MULTILAYER PIEZOELECTRIC CERAMIC PROCESSING
Howard Thomas
Morgan Electroceramics
Vauxhall Industrial Estate
Ruabon
Wrexham, Clywd LL14 6HY

Multilayer piezoelectric ceramics have been available for some time now. They have developed in various configurations ranging from thin, large surface area plates to tall thin stacks. The components are used in a variety of applications including precision movement, ink jet printing and valve operation. However, their expansion as a product has been limited by the classic dilemma of small volumes, high cost. The development, and recent introduction, of the diesel injection valve application is leading to the inevitable break in this vicious circle and is therefore likely to create untold opportunities in the coming years.

In my presentation I want to give a brief history of the product development of the Morgan Electro Ceramics product. Then going onto to outline the process methods used, or being considered, and to end with a discussion on the issues facing the multilayer piezoelectric product along with some of the unanswered questions.