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.
![]() | 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. |
Factors Influencing Weldability in Ultrasonics | ||||
|
|
|
| |
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) |

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.
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 DirectorNormally 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. ![]() |
Shear JointsThis 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. | ![]() |
INSERTINGThreaded inserts, grub screws or other parts can be ultrasonically embedded in thermoplastics. ![]() | STAKINGMelting and forming of a plastic stud to retain or lock another material, often dissimilar, in place. ![]()
|
SPOT WELDINGUsed 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. ![]()
| SWAGINGUsed 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. ![]()
|