Glass/Glass Joints By Ultrasonic Welding

Ultrasonic welding of dissimilar materials is an important research field at the Institute of Materials, Kaiserlautern University. By systematic modifications of commercial ultrasonic welding systems glass/metal and ceramic/metal joints could be realised. Fundamental investigations with borosilicate glass and titanium oxide coated soda-lime-silica glass showed that it is possible to produce glass/glass joints. By systematic optimisation for the welding parameters welding force, welding amplitude and welding energy, glass/glass joints were realised for the first time. Compression shear tests resulting maximum stresses up to 40MPa. Meanwhile, a German patent is granted for the welding process.