Piezo Direct has announced a mesh-based piezo atomizer designed for nebulising and vaping applications, combining laser-drilled micro-holes with a proprietary post-processing technology aimed at reducing metal debris generated during manufacturing.
The atomizer uses holes as small as 2.0 microns to transform liquid into an inhalable mist. Vibrating mesh atomizers are used in devices such as nebulisers, inhalers and vaping systems, where the mesh component directly interacts with the liquid before the resulting mist reaches the user.
According to Piezo Direct, conventional laser drilling can leave behind molten metal residues around the micro-holes. The process can create a raised lip around the hole, as well as micron- and sub-micron-sized metal particles. The company refers to this residual material as the “volcano”.
Piezo Direct said these particles can potentially become dislodged during high-frequency vibration and hydrodynamic shear and travel with the aerosol. Residual material may also affect fluid flow and contribute to changes in droplet size over time.
To address the issue, the company has developed a post-processing technique designed to remove the recast material and surrounding spatter without altering the geometry of the micro-holes or damaging the base material.
Following treatment, Piezo Direct said molten residual particles are not visible under scanning electron microscopy. The company believes addressing particulate contamination during manufacturing can offer an advantage over relying solely on downstream inspection and cleaning.
“Safety is our number one priority when it comes to designing mesh-based piezo atomizers for human inhalation applications. Piezo Direct has made a significant investment in both the design and the manufacturing of these atomizers to make sure our products are the safest available,” said Li Hsu, CEO, Piezo Direct.
The company said the manufacturing approach is intended to improve particulate cleanliness in applications where the generated mist is inhaled, while maintaining the required atomisation characteristics of the mesh.
