Amplified Piezoelectric Actuators (APA)

Patented by the CEDRAT Group, the amplified piezo 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 Amplified Piezo Actuator, APAs, developed by the CEDRAT Group have force and displacement performance ranges exceeding those of direct or bimorph Piezoactuators.