Ideas to separate ultrasonically welded ABS parts

[MMERULLO]

Hi Everyone,

First time posting, so let me know if this is in the wrong form.

I'm trying to come with some ideas to effectively separate two fairly large ultrasonically welded ABS parts without damaging the internal components. Thus far I've used a Dremel to cut the two parts apart, but this takes a while and creates enough heat to actually re-weld the parts together - so not ideal. I'm thinking there may be some sort of solvent I could use that would degrade the welding seem (the weakest part)and then make it more manageable to open up?

Anyone have any experience doing something like this?

Thanks in advance!

 

[berkshire]

You may be better off with a low speed circular saw like a Kett's saw or an oscillating cutter at low speed like a Fein tool. The idea is to cut the soft plastic without the heat buildup.
Solvent will not work in this case, because an ultrasonic weld is a true heat weld that melted the two parent materials together.
B.E.


You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[MintJulep]

Oscillating saw with a depth stop on the blade.

 

[1gibson]

Try a cable saw (normally used for PVC pipe and such, length of thin cable with loops for hand holds at each and) and go slow. Those can quickly build up heat but you can also easily control it. You could make your own with just about any twisted multi-strand wire/cable if you need, it just might not last very long if you use copper.

 

[EdStainless]

A small nibbling tool would work, ti doesn't reach in very far and simply chews pieces out of the plastic.

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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube

 

[BrianPetersen]

The selection of tool will depend on what access you have for cutting.

In a situation where there was no access from the sides, I've used a hole saw.

 

[BridgeSmith]

The choice of tool, besides access considerations, also depends on how wide the cut can be and how straight it has to be. A wide straight cut can be made by a circular saw. A narrower cut that doesn't have to be straight can be made with a reciprocating saw or an oscillating tool with a fine blade.

Rod Smith, P.E.

 

[MMERULLO]

Thanks for all the help! We are planning on trying out a few of these options once production starts.
Really appriciate all of your feedback!

 

[IFRs]

water jet