New actuator for use under extreme conditions.PI Ceramic has added PICMA® Stack multilayer piezo actuators that are encapsulated in a stainless steel casing to its standard product range. The encapsulation guarantees the reliability and superior lifetime of the multilayer piezo actuators even under extreme operating conditions, for example, when the application environment is characterized by oil, splash water or continuously high humidity.

The multilayer piezo actuator is hermetically sealed in a stainless steel casing, which is filled with dry inert gas. This encapsulation makes the PICMA® Stack multilayer piezo actuators suitable for use in rough industrial environments.

The multilayer piezo actuators with stainless steel casing are UHV-compatible to 10-9 hPa. A high displacement can already be achieved with a piezo voltage of -20 to 120 V.

Encapsulated versions of the multilayer piezo actuators are available in different sizes, including Ø 11.2mm × 22.5mm for a stroke / displacement of 14 µm, and Ø 11.2mm × 40.5mm for a stroke / displacement of up to 30 µm. Higher forces can be generated with a version measuring Ø 18.6mm × 22.5 mm, which has a maximum stroke / displacement of 14 µm.

Case mounting is done by clamping or gluing the actuators. For electrical contacting, wire leads are led out of the case.

The encapsulated PICMA® Stack multilayer piezo actuators can be manufactured in other sizes on request.