Product Support

 

Materials

In addition to many standard compositions, SensorTech can provide special formulations for special requirements. Close control of process parameters enables SensorTech to consistently produce quality fine-grain, high-density, uniform ceramics.

Custom Products

In addition to standard products, Sensor Technology manufactures a variety of custom products which can feature ceramics with extremely low porosity, and special shapes or electrode configurations. These custom products range from relatively simple modifications to a standard part, such as a different scaling of acoustic impedance, to a product with different electrical specifications.

Material Shapes

Ceramics can be produced in many shapes and include discs, plates, tubes, rings, hemispheres, rods and washers. For special requirements, please call our customer support at (705) 444-1440 or contact us by email at techsupport@sensortech.ca.

Electrodes

Fired-silver is available as standard electrode material. Other materials are available on request. Electrode configurations can be varied to accommodate polarization patterns and acoustic designs. Electrode quality is based on the adhesion of soldered leads, conductivity, and surface finish. Soldering to the ceramic is accomplished with the following solder materials: Silver Electrodes: 62% Tin, 36% Lead, 2% Silver, Nickel Electrodes: 60% Tin, 40% Lead.

The area to be soldered must be thoroughly cleaned. Only a non-corrosive flux may be used and the soldering duration kept to a minimum. Adhesion tests (traceable to DOD-STD-1376A) for the electrodes are carried out using a tensile tester as well as tape adhesion tests. An application note describing these tests is available from SensorTech.

For further information on electrodes and soldering, please refer to application note 91-308 Piezoelectric Ceramics: electrode adhesion tests and soldering.

Tolerances

Material properties listed are nominal. For critical applications, please contact SensorTech for specific values and tolerances. Tolerances on dimensions can be specified by the customer to suit the application need and SensorTech can screen the materials to match such requirements.

Generally the dimensional tolerances range as follows:

  • Mechanical Tolerances
  • As fired (Class III) +3% to +8%
  • Fully machined (Class I): +0.2% to +0.8%

Electrical Tolerances

  • Dielectric Properties +20%
  • Piezoelectric Properties +10%