Ultrasonic Welders

Applications:
Reservoir Cap
Respirator Assembly
Gauges
Yo-Yo
Watches
Consumer Products
Pump Assembly
Connectors
Standard Models: (select a model to learn more)

Ultrasonic welding remains one of the fastest techniques for welding smaller thermoplastic parts. In ultrasonic welding, one part is held stationary in a holding fixture while the other part is vibrated acoustically against it under pressure, creating frictional heat at their joining surfaces. Ultrasonics remains one of the most flexible and popular joining technologies available.

Forward has been offering and tooling ultrasonic systems since 1992. Our Rinco series systems are designed with Swiss precision for repeatability under even the worst conditions and are available in 20, 35, and 70 kHz frequencies. Our Omega III models offer industry unique features and are available in 20 and 30kHz frequencies.

The Rinco Dynamic 3000 20kHz and Dynamic 745 35kHz Ultrasonic Welders are the most advanced ultrasonic welding systems available on the market today. The 32-Bit ACU Controller/Generator and Servo-Pneumatic system ensure precision control of virtually every aspect of the welding process in every welding mode(Time, Collapse, Absolute Distance, and Energy), and stores up to 50 program set-ups plus data for the previous 25 welds. Backed by a 3-year Warranty.

In addition to the Dynamic Series, we offer Rinco Perfect Weld, MP 202 Series, MP 351 Series, and the MP 702 Series.

The Omega III models offer a sleek design with highly rigid construction and many user friendly features such as integrated hand grips in the machine base, simplified controls navigation and process control windows on most models.  Additionally, two of these models (MCS & MCX) offer welding by collapse and absolute distance plus an additional weld control mode named RWS (Reactive Weld System) mode which enables the machine to sense the complete closure of the weld joint. 


Ultrasonic Assembly Process
Ultrasonic Weld Types
Weldability in Ultrasonics
Ultrasonic Horns
Ultrasonic Joint Designs
Other Applications for Ultrasonic Welding



Ultrasonic Assembly Process

In Ultrasonic welding, high frequency sound energy is used to bring the joining surfaces of two thermoplastic parts to a molten state where they can be permanently welded together.

  1. The horn, under pressure from the assembly stand, contacts one of the two mated plastic parts.

  2. Vibrational energy from the horn causes the contacted plastic part to vibrate against its mate.

  3. The mechanical vibration of one part against the second causes frictional heat, which melts the plastic parts at their interface and allows the two surfaces to molecularly fuse together.

  4. After a short cooling time, a permanent, homogeneous weld results.

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Ultrasonic Weld Types

Ultrasonic Weld Types

Near Field Weld (Direct): Refers to a weld where the contact surface of the horn is 1/4" or less away from the joint surface. It is important that the horn fits exactly the contour of the part to be welded.

Far Field Weld (Indirect): The distance between the contact surface of the horn and weld between the contact surface of the horn and weld joint is more the 1/4". Ultrasonic energy is transmitted through the upper portion of the part to the joint surface.


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Weldability in Ultrasonics

Factors Influencing Weldability in Ultrasonics

  • Amorphous vs. Semi-crystalline resins
  • Mold release agents
  • Moisture content
  • Lubricants
  • Pigments
  • Plasticizers
  • Resin grade
  • Fillers

Ultrasonic Weldability of Plastics

EASE OF WELDING EASY MEDIUM COMPLEX DIFFICULT

Resin Polystyrene/PS
Acrylic
ABS
SAN
PMMA
PC-ABS Blends
Polycarbonate/PC
PC-ABS Blends
PPS
Polysulfone/PSO
PVC
ASA
PPO
PC-PBT Blends
Polyester
Ryton
PET
Polyamide Co-polymer (Nylon 6-3-T)
Valox
Polyamide/Nylon 6
Polyamide/Nylon 6/6
PBT
PP
PE
Polyacetal
Ultem

20kHz Peak to Peak Amplitude 35 to 45 microns 45 to 55 microns 55 to 80 microns 80 to 100 microns

Joint Design Energy Director
90 - 0.7 mm
Energy Director (60 /0.8mm)
For low strength mechanical assembly only

Shear Joint
(0.5 - 0.6 mm) - (1 - 2 mm)
for higher strength or hermetic assembly
Shear joint
0.4 mm wide -
(0.8 - 1.4 mm)
Shear joint
0.4 mm wide -
(0.8 - 1.4 mm)

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Ultrasonic Horns

Ultrasonic Horns

The design of the horn is determined by the amplitude required, the type of welding process, and the material selected. We design each horn to specific application requirements.


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Ultrasonic Joint Designs

The basic requirement of any ultrasonic joint design is a small, uniform initial contact area.The design varies with each application and depends on factors such as type of plastic resin to be bonded,part geometry and requirements of the weld.

Energy Director

Normally a triangular section on the joint that serves to concentrate ultrasonic energy and rapidly initiates melting of the joining surfaces. Common joints, which incorporate the use of an energy director, include: butt joints, step joints, and tongue and groove joints.

Energy Director

Shear Joints

This type of joint is preferred for parts that require a hermetic seal or for plastics that change rapidly from a solid to molten state over a very narrow temperature range.


Shear Joints

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Other Applications for Ultrasonic Welding

INSERTING

Threaded inserts, grub screws or other parts can be ultrasonically embedded in thermoplastics.

Ultrasonic Inserting

STAKING

Melting and forming of a plastic stud to retain or lock another material, often dissimilar, in place.

Ultrasonic Staking

SPOT WELDING

Used for joining two thermoplastic parts with no pre-formed hole or energy director. This technique is particularly suited to large parts or parts with complicated geometry and thermoformed or blow-molded parts without a joint.

Ultrasonic Spot Welding

SWAGING

Used to capture another component of an assembly by melting and reforming a ridge of plastic around the component. The ridge locks the second component in place without welding the materials together.

Ultrasonic Swaging


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