The piezoelectric actuator is composed of a piezoelectric ceramic sheet attached to an elastic substrate. It expands and contracts through an alternative voltage signal to make displacement and vibration. Such a conversion from electrical energy to mechanical energy is called the inverse piezoelectric effect.

Depending on the structure of the actuator, it can be divided into “Unimorph” or “Bimorph”type.

Unimorph actuator consists of a piezoelectric ceramic sheet attached to one side of an elastic substrate as Figure 1 shows.

The structure of Bimorph on the other hand, consists of two piezoelectric ceramic sheets attached to both sides of an elastic substrate, refer to Figure 2.

The size of the actuators can be adjusted in different size and shapes according to customer needs, such as rectangular, round, or square shapes.

Figure 1 : Structure of Unimorph type actuator
Figure 2 : Structure of Bimorph type actuator

Piezoelectric actuators have the following characteristics:

  • Lightweight
  • Fast response time
  • Low noise
  • Stable
  • Various vibration modes can be generated according to different signals

Piezoelectric actuators can mainly be used in haptic feedback, such as the touch panel of laptops, smartphones, and other electronics. Refer to Figure 3 for the illustration of haptic feedback.

Figure 3: illustration of haptic feedback

Unictron has more than 25 years of experience developing and manufacturing piezo ceramics and its modules. We have our own unique formulation that enabling tailor made service to maximize the performance in different applications. Anything to do with actuator’s simulation, design, manufacturing, Unictron is here to help, making the optimal actuator for your need.