by Jeffrey Frantz, Branson Ultrasonics Corp. Ultrasonic welding is a technology that has been used for decades to assemble plastic components. There are many benefits of this technology. It allows for plastic parts to be assembled without consumables. This not only eliminates the cost of the consumable (such as screws or rivets), but in the case of adhesives and solvents, … [Read more...] about Optimizing Ultrasonic Welding Results
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Progress in Lasers Improves Polymer Joining
by Tony Hoult, IPG Photonics Lasers still are often perceived as exotic energy sources, but the rapid emergence of a new type of highly cost-effective laser – the fiber laser –gradually may change this. We will define fiber laser technology as the technology where the laser beam is generated or amplified actually within a fiber optic component itself, rather than simply … [Read more...] about Progress in Lasers Improves Polymer Joining
Why Use Attachments for Ultrasonic Horns?
by Gary Clodfelter, Plastics Assembly Technologies, Inc. (PATSONICS) Question: What attachments can be added to ultrasonic horns? In what cases would these attachments be necessary? Answer: There are situations when it is necessary to add other components to an ultrasonic horn. One of these situations occurs when the mechanical vibrations created from ultrasonic … [Read more...] about Why Use Attachments for Ultrasonic Horns?
Considerations in Frequency, Thermoplastic Type and Metal Type for Ultrasonic Horns
Gary Clodfelter, Plastics Assembly Technologies, Inc. (PATSONICS) Three critical factors that determine the success of an ultrasonic welding assembly are frequency, thermoplastic type and metal type. Failure to accurately assess any of these aspects in light of the specific application can lead to an ineffective weld. Determining the correct frequency for the … [Read more...] about Considerations in Frequency, Thermoplastic Type and Metal Type for Ultrasonic Horns
Plastic Assembly Trends: Utilizing Infrared Energy
By Kyle Harvey, Extol, Inc. . As plastic assembly demands and designs continue to evolve, engineers continue to refine plastics joining technologies. The process of utilizing infrared (IR) energy to join plastics certainly falls into that category. Extol's InfraStake® technology led the trend of infrared energy in plastic assembly many years ago by applying IR energy in … [Read more...] about Plastic Assembly Trends: Utilizing Infrared Energy