Sonic Welding of Plastic Parts
Ultrasonic bonding, also known as sonic welding, is a process in which high-frequency (ultrasonic) sound waves are applied to two or more workpieces that are being held together under pressure to fuse them into a single piece. Commonly used to join plastic parts—especially those made of different types of plastic—ultrasonic welding permanently bonds the individual workpieces without the need for adhesives or mechanical fasteners.
Springboard is an industry leader in the implementation of ultrasonic welding services. Our state-of-the-art equipment is designed to provide the very best sonic welding services in the country, with very short lead times. Our team will work directly with you to provide you with the results that you are looking to achieve.
Contact us for more information regarding our ultrasonic bonding capabilities and options, or call us at 916-853-0717 and we will be happy to assist you with your direct sonic welding questions.
How Does Sonic Welding Work?
Every ultrasonic bonding operation will vary based on the plastic materials being joined, the shape of the workpieces, and other factors. However, the overall process is generally the same. The parts being sonically welded are fitted together and sandwiched between a metal “nest”, which holds them in place, and a metal sonotrode, or horn.
The horn is connected to a transducer, which creates extremely high speed vibrations; the horn transfers this vibratory motion to the workpieces it is pressed against. The vibrations cause the plastic to melt slightly, and pressure applied by the nest fuses them together, creating a joint. Typically, the interface area where the two parts come together is specially designed to facilitate the melting and bonding processes.
After the parts are joined properly, the vibrations stop and the plastic cools very rapidly, creating an incredibly strong bond.
Sonic Welding Processes
There are two general methods of ultrasonic bonding: single-strike, or “plunge”, welding, and continuous rotary drum welding. Single-strike ultrasonic bonding is most often used for spot welding, attaching ties, straps, or similar components, and to create smaller, more localized joints. Continuous sonic welding is typically used for longer welds and/or for those that require unique geometries.
Sonic welding is most often used to join smaller plastic parts, such as those in portable electronics or medical devices, but can also be used to bond larger parts for automobiles, aerospace equipment, and other advanced applications. The ultrasonic bonding process can be modified to provide the best results for the application at hand.
Sonic Welding Advantages
Utilizing energy from high-frequency, low-amplitude acoustic vibrations, ultrasonic bonding is ideal for joining together molded plastic parts. This process produces friction from acoustic energy that creates heat and joins the two parts together on a molecular level. Some of the benefits commonly associated with ultrasonic bonding, include:
- Produces a high quality bond with a tight seal
- Saves time
- Decreases production costs
Sonic Welding Design Considerations
Springboard’s ultrasonic bonding services are made possible not only by our state-of-the-art equipment, but also by the design of the injection molded parts. Not every plastic part can be sonically welded successfully: parts must be designed in such a way that the energy delivered by the ultrasonic bonding machine translates correctly to the areas where the melting and bonding processes need to take place. As needed, our team will work with you to suggest design alterations that will better facilitate the sonic welding process.
Custom Sonic Welding from Springboard
Springboard offers a number of secondary services, including ultrasonic bonding. Our ultrasonic bonding process uses highly advanced equipment to ensure superior quality bonds and fast, efficient processing.
Contact Springboard Today for Sonic Welding & More
Ultrasonic bonding adds quality and value to your plastic injection molded parts. Request a quote on sonic welding for your plastic parts, or contact Sprinboard to learn more about our ultrasonic bonding capabilities.
