Bending-Type Piezoceramic Actuators

Bending-type (bimorph) actuators are two-layer elements in which one layer elongates while the other contracts, resulting in bending. Piezoelectric bimorphs constitute a class of electromechanical transducers that provide conversion of electrical voltage into mechanical displacement and vice versa. The magnitude of bending displacement of such actuators is much greater than that of planar displacement; therefore, compared to stack actuators, piezoelectric bending (bimorph) elements provide a larger stroke with a correspondingly lower generated force and a lower resonant frequency.

FIELDS OF APPLICATION

• Scanning systems in laser technology;
• Micromotion devices for needle movement in textile manufacturing and in Braille reading devices for the blind;
• Medical sensors;
• Fans for local cooling of electronic circuit components;
• Switching devices – touch switches – devices for making/breaking electrical contacts;