Ultrasonic welding joins plastiques using high-frequency acoustic vibrations, typically between 15 kHz and 70 kHz. The vibrations are applied to parts clamped under pressure, generating intense frictional heat at their interface. This localized heat rapidly melts the thermoplastique. Once the vibration ceases, the molten material solidifies under pressure, creating a strong, solid-state weld without the need for adhesives or fasteners.
Plastic Ultrasonic Welding
1965-12-21
- Robert Soloff
- Seymour Linsley
The core of an ultrasonic welding system consists of a power supply (generator), a transducer (converter) that changes high-frequency electrical energy into mechanical vibrations, a booster to amplify these vibrations, and a sonotrode (or horn) that transmits the energy to the workpiece. The process is extremely fast, with weld times often under one second. A critical aspect of successful ultrasonic welding is the joint design. Parts are often molded with ‘energy directors’—small, sharp triangular ridges on one of the surfaces. These features concentrate the ultrasonic energy, initiating a rapid melt and ensuring a uniform bond. The technique is best suited for amorphous polymers like ABS, polystyrene, and polycarbonate, as their random molecular structure allows for efficient transmission of vibrational energy. Semi-crystalline polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene can also be welded, but they require higher energy levels due to their ordered structure, which dampens the vibrations. The process is clean, energy-efficient, and highly repeatable, making it ideal for automated, high-volume manufacturing.
UNESCO Nomenclature: 3322
– Polymer Technology
Type
Physical Process
Perturbation
Révolutionnaire
Utilisation
Une utilisation répandue
Précurseurs
- discovery of piezoelectricity by Jacques and Pierre Curie
- development of high-power ultrasonic transducers for sonar
- understanding of friction and heat generation
- advances in high-frequency electronics for power generation
Applications
- automotive components (instrument panels, door panels)
- medical devices (filters, catheters, masks)
- electronic devices (phone casings, connectors)
- consumer goods (toys, packaging)
- textile and fabric joining (non-wovens)
Brevets :
- US3224916A
Innovations potentielles Idées
Related to: ultrasonic welding, acoustic vibration, friction welding, thermoplastic, sonotrode, energy director, polymer joining, high-frequency welding, solid-state welding, plastics assembly.
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Intégration électronique métal-plastique, Conception à coût réduit, BPF, Ergonomie, Appareils et consommables de volume moyen à élevé, Production allégée, Secteurs réglementés, CE et FDA, CAO, Solidworks, Lean Sigma Black Belt, ISO 13485 médical
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