Novel piezo actuator is more forceful

The unimorph offers greater deflection properties than a bimorph but is up to 30% cheaper and will suit applications requiring a single actuation, such as opening or closing a valve.

Morgan Electro Ceramics has developed the first piezo unimorph for manufacturers of industrial process equipment.

The unimorph, which offers even bigger deflection properties to those of a bimorph but is up to 30% cheaper, has been developed for applications requiring a single actuation, such as the opening or closing of a valve.

Unlike bimorphs, which consist of two active piezo plates separated by an inactive inner layer, the unimorph has a single plate mounted on carbon fibre.

The use of carbon fibre rather than metal enables Morgan Electro Ceramics to offer greater deflection and force, improving performance and reliability by 20-30%.

The unimorph, which can be used in any application that requires unidirectional force, has been developed as a direct result of customer demand for high volume/low cost components.

"OEMs are under increased pressure to provide cost-effective equipment that can still deliver reliability and performance", explains Frank Theuws, Managing Director, Morgan Electro Ceramics.

"Our engineers have found a way to enable our customers to do this and we are excited about the further potential for the product".

The unimorph is available in a range of sizes from 15 to 45mm length and 2 to 15mm width.

It has been fitted with a safety electrode that guarantees operation in severe applications where the piezo plates are stretched to the limits of breaking and there is an optional humidity coating to ensure that warm damp or humid environments do not affect performance.

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