Amplified Piezoelectric Actuators
The AP family of high-displacement actuators utilize an advanced flexural mechanism and high performance piezoelectric stack actuators to provide an exceptionally large range of motion, fast response, and sub-nanometer resolution. The advanced dual-hinge flexure mechanism significantly outperforms competing devices due to its significantly higher in-plane and out-of-plane stiffness, greater mechanical efficiency, and higher resonance frequency. The dual-hinge flexure design also results in extremely compact dimensions.
Applications include: Nanopositioning, Biomedical, Microscopy, Precision machining, Vibration control, High-speed valves, and Optics. A range of standard devices are available for immediate delivery, however, custom dimensions and travel ranges can be produced with a four-week lead time.
- Download Datasheet
Enquiry
Obtain instant quote
- Click Buy Now
- Select desired options
- Add to cart
- Proceed to checkout
- Enter details
- Download instant quote

AP120 – 120um Range
Displacement | >120 um |
Voltage | -15V to +150V |
Unipolar Disp. | >110 um |
Resonance | 900 Hz |
Force | 11 N |
Stiffness | 0.10 N/um |
Capacitance | 400 nF |
Mass | 5 g |
3D Model | AP120.igs |
Dimensions (Click to enlarge)
AP350 – 350um Range

Displacement | >350 um |
Voltage | -15V to +150V |
Unipolar Disp. | >320 um |
Resonance | 480 Hz |
Force | 18 N |
Stiffness | 0.057 N/um |
Capacitance | 900 nF |
Mass | 9 g |
3D Model | AP350.igs |
Dimensions (Click to enlarge)
AP830 – 830um Range
Displacement | >830 um |
Voltage | -15V to +150V |
Unipolar Disp. | >750 um |
Resonance | 230 Hz |
Force | 90 N |
Stiffness | 0.12 N/um |
Capacitance | 8.3 uF |
Mass | 60 g |
3D Model | AP830.igs |
Dimensions (Click to enlarge)
Quality / Testing
Each actuator is individually tested for displacement range, blocking force, and resonance frequency. A test report is provided with each delivery.
Mounting
The AP actuators can be mounted in a fixed-free or free-free configuration using the threaded mounting holes. When a voltage is applied, a proportional expansion is developed in the vertical direction, as illustrated below.
Tension Force
The maximum tension force is 10% of the blocking (compressive) force.
Range
The range is specified for an applied voltage of -15V to +150V. The unipolar range is from 0V to +150V.
When an amplified actuator is driving a spring, the range is reduced by the factor $$\frac{k_a}{k_a+k_L}$$ where \(k_a\) is the actuator stiffness and \(k_L\) is the load stiffness.
Capacitance
The actuator capacitance is the small-signal capacitance measured at room temperature. Due to hysteresis, the effective capacitance increases with applied voltage. When operating at full range, the effective capacitance is approximately twice the small-signal capacitance. The capacitance also increases with temperature. A temperature increase of approximately 50 degrees C will double the effective capacitance.
Electrical Current Requirements
The required current is \( I = C~ dV/dt \) where \( I \) is the current, \( C \) is the effective capacitance, and \( dV/dt \) is the voltage rate of change. For a sine-wave, the required peak current is equal to: $$ I_p = \pi C f V_{p-p} $$ where \( V_{p-p} \) is the peak-to-peak voltage. For a triangle wave, the required peak current is equal to: $$ I_p = 2 C f V_{p-p} $$
Recommended Drivers
Vacuum Compatibility
The AP Actuators and wiring insulation meet the outgassing requirements for NASA SP-R-0022A.
Customization
Custom dimensions and travel ranges can be produced with a four-week lead time.