Piezoceramic actuators

Piezoceramic actuators use the effect of the relative change in length (up to approx. 1.5 ⁰/₀₀) when an electric field is applied. They are characterized in particular by high mechanical load capacities (up to 100 MPa), extremely low power dissipation or very low energy loss (zero current when not moving), short response times (in the submillisecond range), extremely high motion resolution (in the subnanometer range) and high reliability (more than 10¹⁰ switching cycles).
These elements are therefore destined for use in high-tech fields (semi-conductors, optics, telecommunications, etc.), and also, to an increasing extent, in the automotive field (fuel injection systems), for micropumps, pneumatic valve technology and vibration damping.
(See also the specialized catalog, “Piezo Ceramic Actuators & Custom Subassemblies”, PI Ceramic, 2003)