Optimizing the Control Level Factors of an Ultrasonic Plastic Welding Machine Affecting the Durability of the Knots of Trawl Nets Using the Taguchi Experimental Method

Abstract

Ultrasonic welding is a high-frequency method of welding that uses mechanical energy to generate heat. This is a clean welding method and very suitable for plastic welding. In this study, using the Taguchi experimental method, the control factors of an ultrasonic plastic welding machine were optimized to affect the durability of knots of trawl nets made from polyamide (PA) and polypropylene (PP) filaments as an alternative to the traditional mesh knitting method. After optimization, the PA knots had an amplitude of 32 µm (34%), a welding pressure of 2.5 kg/cm2 (41%), a hold time of 0.35 s (24%), and a speed of 5.5 mm/s (1%). The knots made of PP filament had relatively stable strength after optimization, with an amplitude of 36 µm (25%), a welding pressure of 2.0 kg/cm2 (22%), a hold time of 0.25 s (16%), and a speed of 6.0 mm/s (37%). Finally, validation experiments were conducted to verify the results obtained in this study.