Last Updated on May 4, 2023 by You Ling
1、What are Piezo Actuators?
Piezo actuators are electromechanical devices that use the piezoelectric effect to convert electrical energy into mechanical movement. This allows them to provide precise motion control, making them an essential component in various industrial, automotive, and medical applications.
2、Classification of Piezo Actuators
Piezo round actuators
Piezo ring actuators
Piezo plate actuators
Piezo round actuator stacks
Piezo ring actuator stacks
Piezo plate actuator stacks
Bender actuators
Shear plate actuators
Shear actuator stacks
3、Working Principle of Piezo Actuators
The working principle of piezo actuators is based on the piezoelectric effect, which occurs when certain materials generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress or vice versa. When voltage is applied to a piezoelectric material, it induces a change in the material’s shape, resulting in mechanical movement. The level of displacement depends on the applied voltage and the material’s properties.
4、Application of Piezo Round Actuators
Piezo round actuators are disc-shaped piezoelectric elements commonly used in automotive functions, sound generation and amplification, liquid and level measurements, and ultrasonic applications. They are utilized in various industries for detecting changes and executing adjustments.
5、Application of Piezo Ring Actuators
Piezo ring actuators are often used in multilayer stacked piezo actuators to generate linear motion. Typical applications for piezo ring actuators include ultrasonic devices, nanopositioning, microscopes, and precision machining.
6、Application of Piezo Plate Actuators
Piezo plate actuators can be designed in various shapes and are often used in multilayer stacked actuators. These are commonly found in ultrasonic applications. DC voltage causes piezo plate actuators to deform, while AC voltage causes them to vibrate. Piezo block actuators are used for high-power generation and applications.
7、Application of Bender Actuators
Bender actuators consist of two active piezoelectric layers connected to a passive metal substrate or directly joined. When mechanical or electrical input is received, one piezoelectric layer contracts while the other expands, resulting in a bending motion that can perform the desired task or generate a readable electrical output.
8、Application of Shear Plate Actuators
Piezoelectric ceramic shear plates provide lateral displacement. Stacking multiple shear plates bonded with epoxy resin and copper foil can produce a more significant lateral displacement. They are mainly used in fiber optic stretching and piezoelectric dispensing valves, among other applications.
9、Conclusion
Piezo actuators are versatile and essential components in various industries, enabling precise motion control and adaptability. With their diverse classifications and broad range of applications, these electromechanical devices continue to prove their value in areas such as automotive, medical, and precision engineering. As technology continues to advance, we can expect piezo actuators to remain integral in the development of innovative solutions and improved performance across numerous applications.
