Last Updated on March 1, 2023 by You Ling
Application of Piezoelectric Ceramics in ultrasonic welding
What is ultrasonic welding?
Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency vibration waves to transmit to the surfaces of two objects to be welded. Under pressure, the surfaces of the two objects are rubbed against each other to form fusion between the molecular layers. It is a fast, clean and efficient assembly process for assembling and processing thermoplastic parts and some composite components.
How ultrasonic welding works?
Ultrasonic welding is the conversion of 50/60Hz current into 15, 20, 30 or 40 KHz electrical energy by means of an ultrasonic generator.
The converted high-frequency electrical energy is converted into mechanical motion of the same frequency again by the transducer, and then the mechanical motion is transmitted to the welding head through a set of horn devices that can change the amplitude.
The welding head transfers the received vibration energy to the joint of the workpiece to be welded, where the vibration energy is converted into heat energy by friction, melting the area of the parts to be welded.
Ultrasound can be used not only to weld metals, hard thermoplastics, but also to process fabrics and films.
Which piezo elements can be used for ultrasonic welding?
The transducers in ultrasonic welding devices are usually equipped with one or more single-layer elements. A typical design for a piezoelectric element is a ring of one of our hard-doped piezoelectric ceramic materials, such as PZT-43. This should be driven at high fields to provide the highest mechanical power without excessive self-heating.
