Stripe™ Actuators
A flexing or bending actuator is designed to produce a
relatively large mechanical deflection in response to an
electrical signal. Two thin strips of piezoelectric ceramic are
bonded together, usually with the direction of polarization
coinciding, and are electrically connected in parallel. When
electrical input is applied, one ceramic layer expands and the
other contracts, causing the actuator to flex. Deflections are
large, but blocking forces are low, relative to forces developed
by stack actuators. Parallel electrical configuration ensures
high sensitivity to input; bias voltage circuitry can prolong
the life of the actuator by eliminating the potential for
depolarizing the ceramic layers.
Stripe Actuator: Better Performance and Longer Lifetime
- Superior layering technology, for
greater range of deflection
useful blocking forces
- Varnish layer protects surface from humidity and dust
Advanced layering technologies have enabled APC
International, Ltd. to develop the Stripe actuator, a flexing
actuator that achieves greater deflections than conventional
designs. Stripe actuators derive their name from a white stripe
that denotes the positive surface.
A standard sized Stripe actuator secured in a cantilever
mounting configuration has a deflection range of up to >2.5
mm, in response to a 150 V (maximum) input. If deflection is
blocked, a Stripe actuator will develop a useable force. The
relationships discussed in technical note Performance of Stripe
Actuators determine the deflections and blocking forces for
these actuators.
Vulnerable surfaces of a Stripe actuator are coated with a
special varnish that electrically insulates the surface and
protects it from humidity, dust, and other hazards that can
shorten the working lifetime of the actuator. A solderable
electrode is bonded between the plates.
Additional information about Stripe actuators is available in
the following Stripe Actuator Technical Notes:
Performance
of Stripe Actuators
Blocking
Forces and Half-Deflections for Stripe Actuators
Dimension
Specifications for Stripe Actuators
Securing a
Stripe Actuator; Connecting Electrical Leads
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