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Custom Bimorph Solutions from APC International! Recent developments in the piezo industry have left many companies searching for alternative solutions to custom bimorphs and materials which are no longer available. APC International manufactures standard and custom bimorphs, in series or parallel configurations, for many applications including:
- Pickups
- Vibration Sensors
- Hydrophones
- Gyroscopes
- Flow Sensors
- Switches
- Energy Harvesting
- High Temperature (200 C +)
APC materials are well suited for these applications and include APC 850 and APC 855 materials (Navy Type II and VI respectively) for most general applications, and even APC 840 material (Navy Type I) in select custom applications.
APC International manufactures bimorphs with or without a variety of shim materials in the center of the bimorph. The inclusion of a shim in the center of the bimorph can enhance motion, increase strength, and in certain applications and material combinations can act as a center electrode. Requirements for custom bimorphs vary greatly, but most can be summarized as one or more of the following characteristics:
- Specific operating temperature ranges
- Required displacement or movement
- Physical size restrictions
- Blocking force
- Duty cycle requirements
- Total life cycle
For application support, design assistance, or simply if you're having trouble sourcing a standard or custom bimorph, please contact APC today to discuss your application with our team of engineers!
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| Figure 1: SEM micrograph of custom bonded bimorph with center metal shim. Notice the excellent uniform bond between the ceramic layers and the center metallic shim. |
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| APC has decades of experience bonding various ceramics, metals, plastics, and custom materials. Together with our large variety of bonding materials and techniques, APC can develop a bond suited for your application. If end-use environment is a concern, APC can also provide protective coatings if required. |
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Figure 2: Optical image of bimorph with
center metal shim |
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