Piezo Pumps Costing/etc. 1

[salukikev]

Hello!
So I happened to land on a page illustrating piezoelectric fluid pumps today while doing some preliminary research for a new project coming down the line. I'm really liking what I see as far as flow, power consumption, and compact size, but I haven't seen an example of these in any retail/consumer product. I also haven't found quantity pricing info, so maybe that explains it.
It seems to me that this is a relatively new technology, but its my 1st encounter. Can anyone who has implemented or is familiar with these give me a better idea of what pros/cons are associated and what these might cost in a production situation? (in my application, we don't require precision metering/flow- priorities are with high flow rate, low power consumption, and low cost).

I have of course, written some of the manufacturers I have since discovered, but I'd like to hear an unbiased realistic opinion.
Thanks for any help!
-kevin
PS. Here is an example:

http://www.takasago-elec.com/products_pump/piezo/

 

[hlatfel]

hey kevin!

i am actually working for a company building piezo motors so i could help you with your question.

could you explain your application briefly to me?

thanks

 

[salukikev]

Hi,
This was back in November, and we did receive some piezo pumps from China that were actually not too bad, but ultimately not ideal for application. In any case, things have since changed with the client and we are no longer pursuing that project anyway. However, I'm still somewhat curious about the pumps for other applications that may come up- its always nice to have a good overview to consider when designing any number of products in the future.
thanks!