PIEZO CERAMIC PRODUCTS

Introduction Piezoelectric Ceramics

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics
CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 THE NATURE OF PIEZOELECTRIC CERAMICS APPLICATIONS SURVEY ACTUATORS ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS DESCRIPTION OF PIEZOELECTRIC SYMBOLS EXPLANATION OF TERMS AND FORMULAS ORDERING INFORMATION ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS QUALITY

Introduction

DEFINITIONS Data sheet status Preliminary specification Product specification Application information Where application information is given, it is advisory and does not form part of the specification. LIFE SUPPORT APPLICATIONS These products are not designed for use in life support appliances, devices, or systems where malfunction of these products can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Philips customers using or selling these products for use in such applications do so at their own risk and agree to fully indemnify Philips for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale. This data sheet contains preliminary data; supplementary data may be published later. This data sheet contains final product specifications.

2001 May 16

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics
1 THE NATURE OF PIEZOELECTRIC CERAMICS

Introduction

Piezoelectricity is the general term to describe the property exhibited by certain crystals of becoming electrically polarized when stress is applied to them. Quartz is a good example of a piezoelectric crystal. If stress is applied to such a crystal, it will develop an electric moment proportional to the applied stress. This is the direct piezoelectric effect. Conversely, if it is placed in an electric field, a piezoelectric crystal changes its shape slightly. This is the inverse piezoelectric effect. Piezoelectricity is also exhibited by ferroelectric crystals, e.g. tourmaline and Rochelle salt. These already have a spontaneous polarization, and the piezoelectric effect shows up in them as a change in this polarization. In addition to the crystals mentioned above, an important group of piezoelectric materials are the piezoelectric ceramics, of which PXE (Philips trade mark) is an example. These are polycrystalline ferroelectric materials with the perovskite crystal structure, a tetragonal/rhombohedral structure very close to cubic. They have the general formula ABO3 (Fig.1), in which A denotes a large divalent metal ion such as Pb, and B denotes a small tetravalent metal ion such as Zr or Ti. PXE can be fashioned into components of almost any shape and size. As well as being strongly piezoelectric, PXE is hard, strong, chemically inert and completely unaffected by humid environments. The PXE ceramics in this Data Handbook are solid solutions of lead titanate (PbTiO3), and lead zirconate (PbZrO3), modified by additives, a group of piezoceramics generally known as PZT. They are available in several grades distinguished by their electrical and physical properties to meet particular requirements. 1.1 Piezoelectric effect in ceramic materials

handbook, halfpage

A2+ B4+ O2
MBG839

Fig.1 The perovskite crystal structure. moment with stress is approximately linear and reversible.

In a ferroelectric crystal, each cell of the crystal lattice spontaneously polarizes along one of a series of allowed directions. This spontaneous polarization disappears at a critical temperature (the Curie point), above which the crystal becomes paraelectric. If the crystal is cooled through its Curie point in the presence of an external electric field, the dipoles tend to align in the allowed direction most nearly aligned with the field. If this crystal is then stressed, the lattice will distort, leading to a change in the dipole moment of the crystal (piezoelectric effect). Within a certain stress range (which depends on the crystal concerned), this change in dipole

A PXE ceramic may be regarded as a mass of minute crystallites, randomly oriented. After it has been sintered, the ceramic material will be isotropic and will exhibit no piezoelectric effect because of this random orientation. The ceramic may be made piezoelectric in any chosen direction by a poling treatment which involves exposing it to a strong electric field. When the field is removed, the dipoles remain locked in alignment, giving the ceramic material a remnant polarization and a permanent deformation (i.e. making it anisotropic), as well as making it permanently piezoelectric. This poling treatment is usually the final stage of PXE component manufacture. A PXE component will usually have metal electrodes deposited on its surface perpendicular to its poling axis (Fig.2). When a voltage is applied between them, the body distorts along its poling axis. The random orientation of the crystallites, and the fact that only certain polarization directions are allowed, means that it is not possible to get perfect dipole alignment with the field. A reasonable degree of alignment is, however, possible since there are several allowed directions within each crystal.

2001 May 16

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics

Introduction
Figure 3 illustrates the piezoelectric effect in a cylinder of PXE material. For clarity, the magnitude of the effect has been exaggerated. Figure 3a shows the cylinder under no-load conditions. If an external force produces compressive or tensile strain in the material, the resulting change in dipole moment causes a voltage to appear between the electrodes. If the cylinder is compressed, the voltage will have the same polarity as the poling voltage (Fig.3b). If it is stretched, the voltage across the electrodes will have opposite polarity to the poling voltage (Fig.3c). These are examples of generator action, the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy. Examples of piezoelectric-induced generator action can be found in cigarette and gas lighters, gramophone pick-ups, accelerometers, hydrophones and microphones. If a voltage of opposite polarity to the poling voltage is applied to the electrodes, the cylinder will shorten (Fig.3d). If the applied voltage has the same polarity as the poling voltages, the cylinder will lengthen (Fig.3e). Finally, if an alternating voltage is applied to the electrodes, the cylinder will grow and shrink at the same frequency as that of the applied voltage (Fig.3f). These are examples of motor or actuator action, conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy. PXE-induced motor action is found in transducers for ultrasonic cleaning equipment, ultrasonic atomizers, fuel injection systems and piezoelectric motors.

handbook, halfpage

a)

poling axis

poling voltage

b)
(a) Before polarization. (b) After polarization (ideal conditions).

MBG831

Fig.2 Electric dipoles in piezoelectric materials.

handbook, full pagewidth

poling axis

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

MBG833

Fig.3

The piezoelectric effect on a cylindrical body of piezoelectric ceramic. For the sake of clarity, only one dipole is shown.

2001 May 16

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics

Introduction

open handbook, full pagewidth circuit voltage (kV) 20

25

15 poling axis 20 mm open circuit voltage

10

5
MBG837

10

20

30 40 50 compressive stress (106 Pa)

Fig.4

Open circuit voltage of a 20 mm long piezoelectric ceramic cylinder as a function of compressive stress applied.

handbook, halfpage

Figure 4 shows how the open-circuit voltage generated by a 20 mm long PXE cylinder varies with applied compressive stress. The figure shows that the voltage is directly proportional to the stress for applied stresses up to 50000 kPa at which point the generated voltage equals 25 kV.
l l + l

poling axis

MBG838

Fig.5

Elongation of a cylindrical piezoelectric ceramic body caused by a DC voltage.

The maximum piezoelectric induced strain, l/l (Fig.5), in a PXE 5 cylinder is around 5 104, corresponding to an electric field strength of 1 kV/mm. In a 20 mm cylinder, this would produce an extension of about 10 m. These figures relate only to the static strain. The dynamic behaviour of the cylinder will be quite different. At the frequency of mechanical resonance, for example, the maximum amplitude induced by an alternating field may be much greater than the 10 m maximum static displacement.

2001 May 16

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics
2 2.1 APPLICATIONS SURVEY High voltage generators (for ignition purposes) 2.4 Sensors

Introduction

Accelerometers Detection systems in machinery Medical equipment Motor cars knock sensor crash/airbag sensor Viscosity and level meter. 2.5 Actuators

Gas appliances Cigarette lighters Fuses for explosives. 2.2 High power ultrasonic generators

Ultrasonic cleaning for industrial and domestic appliances Sonar Echo sounding Ultrasonic welding of plastics and metals Ultrasonic drilling and machining of brittle materials Ultrasonic soldering Atomizing of fluids. 2.3 Transducers for sound and ultrasound

Inkjet printers Hard-disk drive head positioning Textile machines Flex elements Braille Piezo motor Micro pumps and valves. 2.6 Push buttons and keyboards

Flow meters Microphones for telephones Intruder alarm systems Remote control Loudspeakers Audio tone generators in signalling devices Parking assistance.

Teleprinters Desk calculators and electronic computers Slot machines Telephones.

2001 May 16

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Product specification

Piezoelectric Ceramics
3 3.1 ACTUATORS Axial and transversal actuators
handbook, halfpage

Introduction

Operating in the d31 or d33 mode below the resonant frequency, actuators transfer electrical energy into relatively low displacements of maximum 0.2 mm and forces higher than 200 N. 3.2 Actuators flexure elements, Bimorph

Many applications require displacements far greater than are possible with simple PXE transducers operating in the d31 or d33 modes. Moreover, the voltages required to produce these displacements are very high, and because they present a considerable mismatch to air, these elements are unsuitable for use as electro-acoustic transducers. A much more compliant structure operating in the d31 mode is the flexure element, the simplest form of which is the bilaminar cantilever or bimorph. This consists of two thin PXE strips bonded together. Bimorphs are usually mounted as a cantilever and usually operate in the d31 mode (see Figs 6 and 7). In a series bimorph PXE strips are connected to the voltage source in series (Fig.6), and in a parallel bimorph strips are individually connected to the voltage source (Fig.7). In the series bimorph, one of the PXE strips will always be subject to a voltage opposite to the polarizing voltage, so there is always a danger of depolarization. This is also true of the parallel bimorph configuration of Fig.7, but if it is connected as shown in Fig.8, both strips will be driven in the polarization direction, thereby avoiding drift in characteristics caused by depolarization.

;; ;; ;; ;; ;;
Fig.6 Series bimorph.

MBG834

handbook, halfpage

;; ;; ;; ;; ;;
Fig.7 Parallel bimorph.

CCA207

handbook, halfpage

V1 V2

V2 V1

;; ;; ;; ;; ;;

CCA206

Fig.8 Parallel bimorph with bias voltage drive.

2001 May 16

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Product specification

Piezoelectric Ceramics
3.3 Practical design data for PXE 5 flexure elements

Introduction

handbook, halfpage

;; ;; ;; ;; ;;
h

l lt
MBG832

It = total length. F = force on tip. W = width. I = free length. h = total thickness. z = deflection of tip. Field strength: max. 500 V/mm.

Fig.9 Flexure element (bimorph). Design formulas PARAMETER Deflection PARALLEL BIMORPH I 9 10 10 ----2 h I 7 10 11 ----------3 Wh h 400 --2 I I 8 10 10 ----2 h It W 8 10 8 -------h I 10 2 --------------2 hIt W
2 2 3 2

SERIES BIMORPH

UNIT m/V

Bending

I 7 10 11 ----------3 Wh h 400 --2 I I 4 10 10 ----2 h It W 2 10 8 -------h I 2 10 2 --------------2 hI t W

m/N

Resonance frequency

Hz

Charge output

C/N

Capacitance

Voltage output

V/N

2001 May 16

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics
4 4.1 ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS Principles of ultrasonic transducers 4.2

Introduction
Acoustic matching of transducers

PXE, usually in the form of axially poled discs or rings, may be used in high-intensity ultrasonic transducers. Typical applications are echo-sounding (PXE 41), ultrasonic cleaning (PXE 42), and ultrasonic welding and machining (PXE 43). For echo-sounding, a disc is driven in the d33 thickness mode and is usually housed in a protective plastic encapsulation. The preferred operating frequency lies between 150 and 200 kHz, which gives a compact transducer with adequate directivity and reasonable range. A simple ultrasonic cleaning transducer is formed by a PXE disc, bonded to a metal disc that is itself bonded to the underside of a cleaning tank. The disc is driven in the radial mode at a frequency in the range 40 to 60 kHz and causes the tank wall to vibrate in complex flexure modes, radiating ultrasound in the tank. For highest ultrasonic intensities, it is advisable to adopt a pre-stressed sandwich construction, in which two PXE discs or rings, separated by a thin metal shim are sandwiched between two metal blocks. The PXE elements are driven in the d33 thickness mode and the complete assembly constitutes a half wave resonator. The whole structure is held together by bolts, which subject the ceramic to a compressive force. In this way, the ceramic is prevented from going into tension when vibrating. This structure also has the advantages of good heat dissipation, reduced losses owing to the good mechanical properties of metals, and a piezoelectric coupling which need not be much lower than that of a single-piece ceramic transducer. Such sandwich transducers operate in the frequency range 20 to 50 kHz. They may be used for ultrasonic cleaning, in which case they are bonded to the underside of the cleaning tank. For welding or machining, the transducer is bolted to an additional mechanical transformer (horn) which serves to match the output to the acoustic load.

When a transducer is coupled to a solid load, matching is usually achieved by means of a horn transformer. For matching to a liquid load, an extra layer with a thickness of one quarter wavelength may be interposed between transducer and liquid. This interface layer should have an acoustic impedance, intermediate between that of the transducer and the liquid. Many synthetic materials, such as epoxy resins and other plastics, fall within this range. In sandwich transducers, matching with liquids may also be assisted by forming the radiating metal block from a metal of low acoustic impedance, such as aluminium or magnesium alloy. 4.3 Dynamic behaviour of the transducer

High intensity transducers are normally driven at resonance, and the equivalent circuit is as in Fig.12. For maximum efficiency, the transducer should be tuned electrically by means of an inductance given by: 1 L = --------------------2 2 4 f Co The impedance of the transducer then appears as purely ohmic.

2001 May 16

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics
5 DESCRIPTION OF PIEZOELECTRIC SYMBOLS SYMBOL 0 Tr, T/0 Tr, S/0 tan kp k31 k33 k15 kt d g SE SD CE CD QEm N1 NP DESCRIPTION dielectric constant of free space = 8.85 1012 F/m relative dielectric constant at constant stress relative dielectric at constant strain dissipation factor at 1 kHz at low electric field strength planar coupling factor transverse or lateral coupling factor longitudinal coupling factor shear coupling factor thickness coupling factor (laterally clamped) piezoelectric charge constant piezoelectric voltage constant elastic compliance at constant electric field elastic compliance at constant charge density elastic stiffness at constant electric field elastic stiffness at constant electric charge density mechanical quality factor radial mode frequency constant of lateral resonance frequency constant of planar resonance

Introduction

6 6.1

EXPLANATION OF TERMS AND FORMULAS Direct piezoelectric effect To a first approximation, this dependence can be neglected and equations (1) and (2) combined to give: dT = D E or D = dT + E
T T

The electric dipole P developed in a piezoelectric ceramic medium by a tensile stress T parallel to its poling axis is given by: (1) P = dT in which d is a material constant known as the piezoelectric charge constant. (Note that for compressive stress, the sign of T is reversed). In terms of the electric field E and electric displacement D, the polarization is given by: P = D E in which T is the permittivity, itself a stress-dependent quantity.
T

(3)

where T is the permittivity at constant stress. This can also be written as: D E = gT + ---(4) T d - is known as the piezoelectric voltage where g = ---T constant.

(2)

2001 May 16

10

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics
6.2 Inverse piezoelectric effect

Introduction
This formula holds for both electromechanical and mechanical-electrical conversions. A study of the values of k in the table of principal properties shows that up to 50% of the stored energy can be converted at low frequencies. The values of k2 quoted in the table are the theoretical maxima. In practical transducers, the coupling factor is usually lower. Although a high value of k is usually desirable for efficient transduction, it should not be thought of as an efficiency. Equations (3) to (6) take no account of dissipative mechanisms and energy that is not converted can, in principle, still be recovered. For instance, in the case of electromechanical action, the unconverted energy remains as a charge in the capacitance of the PXE. 6.4 Depolarization

In the absence of mechanical stresses, the strain S (i.e. l/l) experienced by a piezoelectric ceramic medium when subjected to an external electric field is given by: S = dE or S = gD The strain experienced by an elastic medium subjected to a tensile stress T is in accordance with Hookes Law: S = sT where S is the compliance of the medium. Generally, however, the response of a stressed piezoelectric medium will be a complex interaction between both electrical and mechanical parameters. To a good approximation, the total strain S experienced by the medium is: S = S T + dE S = S T + gD
D E

(5) (6)

The polarization (poling) of piezoelectric materials is permanent. However, when working with these materials, the following points should be borne in mind: 1. The temperature of the material should be kept well below the Curie point. 2. The material should not be exposed to very strong alternating electric fields or direct fields, opposing the direction of poling. 3. Mechanical stress, exercised on the material, should not exceed specified limits. Failure to comply with these three conditions may result in depolarization (depoling) of the material so that the piezoelectric properties become less pronounced or disappear completely. Table 1 provides a guide for these limits. Table 1 Electrical and mechanical limits ELECTRIC FIELD STRENGTH (V/mm) 350 300 100 300 400 500 MECHANICAL PRE-STRESS (MPa) 5 2.5 10 25 35

in which SE and SD are respectively the specific compliancies at constant electric field and constant electric displacement. (Note that in SI units, d is expressed in C/N, or its equivalent m/V, and g is expressed in Vm/N, or its equivalent m2/C). 6.3 Coupling factor k

From equations (5) and (6), SE and SD are related by: SD = (1 k2)SE d with k2 = -----------E T S k g - = ----------or -------------2 D 1k S
2 2 T 2

PXE GRADE PXE 59 PXE 5 PXE 52 PXE 41 PXE 42 PXE 43

Introduced this way, k is merely a convenient numerical quantity, but at frequencies well below the resonant frequency of the ceramic body, it has real physical meaning. Then: stored energy converted k = -----------------------------------------------------------------stored input energy
2

where k is referred to as the coupling factor.

2001 May 16

11

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics
6.5 Direction dependence 6.7

Introduction
Compliance S, modulus of elasticity Y

The discussions so far relate to uniaxial stress/electric-field conditions. Under more general conditions, the anisotropic nature of the piezoelectric material must be considered. This can be described in terms of the anisotropic properties of the piezoelectric and coupling constants, permittivity and compliance. To do this, it is necessary to define directional and shear axes. For PXE ceramics, the direction of positive polarization is usually taken as that of the Z axis of a right-hand orthogonal crystallographic axial set X, Y, and Z. Since PXE materials have complete rotational symmetry about the polar axis, the senses of X and Y chosen in an element are not important. If, as shown in Fig.10, the X, Y and Z directions are represented by 1, 2 and 3 respectively, and the shear about these axis by 4, 5 and 6, the various related parameters can be written with subscripts referring to these. 6.6 Permittivity

The first subscript refers to the direction of strain and the second gives the direction of stress. For example: 1 D = -------- is the strain per unit stress in the S 33 E Y 33 3-direction at constant electric field. 1 D = -------- is the shear strain per unit shear stress S 55 D Y 55 about an axis perpendicular to the poling direction at constant electric displacement. 6.8 Piezoelectric constants d, g and k

The first subscript refers to the electric field or displacement direction, and the second gives the direction of the mechanical stress or strain. For example: d33 is the induced strain per unit field in the 3-direction. Alternatively, it is the electric dipole per unit applied stress in the 3-direction. g31 is the electric field in the 3-direction per unit applied stress in the 1-direction. Alternatively, it is the induced strain in the 1-direction per unit dielectric displacement in 3-direction. 6.9 Coupling factor k

The first subscript gives the direction of the dielectric displacement, the second indicates the electric field direction. For example: eT11 is the permittivity for dielectric displacement and electric field in the 1-direction under conditions of constant stress, and eT33 is the permittivity for dielectric displacement and electric field in the 3-direction under conditions of constant stress. The table of principal properties gives the relative - ( is the permittivity of permittivity r = ---0 0 vacuum = 8.85 1012 F/m).

Coupling factor k31 is the relation between the stored mechanical energy input in the 1-direction and the stored electrical energy converted in the 3-direction (or vice versa). 6.10 Special cases kp and kt

handbook, halfpage Z

The planar coupling factor kp of a thin disc denotes the coupling between the electric field in the 3-direction (thickness direction), and the simultaneous mechanical actions in the 1- and 2-directions which results in radial vibration (Fig.11); hence the term radial coupling (kr = kp).
6 2 5

poling axis

Y 4 X 1

MBG842

The thickness coupling factor kt of a thin disc with arbitrary contour denotes the coupling between the electric field in the 3-direction (thickness direction) and the mechanical vibration in the 3-direction. This is smaller than k33 because of the constraint imposed by the large lateral dimensions of the disc relative to the thickness.

Fig.10 Designation of axis in piezoelectric materials.

2001 May 16

12

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics

Introduction
Example: For a disc with diameter D and thickness d, the radial resonant frequency is: NP f rad = -----D The thickness resonant frequency is: NP f th = -----d
MBG840

handbook, halfpage

poling axis

The frequency constants are equal to half the governing sound velocity in the ceramic body, except for the constant NP. 6.12 Dynamic behaviour

Fig.11 Planar vibration.

A piezoelectric transducer, operating near or at the mechanical resonant frequency can be characterized by simple equivalent circuit (Fig.12). If the electrical admittance (Y) of the vibrating transducer is plotted against the frequency, one obtains the following resonant curve (Fig.13). The frequency fS, at which the admittance is maximum, is called the series resonant frequency. The minimum value of the admittance is found at the parallel resonant frequency fp.

6.11

Frequency constant N

The frequency constant is the product of a resonant frequency and the linear dimension governing the resonance. For a 31, 15 or 33 mode resonance, and for planar or radial mode resonance, the relevant frequency constants are N1, N5, N3 and NP.

handbook, halfpage

handbook, halfpage

C1 L1 Ro Co R1 RL
CCA205

admittance I Y = V

MBG844

fs
Co = capacitance of the clamped transducer. Ro = dielectric loss of the transducer. [2f(Co + C1) tan]1. R1 represents the mechanical loss in the transducer. RL represents the acoustic or mechanical load. C1 and L1 represent the rigidity and the mass of the material.

fp

frequency

Fig.12 Equivalent circuit.

Fig.13 Admittance curve.

2001 May 16

13

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics
7 7.1 ORDERING INFORMATION Type numbers 8 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

Introduction

The products in the product specification data sheets are identified by type numbers. All physical and technical properties of the product are described by these type numbers. They are therefore recommended for both ordering and use on technical drawings and equipment parts lists. 7.2 Packaging labels

An electrical contact can be made by soldering, gluing or clamping wires to the silver or nickel electrodes. 8.1 Soldering

The electrode surface should be free from grease and dust. If tarnished, an india-rubber eraser may be used to lightly clean the silver. Suggested soldering method: Soldering iron: standard 25 to 50 W type with copper bit Soldering iron temperature: 250 to 300 C for silver electrodes and 400 C for nickel electrodes Preferred solder: Sn/Pb 60/40, with slightly activated resin, e.g. Fluitin (SnPb 60/1532); Billiton (SnPb 60/RS4); or Multicore (SnPb 60/366) Soldering time: 3 1 s Standard wire diameter: 0.3 mm, or fine-stranded flex. The soldering time should be kept as short as possible; otherwise, the disc or plate may be partly depolarized (to an extent dependent upon temperature and time). Soldering onto nickel electrodes cannot always be guaranteed, depending on production batches and/or storage conditions. Gluing connections are recommended for nickel electrodes.

Packaging labels contain both a barcode and a readable text: Technical information: type number delivery and/or production batch numbers Logistic information: 12-digit code number quantity country of origin production week production centre. The Philips 12-digit code used on the packaging labels defines the product specification, logistics, packaging and manufacturing processes. A conversion list from type number to 12-digit code including minimum order quantity is available on request. During all stages of the production process, data are collected and documented with reference to a unique batch number, which is printed on the packaging label. With this batch number it is always possible to trace the results of process steps afterwards and in the event of customer complaints, this number should always be quoted. 7.3 Samples

For a range of preferred products, smaller packaging units are also available for sampling and design-in support. These are identified by a 9 as the 12th digit of the 12NC code. A survey is available on request.

2001 May 16

14

Morgan Electro Ceramics

Piezoelectric Ceramics
9 9.1 SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS Environmental aspects of piezoceramics 10 QUALITY

Introduction

Our piezoceramic products generally consist of one or more layers of ceramic material (PXE) covered with metal electrodes. The chemical composition of the range of PXE grades is Pb (ZrTi) Ox (lead titanate zirconate) with some minor dopes of, for example La, Sr or Fe. More exactly, PXE 5 has the following main composition (weight percent). PXE 5 main composition SYMBOL PbO ZrO2 TiO2 PERCENTAGE 66% 21% 11%

Our production centre for piezoceramics has obtained the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 (environmental) certificate from KEMA, the Dutch audit authority. Our piezoceramic products are manufactured to meet constantly high quality standards. High quality components in mass production require advanced production techniques as well as background knowledge of the product itself. The quality standard is achieved in our production centres by implementation of a quality assurance system based on selected suppliers for raw materials using QDS, process control in production and a 100% inspection of finished products. Final inspection (outgoing quality) checks main parameters against Cpk-value. The obtained results are measured against built-in control, warning and reject levels. If an unfavourable trend is observed in the results from a production stage, corrective action is taken immediately. Quality is built-in by continuous improvement. The system is applicable to the total manufacturing process, which includes: Raw materials Production process Finished products.

Silver (Ag)electrodes have a thickness of some micrometers (m), whereas nickel (Ni) electrodes, combined with some chromium (Cr) have a thickness of about 0.5 m. Materials and electrodes contain no measurable amounts of cadmium (Cd). 9.2 General warning rules

With strong acids, the metals chromium, nickel and silver may be partially extracted. Other metals on a smaller scale, due to their very strong chemical bonds. In a fire, at temperatures higher than 800 C, lead oxide will evaporate from the products. Disposal as industrial, chemical or special waste depending on local rules and circumstances.

2001 May 16

15