Geschäftsführer: Dr. Bernt Götz • Telefon 03641/66880 • Fax 03641/668866 • www.piezosystem.com
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4. instructions for using piezo-electrical elements and power supplies
Piezoelectric actuators from piezosystem jena are controlled by voltages up to
150V. These values can be quite hazardous. Therefore read the installation
instructions carefully and only authorized personal should handle the power
supply.
After transportation, piezoelectric actuators should be allowed to adapt for
approximately 2 hours to the room temperature before being switched on.
Piezoelectric actuators are made from ceramic materials with and without
metallic casings. The piezo-ceramic is a relatively brittle material. This should
be noted when handling piezoelectrical actuators. All piezo-elements are
sensitive to bending or shock forces.
Due to the piezoelectric effect piezo-actuators can generate electrical charges
by changing the mechanical load or the temperature or such actions
described above.
Piezoelectric actuators are able to work under high compressive forces, only
actuators with pre-load can be used under tensile loads (these tensile forces
must be less then the pre-load, given in the data sheet).
Please note that the acceleration of the ceramic material (e.g., caused by fall
down, discharging or high dynamic application) can cause damage to the
actuator.
Heating of the ceramic material will occur during dynamic operation and is
caused by structure conditional loss processes. This may cause failure if the
temperature exceeds specified values cited below.
With increasing temperature, up to the Curie temperature (usual values
approx. 140°C - 250°C), the piezoelectric effect disappears.
Piezoelectric actuators such stacks or various tables work electrically as a
capacitance. These elements are able to store electrical energy over a long
period (up to some days) and the stored energy may be dangerous.
If the actuator remains connected to the drive electronics, it is discharged
within a second after shutdown and quickly reaches harmless voltage values.
Piezo-actuators can generate voltages by warming or cooling only. The
discharge potential should not be ignored due to the inner capacitance. This
effect is insignificant at usual room temperature.
Piezo-actuators from piezosystem jena are adjusted and glued. Any opening
of the unit will cause misalignment or possible malfunction and the guarantee
will be lost.
