The estimated worldwide sales of ultrasonic power equipment for industrial uses total nearly $100 million a year. The industry had its beginnings shortly after World War II and grew steadily over the next two and a half decades.

Lower cost of ultrasonic power made possible by advances in electromechanical power conversion materials and power semiconductors has greatly contributed to the practicality of ultrasonic equipment. Yet the main reason behind the growth of power ultrasound is the ability to perform some unique jobs that save money and have become indispensable in modern manufacturing.

Not all attempts to implement ultrasonic power devices have been successful, but commercial success is a function of technological state of the art and the need for the process. Since both change with time, surprises are likely. Who would have guessed the potential of ultrasonic plastic welding, let alone that of ultrasonic “sewing”?

While stressing the more established applications, this article takes a broader look at the uses of high frequency mechanical vibratory energy, outlining the advantages and the limitations of each process.