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Design of parts for ultrasonic welding

Melting takes place at the weakest part of the component. Therefore, it is often advised to use a line contact at the welding surface. Standard shapes are depicted in the figure below: the energy director principle (A) and the shear joint (B and C).

Typical Weld designs for ultrasonic welding
Typical Weld designs for ultrasonic welding
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The weld zone melts instantaneously by internal friction. The mechanical strength of an ultrasonic weld may reach a value of 70 to 80% of the original strength of the material, however the actual strength depends on the specific geometry and the materials being welded.

In general, a shear joint is advised for semi-crystalline thermoplastics because of their short melting range. Note that the weld can be hidden either on the inside or on the outside corner to improve appearance. The efficiency of energy transfer to the weld surface depends largely on the type of thermoplastic. Stiff parts with low mechanical damping properties can be easily welded. The distance between horn and weld surface may be larger than 6 mm (0.24 in) (distant welding) in that case. Parts with a relatively low stiffness should be welded under near field  conditions [less than 6 mm (0.24 in)].

Internal sharp corners cause stress concentrations. The use of fillet radii is strongly advised when using ultrasonic assembly. Proper welds always give flash.

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