2000X energy Power Supply Chapter 2: The 2000X energy Power Supply
Instruction Manual Features
011-003-991 EN 2-7
The Converter
The converter is mounted in the actuator as part of the ultrasonic stack. The ultrasonic electrical energy from
the power supply is applied to the converter (sometimes called the transducer). This transforms the high
frequency electrical oscillations into mechanical vibrations at the same frequency as the electrical oscilla-
tions. The heart of the converter is piezoelectric ceramic elements. When subjected to an alternating volt-
age, these elements alternately expand and contract, resulting in better than 90% conversion of electrical
to mechanical energy.
The Booster
Success in ultrasonic assembly depends on the right amplitude of movement at the horn face. Amplitude is
a function of horn shape, which is largely determined by the size and form of the parts to be assembled. The
booster can be used as a mechanical transformer to increase or decrease the amplitude of vibrations
applied to the parts through the horn.
The booster is a resonant half-wave section of aluminum or titanium. It is mounted between the converter
and the horn, as part of the ultrasonic stack. It also provides a clamping point for rigid stack mounting.
Boosters are designed to resonate at the same frequency as the converter with which they are used. Boost-
ers are usually mounted at a nodal (minimum vibration) point of axial motion. This minimizes the loss of
energy and prevents vibration from being transmitted into the actuator.
The Horn
The horn is selected or designed for a specific application. Each horn is tuned typically as a half-wave sec-
tion that applies the necessary force and vibration uniformly to the parts to be assembled. It transfers ultra-
sonic vibrations from the converter to the workpiece. The horn is mounted to the booster as part of the
ultrasonic stack.
Depending on their profile, horns are referred to as stepped, conical, exponential, bar, or catenoidal. The
shape of the horn determines the amplitude at the face of the horn. Depending on the application, horns can
be made from titanium alloys, aluminum, or steel. Titanium alloys are the best materials for horn fabrication
due to their high level of strength and low loss. Aluminum horns are usually chrome- or nickel-plated or hard-
coated to reduce wear. Steel horns are for low amplitude requiring hardness, such as ultrasonic insertion
applications.
To Next Page
Loading...
