What Is an Ultrasonic Cutter?
An ultrasonic cutter is a machine used for cutting applications, like ordinary cutters.
The tip of the blade vibrates ultrasonically, allowing the cutter to cut with less force than with a normal cutter. On the other hand, depending on the material of the object, frictional heat generated by ultrasonic vibration may melt the material.
Ultrasonic cutters are sometimes used to cut food products in addition to paper, plastic products, and other common materials.
Uses of Ultrasonic Cutters
Ultrasonic cutters are often used in hobby applications. They are useful for cutting shapes that are difficult to cut with ordinary cutters, such as plastic models, without exerting much force.
However, depending on the material, frictional heat from ultrasonic vibration may melt the material as it is cut, requiring post-processing of the cut surface. It is often used to cut plastic products, printed circuit boards, plaster, and other materials.
Another application is the cutting of food products. When ultrasonic cutters are used to cut cakes and other foods that tend to fall apart when cut with ordinary knives, resistance during cutting is reduced and a clean cross-section can be obtained.
Principle of Ultrasonic Cutters
Ultrasonic cutters use a piezoelectric element to vibrate the cutting edge 20,000 to 40,000 times per second to perform cutting. The ultrasonic vibration is generally switched on and off with a foot switch. Compared to ordinary cutters, the ultrasonic cutter can cut with very light force. However, depending on the material to be cut, the frictional heat generated by the vibration may melt the object, so care must be taken.
Although this equipment is very easy to use and suitable for cutting resin materials, it is generally not suitable for cutting resins thicker than 3 mm. This is because the longer the blade length, the more unstable the ultrasonic vibration of the blade tip becomes.
In addition, while it is suitable for cutting resin products, it is not suitable for cutting thin rubber without firmness, nor can it cut metal, glass, or porcelain. In the case of wood, the cut surface will be burnt.
Other Information on Ultrasonic Cutters
1. Types of Ultrasonic Cutters for Industrial Use
General ultrasonic cutters can cut as long as the material to be cut is plastic or acrylic. Industrial ultrasonic cutters are best suited for cutting fine or soft materials. Materials that cannot be cut with ordinary ultrasonic cutters can also be cut.
Ultrasonic Cutters for Precision Instruments
Ultrasonic cutters capable of processing and cutting precision equipment can cut materials that used to be cut by large presses without any burden. Specifically, processing to lithium-ion batteries is possible. The ultrasonic cutter is capable of fine processing, so it can be incorporated as part of the equipment as it is.
Ultrasonic Cutter for Soft Materials
Ultrasonic cutters with a concave/convex blade are suitable for cutting soft materials such as silicone. Since the ultrasonic cutter blade does not snag while cutting materials, such as rubber or adhesive tape, the material can be cut smoothly without losing its shape.
Hard materials such as glass and metal can also be cut. However, although high-power ultrasonic cutters can cut, they are not suitable for long-time work.
2. Replacement Blades for Ultrasonic Cutters
There are various types of replacement blades for ultrasonic cutters. There are dozens of types of replacement blades alone. By selecting the right one for your purpose, you can cut materials that could not be cut, or you can cut more beautifully.
If you are looking for a cheap ultrasonic cutter, it is more important to consider the replacement blade than to consider the type of ultrasonic cutter. Long blades are suitable for detailed work, such as plastic models. Because the blade is long and the tip is sharp, this replacement blade is easy to handle. However, the disadvantage is that the long blade is easy to break.
Ultrasonic cutters can do more than just cutting. A replacement blade called a welding blade can weld. Since the blades are hard, they can reattach materials as small as plastic resin. There are also saw blades that can cut base materials and carbon materials, and file blades that can cut metal, although it takes a little longer.
Cutting, grinding, and welding are just a few of the many things ultrasonic cutters can do. If you have one ultrasonic machine, it is convenient to have a range of replacement blades for different applications.