by John Paul "J.P." Kurpiewski, Branson Ultrasonics Corporation What is a laser? In nature, light exists across a spectrum of wavelengths, ranging from very short (X-rays and gamma rays) to very long (radio waves). Humans only can see visible or "white light" of wavelengths from around 430-690 nanometers (nm).1 A laser beam is an amplified concentration of light energy at a … [Read more...] about Q&A: Laser Welding of Plastics
Welding
Material Considerations in Ultrasonic Welding
by Tom Kirkland, tributek.biz Several years ago, a panicked business owner called asking for help figuring out why his ultrasonic welding operation had stopped working. I had talked with him on the phone a few times, but had never seen his operation. I committed half a day that week to troubleshooting for him. Arriving at his plant, I looked over his parts. They seemed to … [Read more...] about Material Considerations in Ultrasonic Welding
Role of Fixtures in Ultrasonic Plastic Welding
By Gary Clodfelter, Plastic Assembly Technologies, Inc. The use of CAD/CAM technology has greatly improved the manufacturing of contoured fixtures to support the part during ultrasonic assembly. Exact mirror replicas of the part can be created to provide excellent support to the part. Due to complex contours seen on many parts, it is recommended that the horn and fixture be … [Read more...] about Role of Fixtures in Ultrasonic Plastic Welding
Ultrasonic Welding with Automation and Robotics (Table)
by Udo Skarke, Herrmann Ultrasonics In this example, eight different automotive interior components require a total of 46 staking operations and 22 welding operations. This cell contains six separate fixtures in two separate load/unload positions. Robot efficiency is maximized by rotating the end-of-arm weld sonotrodes and switching weld modes/parameters as often as needed (up … [Read more...] about Ultrasonic Welding with Automation and Robotics (Table)
Ultrasonic Welding with Automation and Robotics
by Udo Skarke, Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc. Automation processes continuously are looking for faster cycle times, tighter tolerances of the process and increased reliability. Pre-loaded ultrasonic welding units are another step to push the limits even further. Depending on the methods of automation for mass production, flexible production of components or a combination of … [Read more...] about Ultrasonic Welding with Automation and Robotics