Multilayer
CTS piezoelectric multilayer products excel in applications that require the smallest component size possible such as miniaturized actuators and sensors. Made by stacking extremely thin piezoceramic layers - manufacture via a process known as tape-casting - upon each other with alternating positive and negative electrodes in between, our multilayer components can run in actuating applications at a much lower driving voltage than their standard piezoceramic counterparts. Since the electrodes are embedded in the ceramic material, higher electric fields can be applied to the active piezoelectric material, resulting in greater strain levels. This also provides better environmental protection for the active material.
Our tape cast multilayer products are a sophisticated piezoelectric solution that enables complex structures and designs with multiple functions e.g., integration of of several actuators in a single component or the combination of both actuator and sensor.
CTS piezoelectric multilayer products and components are utilized in markets and applications such as:
- Nano- and Micropositioning
- Dispensing Valves
- Interferometry
- Ammunition Fuzes
- Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
- Laser Tuning
- Adaptive Optics
- Pacemakers
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment
Multilayer Products
CTS offers a wide variety of tape cast multilayer solutions for actuator and generator applications, including linear components, benders and stacks in all standard geometries and dimensions, tailored to your exact performance requirements. We can also accommodate unique requests that fall outside the standard range of specifications. Explore our capabilities below, and feel free to contact our multilayer experts for further inquiries.
Plate and Ring Acuators and Stacks
Piezoelectric multilayer actuators combine high force generation with low operating voltages. They are capable of extremely fine movements and high-resolution positioning while exhibiting very fast response times as a result of their stiffness. Plate actuators are the most cost-effective choice for general-purpose micro- and nanopositioning. Ring actuators are preferred in optical applications due to their axial symmetry and central aperture. Both plate and ring multilayer actuators can be stacked in order to achieve a required height or stroke of a given application.
Plate and Ring Benders
As their name suggests, multilayer plate and ring benders are capable of a unique bending deformation mode that allows for higher displacement output relative to the size of the piezoelectric element. Benders are a popular choice for valves, but can also be used in haptics, audio and optical positioning applications. Ring benders offer higher force levels than plates, making them a compact alternative to small linear stacks.
High-Temperature Stacks
Designed for use in high-temperature applications, these multilayer stacks have an operating temperature range of up to 200°C. The offer more stable performance over temperature and excel at high-frequency operation thanks to their lower dissipation.
Preloaded Stacks
Our preloaded piezoelectric multilayer stacks are encased in mechanical springs which allows them to withstand and operate under greater tensile stress and strain than bare stacks. As such, preloaded stacks are great for applications where exposure to extraordinary tensile forces will occur, such as the inertial forces generated under fast actuation or impact generation. Thanks to their threaded interface, they are an easy-to-integrate solution for experimentation.
Bimorphs and Assemblies
Piezoelectric multilayer bimorphs consist of two cofired tape-cast piezoelectric elements with opposite polarity. They take advantage of the bending/flexing mode, either as actuators, for instance in audio applications, or as sensors in accelerometers and vortex flowmeters among others. Compared to bulk bimorphs that consist of a bulk plate bonded to a shim, multilayer bimorphs is a monolithic solution with more active material. CTS also offers custom solutions for wiring, assembly and testing of multilayer products.
Damage-Tolerant Stacks
Our damage-tolerant multilayer stacks employ fuse technology to prevent short circuit conditions in case a single component in the stack becomes damaged. As such, these stacks can continue operation even if one or more of the piezoelectric elements should become inoperative, albeit at a lower performance rate. This feature ensures high operational reliability for critical applications where failure is not an option and removes the need for urgent maintenance if issues arise. It also means that the stacks can be run at higher voltages for increased performance.
Other Geometries
The piezoelectric multilayer technologies from CTS are very flexible and allow for the creation of complex geometries that enable specific functions. We have developed several unique, customer-specified products over the years, including X-Y benders, X-Y-Z bending accelerometers and segmented actuators for adaptive optics. Please contact us with your specific challenge, and we will design a technical solution for your particular application.
Partner with a Piezoelectric Specialist
CTS can help decide on material properties to deliver products that meet the unique requirements of your project. Work with a technical expert to begin your design today.