Progress in Ultrasonic Welding Techniques

The ultrasonic welding method has developed into an important welding technique since its origins in 1960. Plastic and metal welding, as well as riveting, have found wide applications in the area of electrical equipment and components. For metals, the method is generally restricted to ductile materials, such as copper and aluminum, as well as their alloys. For plastics, the method can be applied over the whole spectrum of thermoplastic materials. Metals are generally lap-welded. The same is true for thermoplastics. Special requirements, such as high strength or leak tightness of the joint, are fulfilled by special weld preparations and types of weld.