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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

About HF welding

What is HF welding?

HF welding (High Frequency welding, also called RF welding) uses high-frequency electromagnetic energy to excite the molecular structure of thermoplastics, heating them rapidly from within. A die under press pressure determines the final shape of the welded part. The result: strong, durable, airtight or watertight seals between plastic components and PVC or PU substrates. For the full explainer + how Carmo applies HF welding in practice, see What is High Frequency welding.

What materials can be HF-welded?

The most common HF-weldable materials are polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU). EVA, PET-G, and several PET-family formulations also weld successfully via HF. HF-activated adhesives can join materials not normally considered compatible, for example sealing thermoformed blisters to cardboard for packaging applications.

PVC & sustainable materials

Why PVC? Isn't it hazardous and being phased out?

PVC remains the right material for a large class of medical and technical components: it HF-welds cleanly, holds up under demanding service conditions, and has a long, well-understood track record in medical devices. The sustainability question is real, and Carmo addresses it directly: Carmo works proactively toward sustainable use of PVC, is working to completely phase out DEHP plasticisers, and actively trials new and even organic plasticisers. Many Carmo PVC products are already DEHP-free, and the list is growing. Where a non-PVC material is the better fit for a project, material choice is part of the design and development engagement rather than a fixed default.

Do you use plasticisers?

Plasticisers are needed when working in PVC, which is inherently a stiff material. Carmo works actively to introduce new and more sustainable plasticisers, and many Carmo PVC products are already DEHP-free, with the list growing. For medical components, material and additive selection is matched to your device’s regulatory requirements (REACH, RoHS, and your device-file specifics) during the design engagement, not treated as a one-size-fits-all recipe.

Weldable products

Does Carmo make PVC eyelets and grommets?

Yes. Weldable PVC and plastic eyelets and clip grommets are one of Carmo’s core technical-component families: round, oval and square eyelets, clip grommets, ready-to-go borders and corners, and the patented Carmo Metal Reinforced Eyelet (3–4× the pull strength of a traditionally mounted metal grommet, plus the wear resistance of metal). They mount via Carmo’s own HF welding machine line (CP9, CP8 and others) into tarpaulins, banners, marine covers, and harsh-environment applications. Full range and detail: /en/technical-components/grommets-and-eyelets/.

Does Carmo make inflation valves for inflatable products?

Yes. Carmo’s HF-weldable PVC inflation valves serve grey-zone premium and safety applications: rescue equipment (life rafts, life jackets), pressure-relief medical mattresses, premium sleep systems, and industrial inflatables. The range covers free-flow and non-return types across several sizes and profiles, engineered to weld cleanly on your own production line. Detail: /en/technical-components/valves/inflation-valves/.

Practical questions

Do you provide samples?

Yes. Carmo provides samples and advice to help you evaluate components for your project. Request samples here, or contact [email protected] / +45 4912 2100 to discuss your specific need.

Do you have a minimum order quantity?

Carmo generally ships in standard pack sizes and accommodates requested quantities wherever possible. Minimum order quantities vary by product type; where a product needs extensive manual handling, an administration fee may apply. For development and prototype work there is no rigid MOQ; see rapid prototyping. Contact [email protected] for the minimum order quantity on a specific product.

Where do you ship to?

Carmo ships to most parts of the world. Specific delivery routes and Incoterms are settled during scoping; contact [email protected] to confirm delivery to a specific country.

What types of payment do you accept?

Bank transfers. Specific terms and currency settled during scoping.

Visiting Carmo

Can I tour your facility?

Yes. Carmo encourages potential customers to visit Carmo in Espergærde. The visit lets you meet the engineering team that would handle your project and see the production environment first-hand. Contact [email protected] to arrange.

HF welding equipment & custom builds

I'm interested in buying HF welding equipment but my knowledge is limited. How can Carmo help me make the right choice?

Carmo’s sales and engineering team carry over 100 years of combined HF welding experience and routinely consult on equipment selection. The right HF welding equipment depends on your component geometry, production volume, and integration with your existing production line. Carmo’s own machine line (the EP3 manual, CP9 automated single-side, and CP8 automated double-side) paired with a CE-marked turnkey HF generator solution from Carmo’s strategic partner Forsstrom forms a coordinated system; sales and engineering work together to scope what fits your application.

Can Carmo build prototype equipment and components for special projects?

For prototype components in production material, see /en/services/rapid-prototyping/; Carmo Print Moulding is the development engagement model. For prototype HF welding equipment for special projects, scoping happens case-by-case with the engineering team. Contact [email protected] to discuss.

Why customers trust Carmo

Continuity

More than 80 years of continuous private ownership: one team from prototype to volume, no handover.

More about Carmo

Quality

ISO 13485-certified quality management and an ISO Class 8 cleanroom environment: components with the documentation your audit asks for.

Our quality assurance

Tenacity & know-how

You bring the problem; we bring the know-how to solve it. We don’t walk away from the hard ones. Hear it from our customers.

Hear from our customers