An ultrasonic welding method which requires no external pressure during
the welding step is disclosed. A plurality of multi-layer strips can be
welded such that the weld area is not thinner than the rest of the strip
and has good UV protection. The method comprises: stacking a plurality of
strips; providing external pressure; removing the external pressure,
positioning the ultrasonic welding apparatus so that it places no
external pressure on the stack; welding at least two strips; and removing
the welding apparatus.