Sonar breakthrough for piezoelectric ceramic blocks

Paul Boughton

Morgan Advanced Materials can now press, fire and machine blocks and other shapes of components up to a thickness of 45mm

Morgan Advanced Materials has launched a new range of large piezoelectric (PZT) ceramic blocks specifically for use in the defence and commercial sonar markets, thanks to a breakthrough in the company’s manufacturing capabilities.

Using a new process, Morgan Advanced Materials can now press, fire and machine blocks and other shapes of components up to a thickness of 45mm.  Resulting in the production of considerably larger components than those previously manufactured at the plant. The larger blocks can also offer a much lower thickness frequency output than their smaller counterparts, resulting in enhanced imagery and range for SONAR at lower depths for 2-2 and 1-3 composite applications.

Manufactured in a wide range of sizes and frequencies to suit customer requirements, the new range is available in machined thicknesses up to 40mm in PZT Navy I and Navy III types, and up to 45mm in PZT Navy II, Navy V and Navy VI types.  Larger sizes are available on request, while thickness and frequency variations can also be tailored for in order to meet a customer’s specific requirements.

The new range of blocks will typically be supplied with fired-on silver electrodes as standard to ensure good adhesion for soldering and bonding, and to a thickness which can safeguard durability in high-drive applications.  These components can also be manufactured with evaporated nickel electrodes. When manufacturing into 1 – 3 composites, the blocks can be machined without metallisation.

For more information, visit www.morganadvancedmaterials.com