Multilayer Actuators

Piezo ceramic multi layer actuators (PCMAs) are devices consisting of many thin layers of piezoelectric (PZT) material with interdigitated, inner electrodes. They are co-fired mechanically in series and electrically in parallel.

Typical Applications:

• Optical instrumentation
• Medical instrumentation
• Valves
• Ink jet printers
• Nano & micro positioning
• Position control
• Precision detonators
• Hard disc drives
• Active suspension
• Pumps
• Fuel injection

PCMAs are devices capable of rapid (<10 µs) micrometer movements with nanometer precision. They utilise the inverse piezoelectric effect, in which an electric field creates a length change perpendicular to this field.

They offer the benefits of low driving voltages, microns of expansion, kilo-Newtons of force, tens of microseconds of response time, compactness and customised designs.

MTC ElectroCeramics offers 3 types of PCMAs:

D33

– designed for displacement in the same direction as the electric field and poling direction

D31

– designed for perpendicular displacement from the electric field and poling direction

Bender

– designed as monolithic element by combining two d31 elements together in a single ceramic body. Contraction of one of the d31 elements causes the total element to bend in one direction. Contraction of the other d31 element causes the total element to bend in the other direction 

Multilayer Actuators: d31 type

By making the ceramic layers very thin, displacements can be generated with low power consumption at operating voltages down to 60V. With an electrical field of <3kV/mm large displacements per unit volume can be achieved with high reliability.

We offer layer thickness between 20 µm and 100µm as well as design flexibility in order to suit customers’ requirements.

Typical applications are: inkjet printing, micro-positioning.

Multilayer Actuators: d33 type

By making the ceramic layers very thin and then combining them in such a way as to produce tall stacks, displacements can be generated with low power consumption at operating voltages from 60V to 300V. With an electrical field of <3kV/mm large displacements per unit volume can be achieved with high reliability.

We offer layer thickness between 20 µm and 100µm as well as design flexibility in order to suit customers’ requirements. We also offer coatings and end caps, so actuators are supplied ready for use in a variety of operating conditions.

Typical applications are: micro-positioning, high output sensors, printing heads

Standard sizes available are (LxWxH) 3x3x2, 5x5x2, 7x7x2, 10x10x2, 12x12x2 mm

Multilayer Benders

We are able to offer a range of high efficiency low voltage multilayer benders to meet the growing demand for precise, controllable and repeatable deflection devices in the millimeter and micrometer range.

Multilayer piezoelectric ceramic benders are devices capable of rapid (<10 ms) millimetre movements with micrometer precision. They utilise the inverse piezoelectric effect, in which an electric field creates a cantilever bending effect. By making the ceramic layers very thin deflections can be generated with low power consumption at operating voltages from -10V to +120V. With an electrical field of <3kV/mm large deflections per unit volume can be achieved with high reliability.

We offer 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 MTC ElectroCeramics 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, MTC ElectroCeramics manufactures a 10x4x0.75mm PCMA bender with a capacitance of 0.25µF which generates a displacement of 50µm, and a blocking force of 2N.

Note: A single bender cannot combine maximum deflection and maximum blocking force!

Typical applications: proportional valves, low-energy consuming switches or pumps