Piezo Motors And Actuators: Streamlining Medical Device Performance

By Jim McMahon, Zebra Communications

A significant improvement over conventional electromagnetic motors for the execution of precise movements with medical equipment, the latest piezoceramic motors and actuators are more compact, require lower voltage, deliver higher torque, have shorter response time, generate less heat, and are nonmagnetic and vacuum compatible compared to EM motors. With fewer mechanical component parts to wear out and service, and the ability to provide more accurate positioning, it is no wonder why these little piezo devices are fast becoming the choice of medical device manufacturers.