Ultrasonic Plastic Welding Using 90 kHz Upper and Lower Vibration Systems

Abstract

Direct and transmission welding characteristics of an ultrasonic plastic welding system using 90 kHz upper and lower vibration systems are studied. By using high frequency, welding characteristics of plastic specimens may be improved because ultrasonic vibration absorption by plastic material increases as vibration frequency increases. The 90 kHz ultrasonic vibration source designed consists of a radial-to-longitudinal vibration direction converter with four bolt-clamped Langevin-type piezoelectric ceramic (lead-zircon-titanate; PZT) transducers of 15 mm in diameter. The 90 kHz welding equipment consists of two vibration sources positioned at upper and lower parts and a welding frame. In the case of direct welding of various sheet specimens, the required total velocity of 90 kHz upper and lower welding tips is less than 60% that of 27 kHz welding tips. Direct and transmission welding characteristics of a 90 kHz welding system with two vibration sources are significantly improved compared with those of conventional systems.