In this study, a direct pattern forming process on a plastic film using ultrasonic vibration energy is investigated. A tool horn containing micro-patterns is attached to an ultrasonic power supply, and is used to press a plastic film with ultrasonic vibration in order to replicate micro-patterns on the surface of the plastic film. To replicate micro-patterns with high accuracy, the tool horn should be designed to allow only the longitudinal vibration, not the transverse vibration. For this purpose, the design of a tool horn is investigated through finite element analysis, from which the resulting natural frequency of the tool horn can be adjusted in the range of the ultrasonic power supply. The analysis result is then reflected on the optimal design and fabrication of the tool horn. The validity of the developed tool horn is discussed through pattern-forming experiments using the ultrasonic vibration of the developed tool horn.
