Tubi Piezoceramici

Mechanical precision tubes for application-specific systems

Lowest tolerances (0.05 mm)
Large variety of outside diameters (<0.5 mm to 150 mm)
Metallizations with thin and thick layer technology, wrap-around contact is possible
Segmented electrodes for lateral displacements
Industrial-grade assembly with wire, stranded wire or flex board contacting
Protective coatings
Glas fiber bonding

Applying a voltage causes changes in the diameter, axial length, and wall thickness of piezoceramic tubes. By using segmented electrodes, precise lateral displacements can be achieved through controlled bending. These highly accurate and ultra-fast movements have a wide range of applications — from microdosing and inkjet printing, to the precise positioning of small objects, the manipulation of glass fibers, and the generation of ultrasound. Tailored, application-specific characteristics can be achieved through targeted refinement of the piezoelectric components.

Whether a customized design or a standard product – PI Ceramic offers comprehensive support ranging from the selection of the optimal material to the development of solution-oriented applications. The dimensions of the piezo tubes can be flexibly defined within specified tolerance ranges. Feasibility can only be assessed once the desired specifications or application requirements are provided.

OD   Outer diameter
ID     Inner diameter
L      Length
P Polarization direction

Outer diameter OD [mm]	0.5 - 150
Inner diameter ID [mm]	0.3 - 140
Length L [mm]	Max. 70
Electrodes	Outside: thick film (Ag), thin film (Ag, Au, CuNi, Cu, NiV, Cr), electroless nickel (from ID > 1 mm) Inside: thick film (Ag), electroless nickel (from ID > 1 mm)
Electrode designs	In addition to multi-segmented tubes, other designs are possible, such as full-surface, 4‑segmented or wrap‑around. See rigth column.
Termination	A variety of contacting methods are available, including soldering or bonding wires, strands, and flex boards. With the help of special adapters, even small four-segmented tubes can be easily contacted under a microscope — without compromising functionality. The datasheet is available >> here.
Polarization direction	Depending on the contacting and attachment of the electrodes, different bending occur in the axial, radial and lateral directions. For more information see >> Operating Modes.
Material	We offer various ferroelectric soft and hard PTZ materials. For material overview see >> here. Datasheets are available >> here.
Added capabilitites	In addition to refinement via assembly and interconnection techniques, tailored, ready-to-use piezo components can be developed, including glas capillary bonding, coating with parylene, non-magnetic variants for field strengths > 1 T.
Applications	Piezoceramic tubes are well-suited for a variety of sensor and actuator applications. Examples of potential uses can be found >> here.

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When piezo tubes are used as actuators, applying an electrical voltage causes mechanical deflection. This deflection can take the form of static deformation when a DC voltage is applied, or oscillatory motion — such as in the ultrasonic range — when driven by an AC voltage. Depending on the design of the piezo component, the motion can occur either axially or laterally. The amplitude of the deflection is influenced by both the dimensions of the piezo tube and the magnitude of the applied voltage.

For example, for tubes with positive polarization direction on the inside and negative polarization direction on the outside, the deflection directions are as follows:

4-segmented tube: Lateral deflection occurs when the inner electrode and one outer segment are activated, as well as when two opposing outer segments are driven simultaneously.
Red arrows indicate the direction of deformation.

Full-surface electrode: Axial and radial displacement are generated when the inner and outer electrodes are activated. The wall thickness increases on the left side and decreases on the right. Red arrows indicate the direction of deformation.

Segmented electrodes: Variation in displacement with four or eight outer segments, each driven in pairs of opposing outer segments. Red arrows indicate the direction of deformation.

All formulas shown are valid for idealized geometries (ID, OD >> t). Tubes with negative polarization direction as well as internal ground (GND) show opposite displacement directions.

Piezo tubes can be used in the field of medical and industrial microdosing. Special contacting and control of the tubes generate targeted pressure pulses. These result in the precise delivery of fluid from a capillary in the picoliter range. In addition to customized manufacturing of piezo tubes, PI Ceramic has the expertise to bond them with ultrafine glass capillaries from our customers.

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