Piezo elements are used in a variety of configurations to provide rotary or linear motion in applications that require short strokes and fast response times. Piezo elements that are used to produce motion through the inverse piezoelectric effect are known as piezo actuators. These devices provide very small displacements with extremely high resolution. When one […]
Piezo Motors Archive
Get the latest product news, technical info, and FAQs about peizo motors.
Why is resonant frequency important in piezo applications?
Resonance occurs when the resonant frequency (also referred to as the natural frequency) of an object or system is equal or very close to the frequency at which it is being excited. This causes the object or system to vibrate strongly and can result in unexpected – and sometimes catastrophic – behavior. When one oscillating object or system (a […]
Scott Jordan Named Head of Photonics by PI
PI (Physik Instrumente), a leading provider of photonics alignment, nanopositioning, and precision motion control systems has appointed Scott Jordan as Head of the Photonics Market Segment. Jordan, a PI Fellow, holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree, both in Physics, from University of California, Irvine and an MBA in Finance and […]
Alignment engine from PI is R&D 100 Award finalist
A solution is now available for fast, parallel, nanoscale-accurate, multi-degree-of-freedom global optical alignment optimization required in key SiP production steps from planar test to packaging. The FMPA Fast Multichannel Photonics Alignment Engine is an advanced alignment system based on a highly specialized digital motion controller with embedded advanced alignment and tracking functionality and a hybrid […]
FAQ: What are other options for nanopositioning besides piezo actuators?
Nanopositioning—positioning on the scale of one-billionth of a meter—is a common requirement in semiconductor and medical applications, such as metrology, scanning, dispensing, and pumping. But consistently achieving nanometer-level resolution is beyond the scope of most devices that use mechanical rolling or recirculating elements. Case in point: the most common solution for nanopositioning applications is the piezo motor […]
New spherical ultrasonic piezo transducers designed for 360º applications
As a leader in piezo transducers, piezo mechanisms, and precision motion control solutions, Physik Instrumente offers a line of standard and custom electro-ceramic hemispheres and hollow spheres for applications from echolocation to flow measurement. As a global leader in piezo actuators and sensors, these new components join the existing extensive catalog of disk, rods, cylinders, […]
Updated: Trends in electric motors Part IV — More on miniaturization and the special case of medical applications
There’s a general consensus that the medical industry currently looms largest for innovation in electric motors. That’s what many industry experts we recently interviewed told us. Here, the trend is towards designs that are smaller, lighter, more efficient and cheaper. “The need for portable medical devices is being driven by a more mobile aging population who need machines […]
FAQ: How do linear stepper and linear ultrasonic piezo motors differ?
There are a number of ways in which piezo ceramics can be used to create linear motion, providing any combination of high speed, long travel, and high force. Two common types are linear stepper and linear ultrasonic piezo motors. Both use the inverse piezoelectric effect to activate a rod or pusher and create linear motion, […]
FAQ: Where are linear stepper piezo motors suitable?
There are several types of piezo motor that provide linear motion, with one of the most widely used being the linear stepper piezo motor. These devices harness the coordinated motion of multiple piezo elements to produce virtually unlimited travel with high resolution and very high stiffness. Construction and operation In the linear stepper design, multiple […]
Updated: Trends in electric motors Part III — Networking, IoT, and sensing takes motor-driven designs to new heights
This article is one in a multi-part series covering the most recent trends in motions designs relating to electric motors. Here are other installments: Updated: Trends in electric motors Part I — Miniaturization, connectivity, and customization Updated: Trends in electric motors Part II — Scott Evans of Kollmorgen sets record straight on motion design All […]
