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High-Efficiency, Low-Voltage Deflection Devices in the Millimeter and Micrometer Range

Morgan Electro Ceramics (MEC), a leading manufacturer of electro ceramic products, including high voltage and RF capacitors and microwave and piezoelectric ceramics, offers co-fired Piezo Ceramic Multi-Layer Actuator Benders (PCMA Benders). These highly-efficient, compact components provide precise, controllable and repeatable displacement in the millimeter and micrometer range. These highly reliable actuators are ideal for a wide variety of OEM applications, including optical positioning components, medical low-energy consuming pumps and proportional valves, and ink jet printers. PCMA Benders compliment the existing range of PMCA chip components offered by MEC.

PCMA Benders provide higher performance operation at low voltages compared to standard piezo bimorph components, with short response time, high precision and compact size. PCMA refers to a process technology whereby MEC co-fires layers of piezoelectric ceramic with interleaving metallic layers, forming a monolithic ceramic component with buried internal electrodes.

With over 50 years experience in the development and production of electro ceramic materials and components for the electronics industry, MEC can fabricate PCMA benders to meet customer specifications, with typical lengths of 10-30mm, widths of 3-20mm and thickness of 0.3-3mm, and with voltage ratings of 60V to 240V.

Customer solutions by MEC include a 15 x 6 x 1mm PCMA bender for a medical nano-pump, composed of 20µm layers of PZT ceramic. The bender has a capacitance of 1.1µF (based upon measurement from positive or negative electrode to ground) generating a displacement of 120µm, and provides a blocking force of 3N. For a hearing aid application, MEC manufactures a 10x4x0.75mm PCMA bender with a capacitance of 0.25µF which generates a displacement of 50µm, and a blocking force of 2N.

MEC manufactures the PCMA’s in a Class 10000 Clean Room Environment and is able to offer high volume production. Depending on design requirements, lead times for first article components can be as low as 6 weeks.

For further information please visit www.morganelectroceramics.com or contact +44 (0) 1978 810456 for European / Asian enquiries or +1 (440) 232 8600 for USA / Australasia enquiries.