Published: 20 October 2023

Determination of proper parameters for ultrasonic welding of copper plate with copper wire strands

Dacian Ilca1
Tiberiu Manescu2
Gilbert-Rainer Gillich3
Zeno-Iosif Praisach4
Cristian Tufisi5
1, 2, 3, 4Doctoral School of Engineering, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2Department of Automation, Industrial Engineering, Textiles and Transportation, Aurel Vlaicu University, Arad, Romania
5, 3, 4Department of Engineering Science, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Corresponding Author:
Tiberiu Manescu
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Abstract

Ultrasonic welding parameters originally provided by the components supplier caused negative pull/peel tension results. In this paper, we present a method to find the optimal parameters for the ultrasonic welding of copper elements. These elements represent components inside an electrical harness from automotive industry: coper plate and copper wire strands. The design of experiments (DoE) was used as a method within the Six Sigma approach. We succeeded in obtaining welding parameters that ensure successfully passing the pull/peel tension test.

Determination of proper parameters for ultrasonic welding of copper plate with copper wire strands

Highlights

  • Optimized ultrasonic welding parameters for copper elements
  • Utilized design of experiments within Six Sigma methodology
  • Achieved successful pull/peel tension test results
  • Application in automotive electrical harness components

1. Introduction

Ultrasonic welding (USW) is a process of bonding metallic (or even plastic) elements by using high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations. It is a solid-state procedure mostly used in manufacturing to create electrical connections between non-ferrous metals like copper or aluminum [1]. Widely used in the automotive industry [2], [3], the USW has recently been proven as a good alternative to the classical crimping technology, especially in the increased demand related to the development of electric vehicles [4]-[8].

We focused on obtaining correct ultrasonic welds of copper plate with copper wire strands (Fig. 1, in green), as opposed to those showed in red, which represent defects that frequently occur in this type of weld joint.

Fig. 1Proper welding (green) of copper plate with copper lead strands versus defective welding (red)

Proper welding (green) of copper plate with copper lead strands versus defective welding (red)

We operated a decrease of the control limit from 5000 ms to 4500 ms (welding time) after the alignment with the original equipment manufacturer.

Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis was performed on the failed parts and the results were positive: no deviation on the terminal/wire surface.

2. Methods

2.1. Design of experiments (DoE) - statistical analysis using Minitab software

Design of Experiments (DoE) is a practical and organized way for engineers to understand how different factors influence key outcomes. It is widely used in the manufacturing world and the automotive industry, within the Six Sigma approach, using software such as Minitab [9], [10].

Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology and philosophy used in the automotive industry to improve processes, reduce defects, enhance quality, and increase overall efficiency [11], [12]. It uses two process capability indices to measure process specifications (see Table 1).

The Sigma level is calculated by multiplying the Process Capability Index (Cpk) value with 3.

Table 1Process capability index in relation to part per million (PPM)

Cpk
Sigma level
PPM
0.33
1
691462
0.67
2
308537
1
3
66807
1.33
4
6214
1.67
5
233
2
6
3.4

2.2. DoE Roadmap - determination of proper parameters for ultrasonic welding

After choosing the method, we have clarified the eight steps that are part of the process and defined the actions needed for each of them, tailored toward our specific needs. This resulted in a roadmap that guided us throughout the experiments.

Schematically, the DoE method can be represented in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2Design of experiments method

Design of experiments method

3. Experiments and results

The test results and the validation data are explained, followed by a discussion regarding the optimal parameters.

3.1. Conduct the experiment

To conduct the experiment, we used a TT7 welding machine from Telsonic.

The schematic below (Fig. 3) illustrates the basic principles of the welding process. As the sonotrode moves back and forth, termed the amplitude, the part being welded also moves over the lower part, which is being clamped rigidly in the anvil. The resultant welds provide very good electrical conductivity and strong welds with no structural changes in the parent material.

For the actual testing, we used fifteen sets of materials, each consisting of ten wire-to-copper-plate pairs (as seen in Fig. 4). The specimens used in this work are cleaned thoroughly using isopropyl to remove surface oxides and other impurities [13].

Based on the literature survey [14]-[16], the predominant process variables such as clamping pressure, amplitude of vibration of the sonotrode, weld time, and weld specimen part dimensions are considered for experimentation. In our experiment, we determined three parameters have the most influence on the quality of the weld: pressure, amplitude, and energy. Various values were considered according to the established design of the experiment (see Table 2).

Fig. 3The welding process diagram

The welding process diagram

Fig. 4Example of material sets used in the experiment

Example of material sets used in the experiment

Table 2Variables used for testing

Input parameters
Pressure
Amplitude
Energy
Level
2,40 bar
85 %
5,500 W/s
Low
2.60 bar
90 %
10,000 W/s
Medium
2.80 bar
100 %
15,000 W/s
High

The resulting welds were evaluated visually and measured for welding height, welding time, absolute welding distance and differentiated welding distance.

Destructive tests were performed to determine the strength of the weld. Pull force testing (see Fig. 5) in ultrasonic welding is a method of measuring the strength of a weld by applying a pulling force to the joint. Peel tests are conducted by peeling one side of the sheet metal away from the other, often using a roller.

Fig. 5Example of pull test equipment

Example of pull test equipment

3.2. Data acquisition

The resulted dataset was collected and introduced in Minitab, then analyzed using DoE. We observed the best input parameters for the optimal welding process, but also working values for the input parameters that can be successfully used considering efficiency as a value-added element in the decisions making process. This means that we have interpreted the results considering not only the value levels at which the resulted weld is the closest to perfection, but also the value levels that will yield a good result, using less resources in terms of energy consumption.

Minitab can create Contour plots with the response variable on the z-axis and the two control variables on the x- and y-axes, used to identify optimal values of the predictor variables for a given response variable [15].

In Fig. 6. we can observe the best values for energy are situated between 13000 and 15000 W/s, but that values between 5500 and 13000 W/s could also be used with good results (light blue contour).

Fig. 6Contour plot of visual evaluation vs. energy and amplitude

Contour plot of visual evaluation vs. energy and amplitude

Consequently, in Fig. 7 we observe that the best values for pressure are situated between 2.73 and 2.8, with an amplitude of 85 % to 93 %, while we will still get good results by using pressure between 2.55 to 2.73 if the amplitude is preserved:

Fig. 7Contour plot of pull test vs. pressure and amplitude

Contour plot of pull test vs. pressure and amplitude

However, in Fig. 8 we can observe a case in which if the energy is dropped to values between 5500-6100 W/s or below the result is a bad welding.

In this case, the optimal energy level would be between 13000-15000 W/s, with working values situated at 9000-13000 W/s.

4. Results

We were able to provide the best working parameters that can be used for a good ultrasonic weld. The predicted results were validated by calculating the new CmK. We have established the parameters limits as the highest value and the lowest value (Table 3) at which we can obtain a proper ultrasonic weld (Table 4).

Fig. 8Contour Plot of Pull test vs. Amplitude and Energy

Contour Plot of Pull test vs. Amplitude and Energy

Table 3Parameter limits for inputs

Parameters inputs
Min
Nominal
Max
Pressure
2.6
2.6
2.6
Amplitude
87 %
88 %
90 %
Energy
10000
11000
12000

Table 4Resulting outputs

Parameters outputs
Lower standard limit (LSL)
Upper standard limit (USL)
Parameters outputs
Pull force
4200
N/A
Pull force
Weld distance
1.9
>30
Weld distance
Weld time
3400
4000
Weld time

5. Conclusions

The final decision to use the determined optimal working input parameters was taken as a result of concrete experimental results, statistically analyzed, and not based on assumptions.

By conducting experiments and using the DoE method provided by the Minitab program, we were able to determine the most optimal input parameters to obtain a weld of cable (FHLR2GCB2G and with 50 mm2 / 0.21 T180 0.6/1.0 kV) with Copper plate (5 mm thickness)

Thus, the resulting optimal range (minimum-maximum) satisfies both the client's needs regarding the quality and reliability of the finished product, as well as the internal requirements for the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of resources.

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Cited by

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Florin Dragomir | Tiberiu Manescu | Zeno-Iosif Praisach
(2023)

About this article

Received
02 October 2023
Accepted
19 October 2023
Published
20 October 2023
SUBJECTS
Materials and measurements in engineering
Keywords
ultrasonic welding
input parameters
design of experiments
Acknowledgements

The authors have not disclosed any funding.

Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.