How Piezo Direct Can Be Your Piezo Crystal Manufacturer
Piezoelectricity is the property that is found in piezoelectric materials like quartz and barium titanate. This was first discovered in 1880 by two French physicists. Piezoelectric materials can produce a mechanical stress when an electrical charge is applied to it. The amazing thing is that this process can also be reversed, meaning the material can produce an electrical charge if mechanical stress is applied.
The first time someone tried making piezoelectric ceramic devices took place during World War I. Two French scientists wanted to create a perfect piezoelectric ceramic ultrasonic submarine detector to help their country, but they didn’t finish this application until after the war ended.The success of this piezoelectric transducer led to the intense research and development of piezoelectric ceramic devices. During the period after the first World War, piezoelectric ceramic products like microphones, accelerometers, signal filters, etc. were invented.
During the 2nd World War, the U.S, Japan and the Soviet Union discovered that certain ceramic materials exhibited dielectric constants up to 100 times higher than common cut crystals. The discovery of easily manufactured piezoelectric ceramics led a revival of intense research and development of piezoelectric sensors, piezoelectric transducers, piezo actuators. Powerful sonars, ceramic phono cartridges, ceramic audio tone transducers ,etc., were all developed during this period. During the 20th century, a record number of patents have been granted by the U.S Patent Office annually showing that the world is becoming more aware of the possibilities of piezoelectric ceramics. As the applications of piezoelectric ceramics grows, piezo crystal manufacturers are challenged to meet the demand for increasingly complex and innovative piezo elements.
As a piezoceramic manufacturer, Piezo Direct is proud to offer a completely custom piezoelectric crystal manufacturing process. If you have specific requirements for piezo actuators, piezoelectric ceramic sensors, and piezoelectric transducers. Piezoelectric ceramic sensors, actuators, and transducers are utilized across many industries, including industrial machinery, commercial household items, automotive and aerospace functions, IOT, ultrasonic generation, and even underwater sonar applications. For specific custom piezoceramic design and support, you can trust Piezo Direct as your piezoelectric ceramic manufacturer. The entire process is streamlined and efficient, with ongoing technical support from start to finish. Learn more about the custom piezo manufacturing process of piezoelectric ceramic sensors, actuators, and transducers below.
Piezoceramic Products by Piezo Direct
Piezoelectric Actuators
Piezoelectric Ceramic Sensor
Piezoelectric Transducer
Multilayer Stack Piezo Actuators
Multilayer stack piezo actuators consist of stacks of piezo elements that expand when an electrical charge is applied. Multilayer stacks are commonly utilized for precision machinery and control in industrial, medical, aerospace, and automotive industries. Learn more about piezo multilayer actuators here.
Piezoelectric Disc
Piezoelectric discs are circular piezo elements often found in automotive functions, sound production and amplification, liquid and fluid level measurement, and ultrasonic applications. Learn more about piezo discs here.
Piezoelectric Bending Strip
Piezo strip benders are thin pieces of active piezoelectric material connected to a passive layer. Strip piezo elements are commonly utilized in valve and pump controls, accelerometers, sound production, touch switches/controls, and fine machinery. Learn more about strip piezos here.
Piezoelectric Ring
Piezoelectric rings are often used in multilayer stack piezo actuators to produce linear movement. Piezo rings are often found in ultrasonic applications, nanopositioning, microscopy, and precision machining. Learn more about piezo rings here.
Piezoelectric Tube
Tube piezo actuators can generate axial displacement (changes in length) or radial displacement (changes in diameters). Tube piezoelectric actuators are often utilized for flow and level measurements and adjustments, scanning microscopy, and microdosing, commonly found in the industrial and commercial industries. Learn more about piezo tubes here.
Piezoelectric Bimorph
Bimorph piezoelectric actuators consist of two active piezoelectric layers bonded to a passive metal substrate or bonded directly together. This causes a bending motion that can either perform a desired task or generate a readable electrical output. Learn more about piezo bimorphs here.
Piezoelectric Unimorph
Unimorph piezoelectric actuators consist of one active piezoelectric layer often bonded to a passive metal substrate. Unimorph actuators deform in a single direction when activated by an electrical input and translate it into a mechanical output.
Piezoelectric Plates and Blocks
Piezoelectric actuators shaped as plates and blocks can be engineered into any shape. Piezo block actuators are used for high power generation and applications. Learn more about piezo plates and blocks here.
Piezoelectric Ceramic Manufacturer Process
The process for manufacturing piezoceramics is very similar to the process to make any other ceramic products like plates and bowls. Different piezoelectric ceramics processes have different steps, but they all share the same common steps.
- The first step is to select the highest grade raw material (PZT powder).
- Once the material is selected, it is weighed and then transferred to the mills.
- The ingredients are then wet-milled together with the proper mixtures.
- Afterwards, the mill is discharged, and the product is dried and prepared for calcining.
- The calcining operation takes place at about 1000°C, where the piezoelectric ceramic is made.
- After calcining, the powder is returned to the mill and to prepare the material for the addition of binder.
- Lastly, the binder-containing slurry, is fed to a spray dryer, where water is evaporated.