From September 16 to 18, 2026, SONOTEC GmbH participated in the International Symposium on Piezocomposite Applications (ISPA) in Dresden. Organized by the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS), the event brought together experts from industry and research to discuss current developments in the field of piezoelectric materials and their applications. Darvin Helfgen and Johannes Zawatzki represented SONOTEC at the event.
As part of the symposium, Darvin Helfgen presented a talk titled “Ultrasonic Probes for NDT Without Lead-Based Piezoceramics?”. The presentation focused on recent findings comparing lead-based PZT ceramics and lead-free piezoelectric materials for ultrasonic probes used in non-destructive testing (NDT). This is driven by potential future regulatory changes regarding lead-based PZT ceramics, which are currently used in numerous ultrasonic transducers. The presentation addressed their properties, potential impacts on inspection results, and technical requirements for future material alternatives in non-destructive testing.
In addition to the technical presentations, ISPA 2026 provided an opportunity to discuss current developments in piezoelectric materials, piezoceramic composites, and ultrasonic applications. The discussions and presentations addressed both technological and regulatory issues that are currently influencing the further development of piezoelectric materials.
