For Dynamic Applications in a Tough Environment: Encapsulated PICMA® Multilayer Actuators with Improved Heat Dissipation

PI Ceramic In extreme operating conditions, where oil, splash water or continuously high humidity prevail, the stainless steel encapsulated multilayer piezo actuators ensure the required reliability and lifetime. But if the PICMA® actuators are to be used for dynamic applications at the same time, the self-heating of the actuator can be a limiting factor.

For this purpose, PI Ceramic now offers encapsulated actuators with improved heat dissipation properties: A casting compound that does not impair the actuator displacement replaces the inert gas in the hollow space between metal bellow and piezo actuator.

An additional cooling of the stainless steel casing, e.g. with compressed air or water, can support to dissipate the heat generated by the dynamically operating actuator. This allows to achieve working frequencies that are 10 times higher than with an actuator without casting compound, for example, up to 3.5 kHz with the P-885.95 over the full travel range of 36 µm.

PI Ceramic produces the encapsulated multilayer piezo actuators in the sizes Ø 11.2 mm × 40.5 mm for 30 µm travel and Ø 11.2 mm × 22.5 mm for 14 µm travel. Higher forces can be achieved with a version measuring Ø 18.6 mm × 22.5 mm providing a minimal displacement to 14 µm. For these dimensions, the actuators with casting compound are available at short notice.
On request, the encapsulated PICMA® stack multilayer piezo actuators can be manufactured in other sizes.

PI Ceramic in Brief
PI Ceramic is considered a global leading player in the field of piezo actuators and sensors. The broad range of expertise in the complex development and manufacturing process of functional ceramic components combined with state-of-the-art production equipment ensure high quality, flexibility and adherence to supply deadlines. Prototypes and small production runs of custom-engineered piezo components are available after short processing times. PI Ceramic also has the capacity to manufacture medium-sized to large series in automated lines. PI Ceramic, a subsidiary of Physik Instrumente (PI) GmbH & Co. KG, is located in the city of Lederhose, Thuringia, Germany.