Dr. Huantian Cao (hcao@udel.edu)


Tajima Single Head Machine

Description: The Tajima Single Head Machine is an embroidery machine and accompanying software can be used to apply thread or yarn directly to a fabric substrate. It can be used for purposes such as altering the stretch modulus of fabric substrates, stitching conductive traces for e-textiles, sewing PCBs onto fabric substrates, and stitching together flat and/or layered fabric pieces.

Location: Innovation, Health, & Design Lab (STAR 240)
Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm; additional hours can be scheduled.

Training:

  1. Rolling open access basis, as well as by appointment.
  2. Provided by lab technicians

Requesting Access: Contact Dr. Martha Hall (mlucinda@udel.edu)


AVENO Air Permeability Tester AG 18B

Description: The AVENO Air Permeability Tester AG 18B is used for the determination of the air permeability of a variety of functional fabrics. This equipment is used to perform standard performance textile tests such as ASTM D737, DIN 53887, JIS L1096.

Location: Product Innovation Lab (Allison Hall 315)

Training: Offered by Dr. Adriana Gorea (agorea@udel.edu) or Dr. Huantian Cao (hcao@udel.edu)

Requesting Access: Contact Dr. Adriana Gorea (agorea@udel.edu) or Dr. Huantian Cao (hcao@udel.edu)


Megasew Flatlock Sewing Machine

Description: The Megasew Flatlock Sewing Machine is used to make abutted seams in stretch fabrics of various thicknesses, used in compression wear and also neoprene applications. These flat seams offer two-way stretch as well as enhanced durability, due to the use of up to 6 different thread systems, stitched with up to 4 different simultaneous needles.

Location: Product Innovation Lab (Allison Hall 315)

Training: Offered by Dr. Adriana Gorea (agorea@udel.edu) or Dr. Huantian Cao (hcao@udel.edu)

Requesting Access: Contact Dr. Adriana Gorea (agorea@udel.edu) or Dr. Huantian Cao (hcao@udel.edu)


Rapid Prototyping and Integrated Fabrication of Electronics

Description:

The following three machines are available in order to facilitate rapid prototyping of printed circuit boards (PCBs), stretchable conductors and other auxiliary electronics:

  • Voltera V-One PCB printers (x2) that can be used to design and fabricate custom PCBs ranging from simple logic-driven servomotors and resistive flex sensors to self-contained microcontroller boards. This printer can print a single layer or two layer PCB with the same designing process that students are used to using existing software. Surface mounting as well as through hole technology can be used for mounting of the various components. Additionally, this printer can dispense solder paste and can print conductive inks of many types. This device is compatible with most commercially available inks and pastes, making resupplying its materials easier.
  • X Tronic 5040 – XR3 Rework Stations (x2) which provide the capabilities to populate the PCBs printed on the Voltera printer quickly and efficiently. It can also be used for systematically soldering and desoldering components, troubleshoot short or open circuit problems and heat treat connectors. The reworking station enables easy modifications and repair of faulty/damaged electronic components. This version of the rework station has a Samsung microcontroller with PID technology enabling complete precise control over temperature and comes with hot air preheat station, 10 soldering tips, 4 hot air nozzles, tweezers and a magnifying lamp.
  • A mini heat press (x1) that has the capabilities of transferring conductive ink and patterns on fabrics and other curved surfaces and substrates. It is a low-cost versatile equipment helpful in creating functional garments. While screen printing and Voltera could be used for creating precise conductive ink patterns, a heat press is necessary for curing of the inks/paints. It can also be used to transfer patterns from a vinyl or thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs).

Locations:

  • Design Studio Fab Lab (Spencer 109)
  • Human Robotics Lab (STAR 124B)

Training: Overseen by Design Studio Directors, teaching assistants, and research assistants.

Requesting Access: Contact Dr. Erik Thostenson (thosten@udel.edu)


Further Information

Further information on shared equipment and who to contact for access/training can be found at the UD MakerSpace page.

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