Piezoelectric actuators
Piezo actuators are devices that produce a small displacement with a high force capability when voltage is applied.
There are many applications where a piezo actuator may be used, such as ultraprecise positioning and in the generation and handling of high forces or pressures in static or in dynamic situations.
Actuator configuration can vary greatly depending on application.
Piezoelectric stack actuators are manufactured by stacking up piezoelectric green ceramic layers, the axis of the stack being the axis of linear motion when a voltage is applied.
These devices can also be ultrasonic.
Ultrasonic actuators are specifically designed to produce strokes of several micrometers at ultrasonic (>20 kHz) frequencies.
They are especially useful for controlling vibration, positioning applications and quick switching.
Nowadays, for high speed, high precision movements in nanometer resolution, more and more piezo components are being used.
|
