Textured lead-free piezoceramic materials by additive manufacturing for high-performance ultrasonic transducers - TexPie

Project summary

Piezoceramic materials change their shape and exert forces under electrical fields. They are essential in many industrial, medical and consumer applications. The most powerful and therefore most commonly used piezoceramic materials contain lead. Lead-free piezoceramic materials which are in line with the RoHS directive of the EU are known, but still have inferior properties and higher costs. The aim of the TexPie project is to improve their properties using texturing. Their applicability should be demonstrated in power ultrasonic applications. Additionally, the use of additive manufacturing for shaping of piezoceramic components avoids machining steps and thus hazardous waste. Near net-shape manufacturing and optimizing thermal processes will reduce energy consumption in thermal processes and machining effort to net-shape for piezo ceramic components with high complexity, thus supporting the future European circular and sustainable industry.