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How to Cut Piezoelectric in Small Sizes

Piezoelectric items produce electricity when subjected to mechanical stresses or when electric current is passed through the item. When the crystal lattice structure of these items is disturbed, the shape of the lattice changes slightly, resulting in a discharge of electricity. Piezoelectric wafers are sold for use in musical instruments such as guitars for use as a pickup. The wafers are set in ceramic and cutting them into smaller piece is simple requiring only a few tools and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

Ruler
Pencil
Exacto knife
File

Instructions

- 1
  Mark the piezoelectric wafer for cutting using a ruler and a pencil.
- 2
  Place the ruler over the marks to create a straight line down the wafer for cutting.
- 3
  Score the piezoelectric wafer with an Exacto knife. Take your time cutting into the wafer and make sure the scoring depth is the same throughout the strip. Continue cutting until the piece falls off the main wafer. The cut will not be exactly straight no matter how careful you are with the piezoelectric material and Exacto knife.
- 4
  Place the cut off piece of piezoelectric wafer under the ruler with just the cut side of the facing outwards. File the cut side of the wafer to make a smooth straight line.

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