The name of amplified piezo actuator is derived from the combination of its driving source, structural principle and function. "Piezo" refers to its driving source, that is, using piezo actuator to generate motion; The "Amplified" is to realize the displacement amplification of piezo actuator through the flexible hinge guiding mechanism. "Actuator" is its function, its moving end can produce actuation to carry the object and adjust the micro displacement.
The amplified piezo actuator is equipped with a mechanical fixed mounting interface, which can be directly connected with the external load or the mounting surface through threads. It can also drive the external mechanical structure, which in turn completes the motion regulation.
Amplified Piezo Actuator VS Direct Drive Piezo Actuator
Type of Amplified Piezo Actuator
Amplified piezo actuators can be divided into two series according to the motion direction: type A (contraction) and type R (expansion). Typically, the displacement of the amplified actuator of type A begins to contract when the actuator is powered on, while the displacement of the type R begins to elongate when the actuator is powered on. If the lower end is fixed and used as Z direction, the amplified actuator of type A will produce downward displacement while type R upward.
Depending on the sensor configuration, the amplified actuator can be divided into open-loop (no positioning feedback sensor) and closed-loop (integrated positioning feedback sensor) versions. In open-loop mode, the resolution of piezo actuator is infinitely high, which is limited only by the noise of the control device. However, due to the hysteresis and creep characteristics of piezo actuator, its displacement repetition accuracy and displacement stabilization accuracy are low. However, the closed-loop version of the piezo actuator eliminates hysteresis and creep. Meanwhile, the closed-loop version can form a closed-loop control through the CoreMorrow piezo controller, which can read and track the displacement value and make adjustment in time.
Introduction of Amplified Piezo Actuator
The amplified piezo actuator is an actuator that amplifies the displacement generated by preloaded low pressure piezo ceramics by mechanical amplifying structure. The mechanical magnification structure is an oval mechanical shell, which is made of steel. It not only provides optimized preloading force for piezo stacks, but also plays a protective role for the stacked ceramics, so that they are not subjected to tension. Excessive tension will cause irreversible or even fatal damage to piezo stacks. The elliptic mechanical magnification structure also provides the user with an easily integrated mechanical interface.
Basic Structure of Amplified Piezo Actuator
The basic structure of the amplified piezo actuator is shown in the figure below, integrated with piezo ceramics inside and metal flexible hinges outside. It has mobile ends up and down with threaded holes, which can be used for its own installation and load installation.
Motion Principle of Amplified Piezo Actuator
The piezo stacks produce deformation displacement along the main axis, that is, the long axis direction, and the elliptical mechanical structure amplifies the displacement along the short axis direction, which means, the amplified piezo actuator amplifies the transverse elongation displacement of the piezo ceramic to the axial displacement output by the mechanism amplification principle. The elliptic shell is divided into inner elliptic structure (type R) and outer elliptic structure (type A). The displacement directions are X-direction expansion and X-direction contraction, respectively.
Amplified Piezo Actuators
Compact Amplified Piezo Actuator
80N Blocking Force
66μm Displacement
2700Hz Unloaded Resonant Frequency
Custom Type A Amplified Piezo Actuator
100μm Displacement
150N Blocking Force
2000Hz Unloaded Resonant Frequency
Type R Compact Amplified Piezo Actuator
41μm Displacement
125N Blocking Force
4100Hz Unloaded Resonant Frequency
Type A Amplified Piezo Actuator with Large Blocking Force
540N Blocking Force
95μm Displacement
350Hz Unloaded Resonant Frequency
Amplified Piezo Actuator with Large Displacement
25N Blocking Force
400μm Displacement
370Hz Unloaded Resonant Frequency
Parameters for Amplified Piezo Actuator
Type A (Outer Ellipse)
Type R (Inner Ellipse)
Applications
The amplified piezo actuator are often used for optical switching, optical alignment and other applications due to the small size, large displacement and fast response. In addition, the application range of the amplified piezo actuator is very wide, as shown in the following examples of applications.
- Optics
Probe scanning, optical lens positioning, optical switch, shutter/shutter stabilization, micro-scanning, wafer testing, astronomy, focus positioning, laser cavity tuning, optical fiber coupling and deformation, FBG (fiber Bragg grating) deformation, chopper, interferometer, PDP crystal cutting, modulator, etc.
- Mechanics
Fiber stretching, tool positioning, pick and place tools, diamond turning, elliptical piston processing, damping, dynamic control, new generation ultrasonic or sonic vibration, NDT, instrument fatigue monitoring, etc.
- Fluidics
Proportional valves, pumps, flow measurement technology, inkjet technology, syringes, droplet generators, etc.
Application Cases
Installation and operating instructions
- Safety guide
The amplified piezo actuator is designed with advanced technology and safety standards. For your own safety and the correct use of the product, please pay attention to the following points. Temperature changes and pressure will charge the piezo actuator, and the piezo actuator will remain charged for a period of time when disconnected from the controller, so please note:
- Do not disassemble the actuator without permission;
- Discharge the actuator before installation, by connecting it to the controller;
- Do not remove the controller during operation;
- Before use, check whether the connecting cable is intact and whether the product and controller are effectively grounded. During operation, strictly regulate the operation. After powering on the product, do not touch the product with your hands (the maximum voltage is more than 150V) to avoid danger.
In order to prevent damage to the product caused by improper operation, please pay attention to
the following points:
- The amplified actuator should be used in dust-free, oil-free and lubricant-free environment;
- The load should not exceed the bearing capacity of the product. Pay attention to the torque when loading. Do not pry or twist the hinge of the load surface to avoid damage to the structure;
- In the event of any exception, please close the relevant part immediately;
- The recommended voltage for long-term use is 0 ~ 120V;
- Do not disassemble the product to avoid damage;
- Do not stretch or bend the cable connector to prevent damage;
- Connect the piezo actuator and controller with the cable provided by CoreMorrow;
- Do not use cable extension cord, if you need longer cable please contact our sales.
2) Installation and Precautions
Before installation, check whether the connection cable is damaged or broken, and whether the drive power is grounded.
The installation steps of the amplified piezo actuator are as follows:
- Clean the installation platform before installation;
- Connect load, which should not exceed the bearing capacity of the actuator;
- Install the amplified piezo actuator on the measuring platform or fix it on the measuring platform through the optical platform conversion seat. Please select the appropriate bolt for installation according to the diagram.
- Connect the product connection cable to the controller.
In order to prevent the amplified piezo actuator from being damaged, please pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use beyond the voltage range specified in the data sheet;
- Do not drop the piezo ceramic to avoid any form of mechanical impact;
- A preloaded piezo actuator can withstand some tension (not caused by the contraction of the piezo actuator) but not shear, torque, or bending moments. These conditions may cause damage to the piezo ceramic inside the actuator.
