Piezo actuators and mechanisms from CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES
Developed for highly dynamic applications in the space industry,
piezo actuators from CEDRAT feature ...
Much
larger displacements per unit length than competing technologies
Highest mechanical energy density per unit volume and mass
on the market
Large stiffness and force density
Low supply voltage
Positioning with nanometre precision
Zero backlash and no play
Very short response time for dynamic applications
Low power consumption
Application fields include precise and rapid actuation, optics,
instrumentation and active control of vibrations. To meet the
varying demands of these applications, CEDRAT have developed three
distinct families of standard piezoelectric actuators with their
corresponding drivers and controllers:
The
parallel pre-stressed actuator is a preloaded stack of low voltage
piezoelectric ceramics (MLA). The preload (or pre-stress) is obtained
from an external spring frame made of stainless steel which protects
the MLA against tensile force and provides mechanical interfaces
for the user allowing an easier integration. This prestressing
frame applies an optimal preloading force to the MLA which ensures
a longer lifetime and better performance with dynamic applications
than traditional preloaded actuators.
The PPA model is lighter than the compacting Direct Piezo Actuator,
with the same electromechanical properties. Its compact size also
makes integration easier in mechanical assembly.
3 series (M, L, XL) of PPAs are available in order to meet the
different needs in terms of stroke, force and dimensions.
Amplified Piezoelectric Actuators (APAź)
Patented
by CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES, the Amplified piezoelectric actuator,
is a mechanical magnified preloaded stack of low voltage piezoelectric
ceramics (MLA).
The mechanical amplification is obtained thanks to an external
elliptical shell made of stainless steel which magnifies along
the short axis the MLA deformation occurring along the main axis.
This elliptical frame also protects the MLA against tensile force.
It provides the user with mechanical interfaces for easy integration.
This prestressing and magnifying flextensionnal frame applies
an optimal preloading force to the MLA which ensures a longer
life time and better performances than traditional mechanical
amplifiers based on lever arm and flexure pivot, when dynamically
applied.
The APAź developed by CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES has force and displacement
performance ranges exceeding those of direct or bimorph Piezo
actuators.
10 series (uXS, XXS, XS, S, SM, M, MML, ML, L, XL) of APAź are
available in order to meet the different needs in terms of stroke,
force and dimensions.
Piezo Actuator Mechanisms
Mainly
based on the APAź concept, CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES has developed different
mechanisms in order to fulfill its customers' requests for several
degrees of freedom kinematics. These mechanisms take advantage
of the APAź concept offering a reliable, robust, precise and compact
solution to its users.
These Standard mechanisms are currently available in order to
meet various needs in terms of kinematics and force.
Drivers & Controllers
To fulfill various requirements in terms of driving and control
conditions for its piezo actuators (static, pulse, dynamic), CEDRAT
TECHNOLOGIES has developped 3 different families of standard drivers:
CA45: Low cost, compact (1 channel) stand-alone linear voltage
amplifier and power supply for precise quasi-static motion.
For more demanding applications, we offer a modular rack system
with a combination of the following components:
LC75: AC-DC converter with stabilised output for low-noise supply
of linear amplifiers.
LA75: Linear voltage amplifier with a choice of power outputs
for precise dynamic motion.
SP75: Switching power amplifier for fast motion.
These standard drivers can be equipped with controllers and sensor
conditioners. Note also that various new / customized drivers
(such as switching amplifiers, oem products, space electronics)
may be developed upon request.
Piezo product literature
The following documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader to
open. To download a free copy of Adobe Reader, follow the
link on the right.
Documents open in a new window. Close the window to return
here.
Compact,
Dynamic and Precise
Much
larger displacements per unit length than competing technologies
The
parallel pre-stressed actuator is a preloaded stack of low voltage
piezoelectric ceramics (MLA). The preload (or pre-stress) is obtained
from an external spring frame made of stainless steel which protects
the MLA against tensile force and provides mechanical interfaces
for the user allowing an easier integration. This prestressing
frame applies an optimal preloading force to the MLA which ensures
a longer lifetime and better performance with dynamic applications
than traditional preloaded actuators. 
Patented
by CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES, the Amplified piezoelectric actuator,
is a mechanical magnified preloaded stack of low voltage piezoelectric
ceramics (MLA). 
Mainly
based on the APAź concept, CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES has developed different
mechanisms in order to fulfill its customers' requests for several
degrees of freedom kinematics. These mechanisms take advantage
of the APAź concept offering a reliable, robust, precise and compact
solution to its users. 
