PI has introduced the new PICMA Plus actuators, expanding the capabilities of its PICMA piezo stack actuator series. While the standard PICMA actuators offer long service life, high stiffness, fast response times, and precise resolution, the PICMA Plus line provides increased displacement for applications that require extended motion range.
Extended displacement without sacrifice
Previously, PI’s readily available PICMA piezo actuators offered displacement ranges of 6.5 to 36 microns per monolithic stack. The new PICMA Plus actuators extend that range up to 43 microns, supporting applications that need greater displacement within the same package size while maintaining the established features of PICMA technology.
Space-proven technology – extreme lifetime and operating temperature range
Both the original and new PICMA Plus actuators use the same patented ceramic-encapsulation process. This polymer-free, all-ceramic insulation differs from conventional polymer-insulated piezo actuators, which can be affected by humidity and temperature changes. The ceramic encapsulation contributes to the actuators’ durability, as shown in NASA/JPL’s testing for the Mars rover Curiosity. PICMA actuators, including the Plus variants, maintain humidity resistance and operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 150°C, or up to 200°C in modified versions, making them suitable for demanding environments.
Industries served
Micro-manufacturing, nano-dispensing, optics & photonics, semiconductor test equipment, astronomy, biotechnology, surface metrology, quality assurance, nanometrology, nanopositioning.
For more information, visit pi-usa.us.
Filed Under: Actuators, Motion Control Tips
