Sonotrode

A sonotrode usually consists of a stack of piezoelectric transducers attached to a tapering metal rod.

An alternating current oscillating at ultrasonic frequency is applied by a separate power supply unit to the piezoelectric transducers.

Sonotrodes are made of titanium, aluminium or steel, with or without heat treatment (carbide).

The shape of the sonotrode (round, square, with teeth, profiled ...), depends on the quantity of vibratory energy and a physical constraint for a specific application.

This is particularly helpful when vibrations (wave propagation) could damage surrounding electronic components.

Rotating sonotrode during ultrasonic welding of thin metallic foils.