by Bill Heatherwick, Automotive Market Manager, Branson Ultrasonics Corporation I often hear the following questions about vibration welding: "What is the best application for vibration welding?" and "What material is best suited for the vibration welding process?" Taken at face value, these questions appear to be simple to answer; however, they are not. In order to begin to … [Read more...] about All Vibration Welding Applications Are Not Created Equal
Welding
Ultrasonic Welding – Which Frequency
by Tom Kirkland A little research reveals that ultrasonic plastic welding machines can be purchased in a variety of frequencies, including 15, 20, 27, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, or 70 KHz. As if this doesn't create enough confusion, even more frequencies most likely are available. If two potential suppliers recommend different frequencies, which one is providing the best information? … [Read more...] about Ultrasonic Welding – Which Frequency
Ask the Expert: Ultrasonic Welding
by Ken Holt, Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc. Question: Fractures in Welding While using ultrasonics to weld our parts, we see fractures occasionally. The part is made of a high temperature amorphous plastic and the cracks always occur in the same area. What is happening here? The first step in analyzing this failure is to isolate the area(s) that is involved and look at its … [Read more...] about Ask the Expert: Ultrasonic Welding
Three-Dimensional Laser Welding
by Jerry Zybko, LEISTER Technologies, LLC and J.W. Chen, LEISTER Process Technologies Utilizing laser as a method to join plastic components is growing in popularity. The ability to create clean, strong, and consistent hermetic seals is very attractive to manufacturers. However, clamping the components to create good physical contact between the parts (one of the necessary … [Read more...] about Three-Dimensional Laser Welding
Plastic Welding: Optimal Joint Strength is Rare in the Real World
by Tom Kirkland Plastic welding is usually the last step in an entire sequence of manufacturing processes. It is also last in a sequence of design decisions that must logically begin and end with utility, marketability, and profitability. This means that, unfortunately, the possibility of obtaining laboratory-like optimal joint strength in the finished product is next to nil. … [Read more...] about Plastic Welding: Optimal Joint Strength is Rare in the Real World