At Drummond Industries, Inc., our Chicago-based plastic ultrasonic welding service is a state-of-the-art approach to joining plastics. Our highly experienced ultrasonic welders surpass industry standards, ensuring plastic welds with strong, seamless binds that surpass industry standards.
What is Plastic Ultrasonic Welding?
Plastic ultrasonic welding is a non-contact welding process used to fuse plastic components together. It uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to generate localized heat, causing the plastic materials to soften and create a molecular bond, resulting in what’s effectively one single piece of plastic rather than two connected. This technique is widely employed in automotive, electronics, medical devices, packaging, and more industries.
How Is Plastic Welded Together?
The process involves several key steps.
- Two plastic components are placed together under pressure.
- An ultrasonic horn, also known as a sonotrode, is then positioned on the surface of the parts to initiate the welding process.
- The sonotrode generates ultrasonic vibrations at a frequency typically ranging from 15 to 70 kHz.
- The vibrations propagate through the plastic materials, creating friction and generating heat.
- This heat softens the plastic and allows the molecules in both components to intertwine.
- The plastic solidifies once the vibrations stop, forming a solid bond.
The entire welding process is rapid, often completed within seconds, and produces minimal thermal stress on the pieces being joined so they can maintain their structural integrity.
Advantages Of Ultrasonic Welding
Plastic ultrasonic welding offers numerous advantages over traditional joining methods.
- Speed & Efficiency – This is a fast process that enables high-volume production with minimal cycle times, leading to increased productivity and reduced costs.
- Strong & Reliable Bonds – The molecular bond creates stronger connections, offering strength and structural integrity.
- Versatility – This technique can join various plastic materials, including thermoplastics, without additional adhesives, solvents, or mechanical fasteners.
- Aesthetic Appeal – It produces clean and seamless joints without visible marks, ensuring an appealing finish.
- Environmentally Friendly – As no additional consumables or adhesives are required, it reduces waste and is considered an eco-friendly joining method.
Ultrasonic plastic welding, versus glue or epoxy, provides an array of distinct benefits that streamline manufacturing processes significantly. In addition, our extensive warehousing capabilities allow us to store and manage your products with exemplary attention to detail. With state-of-the-art climate control facilities, we maintain optimal conditions for product storage.
Industries That Use Plastic Welding Fabrication
Plastic ultrasonic welding can be utilized in a wide range of industries for a variety of parts and assemblies.
- Automotive Industry – Utilized in the assembly of automotive components such as instrument panels, door panels, bumpers, and taillights.
- Electronics & Electrical Industry – It is commonly employed in producing electrical connectors, switches, sensors, and cable assemblies.
- Medical Devices – Helps ensure sterile and reliable connections in manufacturing medical devices such as syringes, filters, catheters, and blood bags.
- Packaging Industry – This technique is used to seal blister packs, clamshell packaging, and other plastic containers.
- Consumer Goods – Ultrasonic welding is vital in producing toys, household appliances, and personal care products.
Ramp Up Your Production
Our facility provides ample space for conducting fusion operations safely and successfully. This allows us to manufacture large-scale parts without sacrificing quality to meet production runs.
Chicagoland’s Trusted Plastic Ultrasonic Welding Service
We invite you to our Drummond Industries, Inc.’s Chicago fabrication facility, see our ultrasonic welders at work, and discuss your and your company’s plastic fabrication needs. For quotes or questions about our custom ultrasonic plastic welding, contact us today and learn why we’ve been trusted for over half a century.
