While this method of welding is not brand new, ultrasonic welding is a unique and innovative technique. Following is an overview of how ultrasonic welding works in Gastonia, NC. For more information on this welding method, contact your local metallurgical experts at J.F. Heat Treating Inc.
History of ultrasonic welding
First introduced in the 1940s, the process of ultrasonic welding in Gastonia, NC bonds metals through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The process was further developed throughout the 1950s and continued to improve up through the 1990s as the technology became more sophisticated.
How ultrasonic welding works
The equipment used for ultrasonic welding in Gastonia, NC consists of four main components. The power supply is used to convert low-frequency electricity to high-frequency electricity. A transducer, also called a converter, next converts this electricity into ultrasound (high-frequency sound). The third step is to make that sound even bigger. This is accomplished with a booster. Lastly, a sonotrode (horn) focuses these ultrasound vibrations into the material that is undergoing ultrasonic welding.
The step-by-step process of ultrasonic welding
This process described above takes place on an anvil, where the materials are placed and held for ultrasonic welding in Gastonia, NC. Once the parts that will undergo welding are placed on the anvil, the sonotrode is placed in contact with the parts. Pressure is applied to maintain contact between the materials to be welded and the horn. Then, the horn delivers the ultrasonic vibrations. This welds the material together. Once the welding is complete, the horn is retracted and the newly welded materials are removed from the anvil.
Uses for ultrasonic welding
Ultrasonic welding is used in a wide range of industries. It is used to weld plastics for electronics, car parts, medical devices, motors, packaging and more. It’s likely you’ve used something today that was created using the process of ultrasonic welding!
Benefits of ultrasonic welding
You may be wondering about the advantages of ultrasonic welding in Gastonia, NC. Why would manufacturers, for example, want to use this method rather than other processes to assemble their products? By employing ultrasonic welding, the assembly process can require fewer steps. The result is faster assembly than is possible with traditional sewing methods for many products, such as tennis shoes. Faster assembly, of course, reduces labor costs and increases profits for the manufacturer, creating a win-win for ultrasonic welding.
Learn more
To learn more about how ultrasonic welding works in Gastonia, NC, contact the team at J.F. Heat Treating Inc. A family owned and operated company, we have been the area’s go-to source for metal services for more than four decades. We specialize in the hardening and carbonizing of various steel products in a metallurgical lab. Our heat treating services include annealing, aging, quenching and tempering to soften, harden, stress relieve, remove contaminants or provide other material characteristics to parts and components. Reach out to us today with any questions or to get started on your next project. We look forward to working with you soon!