Key Facts at a Glance
- CeramTec develops hard piezoceramics (PZT-based) for high-power ultrasonic and transducer applications.
- They offer low losses, high stability under electrical and mechanical load, and a high Curie temperature.
- Used in ultrasonic cleaning and welding, medical technology, level sensing, sonar and non-destructive testing.
- Key grades are SONOX® P4, SONOX® P8, PZT401 and PZT807, with operating frequencies from 20 kHz to several MHz.
Power transducers demand materials that perform reliably under high electrical drive levels, intense mechanical stress and continuous operation. CeramTec's hard piezoceramics are engineered for exactly these conditions. From industrial ultrasonics to sonar and medical devices, our SONOX® and PZT materials convert electrical energy into mechanical vibration efficiently, repeatedly and at high amplitudes.
What are Hard Piezoceramic Materials?
Hard piezoceramics are based on modified lead zirconate titanate (PZT). Their composition restricts the movement of ferroelectric domain walls. This results in low dielectric and mechanical losses and high stability under electrical and mechanical load.
The term "hard" does not describe mechanical hardness. It describes the restricted mobility of the domain walls inside the material.
Comparison with soft piezoceramics
Soft piezoceramics are optimized for high piezoelectric response and sensitivity. Hard piezoceramics are optimized for power, efficiency and stability. They are the preferred choice when these properties matter more than maximum sensitivity.
What are Typical Applications for Piezoceramic Power Transducers
| Market | Application |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Level sensors (oil & fuel) |
| Industrial | Ultrasonic cleaning, ultrasonic welding, ultrasonic material processing, non-destructive testing (NDT), level sensors, echo sounders & fish finders |
| Medical Equipment | Ultrasonic diagnostics & therapy, ultrasonic scalpels & nebulizers, lithotripters, surgical knives, plaque removal |
| Security & Defence | Sonar technology & hydroacoustics, underwater object recognition |
Selecting the Right Hard Piezoceramics
The right hard piezoceramic depends on the requirements of the application. CeramTec's hard materials are characterized by the following properties:
- Low losses and high mechanical quality factor (Qm): Low dielectric and mechanical losses reduce energy dissipation and heat generation. A high Qm supports efficient and stable operation under resonant conditions.
- High coercive field strength: Provides greater resistance to depolarization at high electrical drive levels.
- High Curie temperature: Ensures reliable performance at elevated operating temperatures.
- High electromechanical coupling: Enables efficient conversion between electrical and mechanical energy.
- Tailored piezoelectric properties: Allows the material to be matched to application-specific output and performance requirements.
- High stability under electrical and mechanical loads: Supports reliable operation in demanding operating conditions.
From Material to High-Performance Transducer
Material selection is only one part of reliable high-power performance. Component geometry, polarization, electrodes, mechanical preload, bonding and assembly all influence how the finished transducer behaves.
CeramTec combines piezoceramic material expertise with component manufacturing and the development of customized sensors and transducers. This allows material, component and system design to be aligned with the requirements of the final application.
Exemplary Hard Materials for Power Transducers
CeramTec offers a portfolio of proven piezoceramic materials specifically optimized for high-power applications. Key grades include SONOX® P4, SONOX® P8, PZT401, and PZT807.
| Property | Value / Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Permittivity (εᵣ) | 900 – 1,400 |
| Mechanical Quality Factor (Qm) | 500 – 2,000 |
| Dielectric Loss | Low |
| Curie Temperature | High |
| Coercive Field Strength | High |
| Operating Frequency Range | 20 kHz to several MHz |
These materials are specifically designed to withstand both high electrical driving voltages and intense mechanical (pressure) loads - making them the material of choice for demanding high-performance ultrasonic applications.
