Ultrasonic Degating: Fast, Clean Plastic Part Separation

In the world of plastic injection molding, ultrasonic degating is the high-speed, "clean-cut" alternative to manual trimming. It uses high-frequency mechanical vibrations to separate molded parts from their runners or gates.

If you’ve ever snapped a plastic model piece off a frame and left a jagged white stress mark behind, you’ve seen why degating matters. Ultrasonic technology solves that problem with physics.

The process doesn’t actually "cut" the plastic in the traditional sense. Instead, it uses localized friction.
▲Vibration: An ultrasonic horn (sonotrode) makes contact with the runner system, vibrating at frequencies typically between 15 kHz and 20 kHz.
▲Stress Concentration: These vibrations travel through the runner until they hit the "gate"—the narrowest point where the part meets the runner.
▲Molecular Friction: Because the gate is a restricted area, the vibrations cause rapid molecular friction, creating localized heat.
▲The Break: The plastic at the gate reaches its melting point or fatigue limit almost instantly, causing the part to sever cleanly from the runner.

Why Use It?
▲Speed: The cycle time is often under one second. It’s significantly faster than a human with nippers.
▲Aesthetics: It produces a clean, burr-free finish. Because the heat is so localized, there’s no "blushing" (white stress marks) or cracking.
▲Consistency: Unlike manual trimming, which varies by the operator's fatigue or skill, every cut is identical.
▲Hands-Free: It can be easily integrated into automated production lines or robotic cells.

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