The motions for most assembly operations are measured in centimeters or millimeters. It's not hard to find an actuator to match the application. But, when the application calls for moves measured in microns or nanometers, engineers have fewer options.
The motions for most assembly operations are measured in centimeters or millimeters. As such, it's not hard to find an actuator to match the application. But, when the application calls for moves measured in microns or nanometers, engineers have fewer options. Microsteppers and servomotors can make such moves, but are not always able to meet requirements for size, weight or responsiveness. Moreover, some applications cannot be subjected to electromagnetic fields associated with motors. In those cases, piezoelectric actuators are an alternative.