The measurement and suppression of vibrations are crucial for modern-day devices and structures. Piezoelectric materials stand out as exceptional for vibration measurement and control due to their rapid response time. Among these materials, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is particularly favoured for its high piezoelectric coefficients and stiffness. However, the manufacturing process of PZT can be optimized to reduce both time and energy consumption. Designing and implementing measurement systems incorporating PZT elements contributes to cost reduction and increased accuracy. Moreover, piezoelectric materials not only serve for vibration measurement but can also function as elements for active, and semi-active vibration control. Notably, they possess the capability to perform both sensing and actuation functions simultaneously, a technique known as self-sensing actuation. In this study, the hybrid microwave sintering of PZT and PZT/CNT samples is explored, investigating the effect of incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on microwave absorption. Furthermore, the effect of adding CNTs and adjusting microwave power on microstructures, and mechanical and electrical properties are investigated. A comparative analysis with conventional sintering is also conducted. A thermal modelling based on FEM is introduced to simulate the temperature variations throughout the sintering process. A vise-based force sensor system is introduced for simultaneous measurement of cutting and clamping forces in milling operations. By integrating PZT piezoelectric sensors and strain gauges, the system achieves accurate force measurement in terms of DC and AC components. Experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the setup. For the purpose of vibration suppression and tuning dynamics, a friction damper based on the discrete layer jamming concept is developed, utilizing a piezoelectric actuator to change the normal force. The study conducts an in-depth exploration of the behaviour of piezoelectric friction dampers under various loading conditions. The investigation covers factors such as load stiffness, preload settings, and the damper’s response in free and forced vibrations, including flexural and axial cyclic loads. The potential applications of the damper are also highlighted.