Morgan Technical Ceramics Announces its Co-Fired Piezo Bimorph Elements

Co-fired PZT bimorphs ideal for use in high temperature applications

Morgan Technical Ceramics’ ElectroCeramics business (MTC), located in Bedford OH, announces that it designs and manufactures co-fired piezo (PZT) bimorph elements for use in aerospace, medical, automotive and general industrial sensor and actuator applications. The co-fired PZT bimorph elements are more mechanically stable than a conventional bimorph and are ideal for harsh environments. They are increasingly being used in critical aerospace applications, where mechanical and electrical stability are key performance attributes.

A key use of co-fired PZT bimorphs is in high temperature applications, including oil exploration, machine and equipment monitoring, automotive engine, feedback sensors and high temperature accelerometers.  Other common uses include rate and gyroscope sensors for aerospace and automotive applications, intrusion alarms and actuators within fine micro-manipulation mechanisms, including computer hard drives and aerospace valves.

MTC’s co-fired PZT bimorphs are a two-layer PZT device, configured with a central encapsulated electrode region.  Similar in construction to a conventional bonded bimorph, the co-fired bimorph is fired at a temperature that sinters the two PZT layers into a monolithic structure separated only by the inner electrode.  This construction makes the bimorph more mechanically stable. It also facilitates their use in harsh environments, since there is a uniform mechanical interface at the edges, with no seams for potential infiltration. In addition, the device behavior will have similar characteristics to the bulk PZT properties.

MTC manufactures the co-fired bimorphs from PZT5A3, PZT702, and PZT5H2.

Among the PZT materials used, MTC’s PZT702 has excellent aging characteristics, low signal to noise ratio and high sensitivity for impact and sound sensing.

The bimorphs are available in a variety of configurations, including squares, rectangles, discs and rings. They are offered in a range of sizes, from 6 to 74 millimeters (mm) in length and 1 to 43mm in width, to reflect the variety of applications in which they can be used.

Co-fired PZT bimorphs are available on a custom basis and MTC works with each customer individually to create the best possible solution for a particular application.

About Morgan Technical Ceramics

Morgan Technical Ceramics (MTC) has a comprehensive range of ceramic materials, from which its products are manufactured. Supplying to a variety of demanding markets, MTC has established an enviable reputation for providing value-added solutions through world-class research and development, innovative design and, perhaps most important of all, application engineering.

From manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, Morgan Technical Ceramics, a Division of The Morgan Crucible Company plc, supplies an extensive range of products, including ceramic components, braze alloys, ceramic/metal assemblies and engineered coatings.

For more information, visit www.morgantechnicalceramics.com or contact one of our sales offices below.

Additional contact information:

Katie DePorter | kdeporter@gr2000.com
P: (617) 367-0100 ext. 121

Lorraine Henry | lorraine.henry@morganplc.com
P: +44 (0)1299 872217

North America
Morgan Technical Ceramics Electroceramics
232 Forbes Road
Bedford, OH 44146, US
P: +1 440 232 8600
F: +1 440 232 8731
mtcussales@morganplc.com

Europe
Morgan Technical Ceramics
Bewdley Road
Stourport, Worcestershire, DY13 8QR
P: +44 1299 872210
F: +44 1299 872218
mtcuksales@morganplc.com

Asia
Morgan Technical Ceramics
Dingshu Town, Yixing City 214221
Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
P:  +86 21 59 90 61 39
F: +86 21 59 90 61 27
mtccnsales@morganplc.com