Advantages of Piezoelectric Actuators

PDF: Download the Piezo Technology Tutorial by PI Ceramic

Unlimited Resolution

A piezoelectric actuator can produce extremely fine position changes down to the subnanometer range. The smallest changes in operating voltage are converted into smooth movements. Motion is not influenced by striction/friction or threshold voltages.

Large Force Generation

Piezoelectric actuators can generate a force of several 10,000 N. PI Ceramic offers units that can bear loads up to several tons and position within a range of more than 100 µm with sub-nanometer resolution.

Rapid Response

Piezoelectric actuators offer the fastest response time available. Microsecond time constants and acceleration rates of more than 10,000 g’s can be obtained.

No Magnetic Fields

Piezoelectric actuators are especially well-suited for applications where magnetic fields cannot be tolerated. For extreme requirements, PI Ceramic is able to deliver assemblies which have no measurable remnant magnetism.

Low Power Consumption

The piezoelectric effect directly converts electrical energy into motion, absorbing electrical energy during movement only. Static operation, even holding heavy loads, does not consume power.

No Wear and Tear

A piezoelectric actuator has neither gears nor rotating shafts. Its displacement is based on pure solid-state effects and exhibits no wear and tear. PI Ceramic has conducted endurance tests on actuators in which no change in performance was observed after several billion cycles.

Vacuum and Clean-Room Compatible

Piezoelectric actuators employ ceramic elements that do not need any lubricants and exhibit no wear or abrasion. This makes them clean-room compatible and ideally suited for ultra-high-vacuum applications.