Achieving High Precision with Multilayer Piezo Linear Actuators

High-performance actuators for precise control

Multilayer piezo actuators are an innovative solution for positioning tasks in a wide range of technological fields. They offer the following key advantages that increase the efficiency and precision of systems:

  • Long lifetime for reliable performance
  • High stiffness for optimized system stability
  • High response times in the µs range for quick alignment
  • High precision with subnanometer resolution for ultra-fine movements​

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  • Limited space for precise motion?
    Piezo actuators are known for their compact design. They are available in various sizes and can be used for AC and DC applications, even in tight spaces.
  • Looking for reliability in demanding environments?
    PICMA® stack multilayer piezo actuators offer excellent temperature stability, humidity resistance, and ultra-high vacuum capability down to 10-9 hPa. They can be used in cryogenic environments.
  • In need of a special design?
    Customized designs and application-specific prototype development are available upon request.
  • Need fast delivery?
    Some variants of the PICMA® multilayer piezo-linear actuators have exceptionally short lead times and are quickly available to meet your needs without delay. Details can be found in the FAQs.

White Paper: Highly Dynamic Precision Dosing with Piezo Technology

  • Contactless droplet generation
  • Actuator characteristics
  • Actuator suitability

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Check Out the Technical Details of the PICMA®️ Multilayer Actuators

  • Specification tables
  • Custom versions
  • Technical drawings and images
  • Selected actuators are available with shorter lead times. Corresponding variants are described in the FAQ.

DOWNLOAD

Check Out the Technical Details of the PICMA® PLUS Stack Multilayer Piezo Actuators

  • Specification tables
  • Custom versions
  • Technical drawings and images
  • Selected actuators are available with shorter lead times. Corresponding variants are described in the FAQ.

DOWNLOAD

Product Comparison at a Glance

 PICMA®PICMA® PLUS
MaterialPIC252PIC252
InsulationCeramicsCeramics
Travel range (5×5×36 mm)(32 μm)

+12 % (36 μm)

Electrical capacitance (5×5×36 mm)(3.1 μF)+15 % (3.6 μF)
DC lifetime (MTTF)60 years*60 years*
AC lifetime1 × 109**1 × 109***

 

* Test conditions: relative humidity = 70 % RH | Temperature = 22 °C | Voltage = 100 V DC
** 1 × 109 cycles tested, test conditions: 0 V - 100 V, sine wave, frequency > 10 Hz ... < xxx Hz (limited to self-heating of actuator)
*** 1 × 109 cycles estimated, 3 × 108 cycles tested, test conditions: 0 V - 100 V, sine wave, frequency > 10 Hz ... < xxx Hz (limited to self-heating of actuator)

FAQs

To meet application-specific requirements, for example, specific end pieces made of metal or ceramic are available for mechanical coupling. For highly dynamic systems, special electrodes for currents of up to 20 A are offered, achieving high operating frequencies in the kilohertz range with high-performance amplifiers. Additionally, linear actuators are available with a fully ceramic-insulated inner hole or with a housing.

Depending on the application, various amplifiers are available for controlling piezo actuators.

PICMA® multilayer piezo actuators can be ordered with either PTFE-insulated stranded connecting wires or solderable contacts without stranded wires.

These actuators are used in various industrial and medical technology applications, offering reliable drive mechanisms for processes such as the dosing of adhesives, industrial printing technologies, and positioning systems in microscopy and optical systems. Due to their precise travel ranges, they are also used in robotics and automation processes as well as in control and monitoring systems.

PICMA® Stack Multilayer Piezo Actuators

 

Dimensions
A × B × L

Nominal travel range

Max. travel range

Blocking force

Stiffness

Electrical capacitance

Resonant frequency

 

 

µm

µm

N

N/µm

µF

kHz

P-883.11/10

3 mm × 3 mm × 9 mm

6.5

8

290

36

0.21

135

P-883.51/50

3 mm × 3 mm × 18 mm

15

18

310

18

0.48

70

P-885.51/50

5 mm × 5 mm × 18 mm

15

18

900

50

1.5

70

P-885.91/90

5 mm × 5 mm × 36 mm

32

38

950

25

3.1

40

P-887.91/90

7 mm × 7 mm × 36 mm

32

38

1850

50

6.4

40

P-888.51/50

10 mm × 10 mm × 18 mm

15

18

3600

200

6.0

70

P-888.91/90

10 mm × 10 mm × 36 mm

32

38

3800

100

13.0

40

 

PICMA® PLUS Stack Multilayer Piezo Actuators

 

Dimensions
A × B × L

Nominal travel range

Max. travel range

Blocking force

Stiffness

Electrical capacitance

Resonant frequency

 

 

µm

µm

N

N/µm

µF

kHz

000128026

3 mm × 3 mm × 9 mm

8

9.5

320

34

0.24

135
000128103

3 mm × 3 mm × 18 mm

17

20

340

17

0.54

70
000124106

5 mm × 5 mm × 18 mm

17

20

930

46

1.6

70
000100014

5 mm × 5 mm × 36 mm

36

43

1000

23

3.5

40
000125974

7 mm × 7 mm × 36 mm

36

43

2000

46

7.2

40
000128404

10 mm × 10 mm × 18 mm

17

20

3720

186

6.8

70
000128106

10 mm × 10 mm × 36 mm

36

43

4000

93

14.6

40

 

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