Multilayer Piezoelectric Stack FAQs | Guangdong DeciTech

I. About Multilayer Piezoelectric Stacks

一、What is a Multilayer Piezoelectric Stack?

A Multilayer Piezoelectric Stack (also known as a piezoelectric stack actuator or multilayer piezoelectric actuator) is a high-precision, high-reliability functional component manufactured by co-firing dozens to hundreds of thin piezoelectric ceramic layers alternately stacked with internal electrodes. Its core function is to generate precise displacement—from microns down to the nanometer scale—upon voltage application. As a key element for converting electrical energy into mechanical motion, it stands as one of the flagship products of Guangdong DeciTech and other industry leaders.

二、Key Technical Advantages of Multilayer Piezoelectric Stacks

The core technological strengths of Guangdong DeciTech’s multilayer piezoelectric stacks can be summarized as a deep integration across four dimensions: materials, processes, performance, and customization. This integration results in significant competitiveness in output efficiency, precision, and reliability.

  1. Advanced Material Development

   Self-developed PZT ceramic powders achieve a piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) exceeding 750 pC/N, high electromechanical coupling factor, and excellent temperature stability. This ensures high performance and consistency from the source, providing enhanced sensing and driving capabilities for the device.

  2. Precision Multilayer Co-firing Process

   Mastery of core processes including ultra-thin tape casting (down to 2 μm), high-precision printing, stacking, and co-firing ensures dense, defect-free bonding across hundreds of ceramic and electrode layers. This enables low-voltage driving with high displacement output, while delivering products with high reliability and long operational life (cycle life exceeding 10⁹ cycles).

  3. Exceptional Performance Metrics

   Leveraging the materials and processes above, DeciTech achieves a 40% increase in output efficiency and an energy density over three times higher than traditional structures. The products feature microsecond-level response speed, nanometer-level positioning accuracy, and displacement 5 to 10 times greater under the same voltage. These capabilities meet the demanding requirements of high-force, high-frequency, and ultra-precise dynamic control in high-end sectors like semiconductors and aerospace.

  4. Robust Customization Capabilities

   A one-stop customization service is offered, ranging from material selection and structural design to performance optimization and packaging solutions, all tailored to specific customer applications. This deep alignment with customer needs shortens development cycles and establishes DeciTech as a trusted technology partner.

  5. Full Value Chain Autonomy

   The company achieves full-process autonomy and digital management, from material formulation and multilayer processing to intelligent inspection. This ensures batch-to-batch consistency exceeding 99.8%, with an annual production capacity surpassing 5 million units.

  6. Typical Performance Examples

   ● High Force: Maximum blocking force up to 60,000 N, meeting high-load application demands;

   ● High Displacement: Displacement exceeding 200 μm under a 150 V drive voltage;

   ● Sub-Nanometer Resolution: Achieves nanometer-level positioning accuracy with closed-loop control;

   ● Fast Response: Response frequency reaching kHz level with millisecond dynamic response;

   ● Compact Size: Compact structure facilitating easy system integration.

三、Key Performance Parameters of Multilayer Stack Products

Guangdong DeciTech offers a diverse range of multilayer piezoelectric stacks, primarily categorized into three series: square, ring, and flexible. Each series caters to different application scenarios, with key performance parameters tailored accordingly.

  1. Square Multilayer Piezoelectric Stacks

   ● Drive Voltage Range: Multiple voltage options available including 45 V, 75 V, 100 V, and 150 V (supporting negative voltage modes such as -10 V~75 V, -20 V~100 V, -30 V~150 V).

   ● Dimensions: Covers a wide range of specifications, from 0.9×0.9×0.8 mm to 22.0×22.0×200 mm.

   ● Key Outputs:

    ○ Rated Displacement: Under corresponding voltage, displacement is typically 1‰ of the stack length, ranging from 0.1 μm to 200 μm (e.g., DCC3-050503 achieves 3.6 μm displacement at 150 V).

    ○ Maximum Blocking Force: Ranges from 32 N to 60,000 N (e.g., DCC3-101003 achieves a maximum blocking force of 4,000 N).

   ● Capacitance & Frequency: Capacitance ranges from 9.0 nF to 360 μF; resonant frequency ranges from 160 kHz to 1,350 kHz.

   ● Geometric Precision: Flatness < ±5 μm.

  2. Ring Multilayer Piezoelectric Stacks

   Designed for rotationally symmetric applications, featuring a central through-hole.

   ● Structural Feature: Central through-hole with tolerance < ±10 μm, facilitating optical paths or mechanical preload.

   ● Displacement Precision: Displacement follows the 1‰ of length principle; repeat positioning accuracy < 0.1% with nanometer resolution.

   ● Dynamic Response: Electromechanical response time < 100 microseconds, supporting kHz-level high-frequency vibration control.

   ● Environmental Adaptability: Operating temperature range -25°C ~ 130°C; cycle life > 5×10⁷ cycles.

  3. Flexible Multilayer Piezoelectric Devices

   Encapsulated in organic materials, overcoming the rigidity limitations of traditional piezoceramics.

   ● Drive Characteristics: Ultra-low voltage driving, as low as 1 V (customizable up to 200 V), with 60% lower power consumption.

   ● Flexibility Specifications: Minimum bending radius of 6.5 cm; withstands repeated bending > 100,000 cycles.

   ● Physical Specifications: Weight as low as 0.1 g/cm²; overall dimensions up to 94×21×0.4 mm.

   ● Environmental Protection: IP68 protection rating; withstands 50 g acceleration shock.

II. Application Areas & Selection Guide

一、Main Application Industries & Typical Scenarios

Leveraging high precision, fast response, and high reliability, Guangdong DeciTech’s multilayer piezoelectric stacks are widely utilized across numerous high-end strategic industries. Key application industries and typical scenarios include:

  1. Precision Manufacturing & Semiconductor

   ● Typical Applications: Nanofocusing systems for semiconductor lithography, micro-force feedback for wafer probers, high-precision dispensing equipment for microelectronics packaging, dynamic compensation mechanisms for ultra-precision machine tools.

   ● Relevant Product Series: Square Series, Ring Series

  2. Medical Technology

   ● Typical Applications: Core drives for ultrasonic medical probes, joint actuators for minimally invasive surgical robots, micro-dosing atomization systems for drugs, multi-DOF bending joints for endoscopes (wiring through central hole), drives for implantable medical devices.

   ● Relevant Product Series: Square with Hole Series, Square Series, Flexible Series

  3. Aerospace & Defense

   ● Typical Applications: Beam steerers for satellite laser communication, active noise control vibration actuators for aircraft, flexible joint modules for space station robotic arms, solar array deployment mechanisms for spacecraft (ultrasonic motors).

   ● Relevant Product Series: Ring Series, Square Series

  4. Optics & Precision Instruments

   ● Typical Applications: Drives for rotating scanning mirrors in LiDAR, control for adaptive optics ring/deformable mirrors, micro-focusing for microscope objectives, precision alignment for fiber optic coupling.

   ● Relevant Product Series: Ring Series, Square with Hole Series, Square Series

  5. Industrial Automation

   ● Typical Applications: Micro-compensation for high-precision CNC rotary tables, high-frequency control of rotary valves, tactile feedback for robotic arms in oily environments, drives for precision dispensing valves.

   ● Relevant Product Series: Ring Series, Square Series, Flexible Series

  6. Green Energy & Emerging Fields

   ● Typical Applications: Control of fuel injection valves in new energy vehicles, pitch regulation for wind turbines, vibration energy harvesting from roadways, drives for quantum computing equipment in cryogenic environments.

   ● Relevant Product Series: Ring Series, Flexible Series, Square Series

二、How to Select the Right Piezoelectric Stack

Selecting the appropriate piezoelectric stack for your application is essentially a systematic engineering process of translating application requirements into technical parameters. The following “5-Step Selection Method” can help clarify your needs and progressively determine the most suitable product.

  📝 Step 1: Define the Core Application Scenario: (First, determine which category your application primarily falls into. This defines the core selection focus.)

   ● Precision Positioning/Alignment: e.g., lithography stages, fiber coupling, scanning microscopes. Core needs: high accuracy, high resolution.

   ● Dynamic Driving/Vibration Control: e.g., dispensing valves, fuel injectors, active vibration damping. Core needs: fast response, high frequency, long life.

   ● High Force Output/Pushing: e.g., piezoelectric grippers, micro-positioning stages, valve actuators. Core needs: high blocking force, high stiffness.

   ● Sensing/Energy Harvesting: e.g., accelerometers, knock sensors. Core needs: high sensitivity, high electromechanical conversion efficiency.

  ⚙️ Step 2: Determine Key Performance Parameters: (After clarifying the application direction, match specific performance indicators.)

   （1）Displacement

    ● Estimation Formula: Stack displacement ≈ piezoelectric constant d₃₃ × number of layers × drive voltage. A rough estimate is that displacement is about 1‰ of the stack length.

    ● Selection Tip: How many microns (μm) of stroke do you need? If a single stack is insufficient, consider mechanical amplification mechanisms or stacking multiple actuators in series.

   （2）Driving Force (Blocking Force/Tensile Force)

    ● Core Relationship: The maximum blocking force of a stack is proportional to its cross-sectional area. Larger area yields higher force, ranging from tens of Newtons to tens of thousands of Newtons.

    ● Important Note: Stacks cannot withstand lateral forces or torque. They must be protected in applications using flexure hinges, ball joints, or adapters to ensure forces are applied axially.

   （3）Drive Voltage

    ● One Advantage of Multilayer Stacks: Achieve large displacement at low voltages (e.g., 75 V, 100 V, 120 V, 150 V), whereas bulk piezoceramics typically require thousands of volts.

    ● Selection Tip: What stable voltage can your system provide? This directly determines which voltage series product to select.

   （4）Response Speed & Frequency

    ● Key Parameters: Related to stack stiffness and resonant frequency. Higher stiffness and higher resonant frequency lead to faster dynamic response.

    ● Selection Tip: Does your application require static holding or high-frequency vibration (e.g., ultrasonics, high-speed dispensing)? High-frequency applications require attention to resonant frequency and heat generation under dynamic conditions.

   （5）Geometry & Dimensions

    ● Square: Most versatile, high force output, suitable for most applications.

    ● Ring (Hollow): Central hole facilitates optical paths or preload bolts, commonly used in adaptive optics or applications requiring a clear aperture.

    ● Miniaturized: For space-constrained applications, ultra-miniature stacks with cross-sections as small as 1.2×1.3 mm are available.

  🌡️ Step 3: Consider Materials & Environmental Factors: (Product stability and lifespan are closely tied to material selection and the operating environment. Focus on three core dimensions):

   （1）Piezoelectric Material Selection

    ● High Sensitivity / Large Displacement: Recommended “soft” materials, such as PZT-5H series. These feature high piezoelectric constants (d₃₃ up to 550~635 pC/N or higher), suitable for applications prioritizing displacement and sensitivity.

    ● High Power / High Temperature Stability: Recommended “hard” materials, such as PZT-8 series. These possess high mechanical quality factor (Qm) and low dielectric loss (tanδ), providing more stable performance under high-temperature or high-power driving conditions.

   （2）Operating Temperature Adaptability

    ● Standard Environment (-25°C ~ 80°C): Standard epoxy encapsulation suffices.

    ● Extreme High or Low Temperature Environments: Pay special attention to the Curie temperature (Tc), typically requiring >200°C or even >300°C. Additionally, select specialized resin encapsulation, such as low-temperature packaging options capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -270°C, to ensure reliable operation under extreme conditions.

   （3）Life & Reliability Considerations

    ● For dynamic applications requiring long-term, high-frequency operation (e.g., high-speed dispensing, vibration control), it is advisable to select products manufactured with advanced processes such as nickel-containing internal electrodes. Such designs significantly enhance fatigue resistance, achieving cycle life exceeding 10⁹ cycles for long-term stability.

  🔧 Step 4: Match Drive & Control

   （1）Controller Selection: Stacks are capacitive loads and require dedicated piezoelectric ceramic controllers. The controller’s output voltage range, peak/average power, and bandwidth (response speed) must match the stack and application requirements.

   （2）Open-Loop vs. Closed-Loop: Stacks are open-loop components exhibiting hysteresis and creep. For applications demanding extremely high positioning accuracy (nanometer level), a closed-loop control system with a position sensor (e.g., SGS) should be considered.

  🧪 Step 5: Verification & Testing

   （1）Carefully compare detailed technical specifications provided by the supplier, focusing on displacement, blocking force, capacitance, stiffness, resonant frequency, and other data.

   （2）Provide your application needs, operating conditions, and parameter requirements to the technical staff at DeciTech or other suppliers. They can recommend the most suitable model or provide customized solutions.

   （3）Where possible, test the recommended samples under actual operating conditions to verify performance, heat generation, and stability meet requirements.

  Summary of Selection Factors to Consider:

   ● Displacement Requirement: Determine maximum required displacement (μm)

   ● Force Requirement: Calculate required force for the load (N)

   ● Space Constraints: Measure permissible installation dimensions (square or ring)

   ● Drive Voltage: Confirm available voltage range (typically 75 V/100 V/120 V/150 V)

   ● Response Frequency: Select resonant frequency based on dynamic application

   ● Environmental Conditions: Consider special requirements such as temperature, humidity, vacuum

III. Customization Capabilities & Technical Assurance

一、 Full-Chain Customization Services

As a company specializing in piezoelectric ceramic materials and precision drive technologies, DeciTech offers comprehensive, multi-dimensional customization services—from material formulation to packaging integration—enabling deep development based on specific customer requirements.

  1. Material Formulation Customization

   ● Piezoelectric Performance: Adjust piezoelectric constant (d₃₃ customizable range: 300~750 pC/N) based on displacement, force, or sensitivity needs.

   ● Temperature Adaptability: Provide specially formulated hard materials or high-Curie temperature materials for extreme environments like high temperatures (>150°C) or low temperatures (-55°C).

   ● Low Loss: Optimize dielectric loss (tanδ as low as 0.2%) for high-frequency dynamic applications to minimize heat generation.

  2. Structure & Dimension Customization

   ● Shape Customization: Beyond standard square and ring shapes, custom geometries such as trapezoidal, stepped, shapes with holes (non-central), and other irregular forms are available.

   ● Dimensional Finishing: Customize length, width, thickness, and flatness (flatness controllable within ±2 μm) according to assembly tolerance requirements.

   ● Miniaturization: Provide ultra-miniature stacks with cross-sections smaller than 1 mm × 1 mm.

  3. Performance Parameter Customization

   ● Drive Voltage: Match your driving power supply with low-voltage (<75 V), medium-voltage (100 V~200 V), or high-voltage (>500 V) stack designs.

   ● Displacement vs. Force Balance: Precisely design dimensions and layer count for either large stroke (increasing length/layers) or large force (increasing cross-sectional area).

   ● Dynamic Response: Optimize stack stiffness and resonant frequency for high-frequency applications (e.g., ultrasonics, high-speed switching), supporting kHz or even MHz-level driving.

  4. Electrode & Lead Customization

   ● Electrode Type: Options include bare electrodes, leads with soldering (customizable length and type), or integrated connectors.

   ● Insulation: Provide localized insulation coatings or full encapsulation insulation (e.g., high-voltage Parylene coating).

   ● Flexible Connection: Customize integrated connections using flexible printed circuits (FPC) for dynamic bending applications.

  5. Packaging & Preload Customization

   ● Packaging Type: Standard epoxy encapsulation, hermetically sealed metal housings, flexible polymer encapsulation (impact-resistant, bend-resistant).

   ● Preload Mechanism: Provide stack modules with integrated preload force to ensure the stack remains under compression during dynamic operation, preventing tensile cracking.

  6. Integrated Module Customization

   ● Displacement Amplification Mechanism: Integrate with flexure hinges to amplify micron-level displacement to millimeter-level.

   ● Sensor Integration: Integrate strain gauges (SGS) or capacitive sensors for nanometer-level closed-loop precision control.

   ● Multi-Axis Combinations: Customize X, Y, Z, θ multi-degree-of-freedom precision motion stages.

二、How to Initiate Your Customization?

Simply provide the following information, and our engineering team will quickly assess and provide a solution:

  ● Application Scenario (e.g., semiconductor dispensing, fiber alignment, valve control);

  ● Key Performance Requirements (required displacement, force, voltage, response frequency, operating temperature, etc.);

  ● Space Constraints (maximum allowable installation dimensions);

  ● Environmental Requirements (vacuum, humidity, temperature, cleanliness, etc.).

Please feel free to contact us via the official website or platform contact information with your specific needs; we will provide professional technical consultation and customization services.

三、 Advantages Compared with International Brands

Compared with international piezoelectric ceramic brands such as PI (Germany) and NEC (Japan), Guangdong DeciTech’s core advantages lie in deep customization capabilities, agile delivery systems, and localized service tailored for the Chinese market.

  ● Response Speed: 48-hour demand response; sample lead time shortened by 30%~50%;

  ● Communication Efficiency: Native language communication with no time zone barriers;

  ● Delivery Assurance: 98.6% on-time delivery for mass production; expedited channels for urgent orders;

  ● Cost-Effectiveness: Delivers a localized service experience that surpasses international brands.

IV. Technical Support & After-Sales Service

一、 Precautions for Using Multilayer Piezoelectric Stacks

  ● Axial Load Only: Lateral forces, shear forces, and torque are strictly prohibited;

  ● Uniform Force Distribution: Avoid point loads; recommend using ball heads or washers;

  ● Preload Recommendation: Applying a preload force (~10% of max blocking force) is recommended to enhance reliability;

  ● Keep Dry: Prevent contact with conductive or corrosive substances on the surface;

  ● Voltage Limits: Strictly operate within the voltage limits specified in the datasheet.

二、 After-Sales Service Scope

  ● Lifetime Technical Consultation: Contact us anytime for any issues during use;

  ● Failure Analysis: Provide professional fault diagnosis and improvement recommendations;

  ● Regular Follow-ups: Proactive tracking of product usage;

  ● Rapid Response: Technical inquiries answered within 24 hours.