The Demand for Masks Before and After the Pandemic
Before 2020, masks were typically worn only by the sick or by cyclists. Now, they have become an indispensable part of daily life for everyone. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, from March to May, the total value of masks imported into the USA skyrocketed from $240 million to $3.7 billion, increasing more than fifteenfold.
Widespread Use of Medical Textiles
Due to the sudden surge in demand for masks, combined with companies implementing shifts or shutdowns to ensure employee safety, there was a global shortage of masks at one point. In fact, masks are just one part of medical epidemic prevention supplies; hospital beds, uniforms worn by medical staff, medical diapers, and surgical gowns also require fabric. The garment industry, with the right equipment, can effectively assist in producing these medical supplies, ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare workers.
Standards and Classification of Surgical Gowns
Before the outbreak of the coronavirus, hospitals already had strict infection control strategies in place. Whether in medical clinics, during safety inspections, or in rapid testing operations, medical staff are required to wear protective clothing to varying degrees. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, surgical gowns are divided into three types. Each type’s coverage area and design are determined based on the surgery's requirements and the risk of infection. The critical protection area of a surgical gown extends from the shoulders to the knees and from the wrists to the elbows.
Professional Application of Protective and Isolation Gowns
Protective gowns are designed to fully protect the wearer from contamination in the work environment, featuring an all-in-one design that must be sealed with stripes. Isolation gowns are used to prevent the transmission of bodily fluids, blood, or pathogens between healthcare personnel and patients, offering a lower level of protection than protective gowns.
The Critical Role of Garment Equipment in the Medical Industry
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Automatic spreaders are commonly used in garment factories' cutting rooms to lay out fabric, pulling several layers at once to accelerate production. Specifically designed for the medical industry, non-woven fabric spreaders can handle up to six rolls of fabric simultaneously, each weighing up to 300 kilograms. This setup is ideally suited for handling various materials and thicknesses, making it an excellent choice for mass-producing medical supplies.
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Ultrasonic sewing machine is extensively used in situations where materials need to be merged without sewing or adhesives. This technology is not only common in the manufacture of sportswear, automotive interiors, and home decor but is also crucial in producing surgical masks and N95 masks, especially for sealing the edges of masks. It also plays a key role in the production of surgical gowns and isolation gowns, ensuring that fabric edges are tightly bonded to prevent the penetration of liquids and bacteria.
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Essential in the manufacture of outdoor clothing and gear, such as mountaineering clothes, raincoats, ski outfits, and the junctions of shoe uppers and soles, the hot air sealing machine prevents moisture penetration. It is also frequently used in tents and backpacks to enhance their waterproof capabilities. In the medical field, hot air taping machines are used to produce essential consumables like protective gowns and isolation gowns, enhancing the protective qualities of the products.
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In garment production, fusing machines are primarily used to fix parts such as shirt collars. During a medical crisis like the COVID-19 outbreak, the flexible application of bonding machines allows them to quickly switch to producing various types of simple masks and lightweight medical clothing, significantly enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Conclusion
The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019 led to a dramatic increase in the demand for masks and other personal protective equipment, revealing the indispensable role of garment manufacturing equipment in emergency medical responses. From the efficient processing of fabrics by automatic spreaders to the precise seamless merging through ultrasonic edge sealing technology, these technologies not only enhance production efficiency but also ensure that the products meet necessary safety standards. Additionally, the flexible applications of hot air taping machines and bonding machines further strengthen their key role in manufacturing high-quality medical protective clothing and other medical products. Overall, the innovation and application of garment machinery have significantly enhanced the medical industry's preparedness and response to public health emergencies.
