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What's a motion-amplified piezoelectric actuator -- and what can it do for you?

[Credit: Image courtesy of PI]

 

 

The piezoelectric effect directly converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. Auburn, MA-based PI uses this effect for high-precision, solid state-based actuators and grippers. Embedding a piezoceramic stack in a flexure-based arrangement can increase the motion range of the piezo actuator while providing protection, precision guidance, and a mounting interface at the same time.

PI's motion amplified piezo actuators are also energy efficient and provide millisecond-fast response and virtually unlimited positional resolution.

Compared to traditional piezo stack actuators, amplified piezo actuators provide extended motion ranges and can be easily integrated in OEM applications, such as precision instrumentation, grippers for micro-optics and medical devices, high-speed valves, nano dosing and pumping, fiber-optic alignment, nano positioning, nano dispensing, biotechnology, microfluidics, medical devices, microscopy, and life sciences.

Piezo motion is based on solid-state motion generated by electro-ceramics. Piezoelectric motion components are highly valued for their fast response times, capable of dynamic movements at frequencies reaching several kHz, and delivering motion resolution down to the sub-nanometer level. Their operation is driven by molecular effects. Their solid-state design eliminates traditional moving parts, bearings, or gears, making them maintenance-free.

VIDEO: Piezo motion: Nano positioners, piezo flexure actuators, and motors for precision automation. [Credit: PI]

These advantages arise from the inverse piezoelectric effect in their crystalline structure, which operates without friction-inducing components. Additionally, piezo actuators are exceptionally energy efficient, as they draw no power when idle or when holding a steady position. These qualities make them versatile for various applications, such as in process technology, where they enable rapid dosing cycles with finely adjustable, precise motion control essential for dosing accuracy.

At the heart of all PI motion-amplified piezo actuators is a PICMA^® multilayer piezo ceramic element. It has the same patented construction as the ones used on the Mars rover due to its extreme reliability and lifetime beyond 100 billion cycles.

PI's patented, ceramic insulated multi-layer PICMA piezoelectric actuators are also 100% vacuum compatible and can work in a wide temperature range.

Motion amplified piezo actuators with high-stiffness designs allow for high load capacity and insensitivity to shock and vibration. Integrated feedback sensors enable highly linear and repeatable motion or force control when operated with a PI closed-loop piezo controller.

Learn about PI's full line of high-precision motorized actuators at pi-usa.us/en/products/linear-actuators-motorized-precision.

Source: PI

Published October 2024

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