PVDF (piezoelectric) Flex Sensor Fabrication Notes


-William R. Provancher
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Measurement Specialties, Inc.   
    Technical Reference manuals
    Piezoelectric basics
    Basic circuit concepts  
    metallized piezo film            to buy online 
    (Silver Ink is screen-printed in patterns onto clear PVDF film. The film is then cut into various sizes to form Piezoelectric Sensors. Leads are then attached according to customers specifications.)
    Attaching leads to metallized piezo film  (can be a bit tricky)
   


     
         
                      
This can be done with 3M™ Conductive Adhesive PSA coated copper tape (Part # 1181) available at HMC Electronics for about $45 or Contact East for about $30 or in many different lengths and widths from Mouser for anywhere from $15 - $125.  You can also use an Aluminum version of the same tape (Part # 1170 also available at Mouser)

Searching Indium Titanium Bismuth Solder
   Get several companies on Thomas Register that make indium alloy solders for lead-free PCB assembly

Another option is to use
3M™ Z-axis (e.g., part # 9703) or XYZ (e.g., part # 9713) electrically  conductive "Adhesive Transfer Tape" (also known as conductive film adhesive) (other 3M™ electrically conductive tapes and film adhesives or 3M™ Conductive Adhesives). They mention this in Measurement Specialities' "Attaching leads to metallized piezo film" document, but don't say much about it (a new product at the time the document was written.  You can get a sample of this by emailing through their web site and following up with their






    mini vibration sensor


     
                      
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