| PI introduced their first line of piezoelectric actuators more than 25 years ago. The technology's unique features
such as responsiveness, stiffness, life time and infinite resolution have opened many markets since then, from semiconductor
testing to precision machining. Typical precision machining piezo positioning systems are equipped with special waterproof
casings which also provide the mechanical interface to the tooling machine and the tool. Optional integrated metrology systems
feature resolution in the nanometer and sub-nanometer range for closed loop operation with digital or analog motion controllers.
Today, PI Piezo Actuators and Piezo NanoPositioning Systems are used throughout the world, often in applications
that run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They improve manufacturing precision of crank shafts, bearings, cylinders,
pistons, mirrors, optics etc. in crucial processes such as milling, turning, grinding, out-of-roundness boring or wear
compensa-tion of tools. PI affiliate PI Ceramic manufactures the special high-load piezo ceramics required for the tough
environment of machining applications, with lifetimes of several billion cycles. Integrated temperature sensors monitor
the PZT ceramics temperature, an additional safety feature for continuous dynamic operation (e.g. in fast servo tooling
applications, Fig. 7). The E-480 High Power Amplifier with Energy Recovery (Fig. 8) evaluates the temperature sensor feedback and
alerts the operator before a critical temperature threshold is exceeded. The E-480 amplifier provides 2000 W peak power in a
voltage range of 0 to 1000 V. |
Fig. 7, Piezoelectric Tool Servo
Fig. 8, E-480 High Power Amplifier with Energy Recovery |
