When piezoelectric actuators are the preferred technology for related applications, they usually require motion resolution of a few nanometers or higher, and applications with sub-millimeter or micron stroke ranges are not uncommon in linear motion. To illustrate this point, the following are some examples of industries and applications in which piezoelectric ceramic actuators are usually the best solution.
Microliter and Nanoliter Distribution
When it is necessary to dispense microliters or nanoliters of volume, it requires very precise movement to control the distribution. Piezo actuators actuating diaphragm pumps or valves are common solution. By applying voltage to piezo actuators, the displacement and speed can be changed to achieve the purpose of microliter or nanoliter distribution. The displacement of the piezo actuator determines the distribution volume, and the operating frequency of the actuator controls the flow. The piezo actuator has the advantages of high resolution, small size, easy integration, and low power consumption.
Micro Positioning and Nanopositioning
In microscopy, diagnostics, and high-precision manufacturing applications, nanometer-level resolution is often required. For example, the processing of light guide plates requires that the processing tool head is positioned at a distance of only few microns from the workpiece, and the processing movement is performed in the range of high frequency and sub-nanometer resolution. Piezoelectric ceramic actuator is one of the few motion devices that can meet these requirements, and its high resonance frequency provides stability for the control loop.
Vibration reduction
Piezo actuators can output force of several thousand Newtons, and can be used for active vibration reduction of precision workbenches or other vibration-sensitive equipment, making them ideal vibration reduction device. For example, piezoelectric actuators can be integrated in the machine tool to generate reverse motion in the control loop of the machine tool to reduce vibration, thereby improving machining accuracy and workpiece quality.