Ultrasonic Energy, a Process for Laminating and Bonding Nonwoven Web Structures

Abstract

his paper is designed to familiarize the reader with the concept of ultraT sonic energy and its relationship to the bonding of non-woven fibers. It is hoped that it will provide a background for creative thought and further inquiry and research into ultrasonic technology and its contribution to fiber bonding technology. An exhaustive examination of ultrasonic theory is not provided because it would be of little use until specific applications oriented questions are developed. Ultrasonic energy is now a well established tool of any industry using thermoplastic materials. However, ultrasonic energy's usefulness precedes thermoplastic applications and originates in World War II sonar technology followed by industrial applications for non-destructive testing, industrial ultrasonic cleaning and ultrasonic plastic joining to mention a few. The use of this technology in fabric and fiber bonding goes back to 1970 and is probably best known in the textile industry for ultrasonically formed mattress pads and bedspreads via the PinsonicO process. It is the Pinsonic9 process which has provided the foundation for using ultrasonic energy to laminate and/or form non-woven fabrics and products. Why was the Pinsonic9 process so successful and why do we think ultrasonic bonding has so much promise in the non-woven industry? It is because of inherent advantages that generally apply to all welding of