Ultrasonic Welding of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene

Glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composites were joined by ultrasonic welding, employing various weld conditions. Single-lap shear testing was used to evaluate the effect of weld time and weld pressure on the weld performance. The weld strength increased with increasing weld time and weld pressure until a plateau or maximum strength was reached. The required weld time to obtain a complete weld became shorter when the weld pressure was increased. As lower weld pressure was applied, a complete weld could not be obtained unless relatively longer weld times were employed. A welding map, showing conditions of weld time and weld pressure to get a good weld, was obtained.