Encapsulated Multilayer Actuators with improved Heat Dissipation

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.

Additional cooling of the stainless steel casing, e.g. with compressed air or water, can help 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.