Discrete portions of a carbon fiber tow, selected from a group of tows,
ranging in number of fibers from about 1,000 to about 150,000, and
terminated by discrete contact portions of a metal conductor within a
non-metallic termination assembly formed by the joinder of a cradle and a
cap defining opposing parallel clamping surfaces receiving the tow
portions and the contact portions in crossing engagement therebetween.
Opposing energy directors on the cradle and cap serve as temporary guide
rails for positioning the carbon fiber portions before and during
assembly. Meltdown of the energy directors during a pressure and
ultrasonic welding cycle enable self-leveling of the carbon fiber
portions whereby uniform distribution of carbon fiber over the entire
cross section of each of the carbon fiber portions of the assembly may be
attained. The clamping surfaces remain intact after welding and retain
clamping integrity.