Problemscracking
More than 90% of piezoelectric actuator failures are due to cracks. Micro cracks are often created in the piezoelectric wafer during the manufacturing process already. Under normal operation (deflection) the inertial force experienced by the piezo actuator (particularly when driven by DC and “rectangular” signal pulses) can induce high cyclic stress (tensile/compression) onto the piezo layer. As the layer consists of a brittle, ceramic material the micro cracks begin to grow under this cyclic stress, causing a reduction in performance of the piezo actuator. These cracks eventually propagate throughout the entire wafer, resulting in total failure. Cracks may also be caused by thermal shocks associated with soldering, handling and other mechanical impact.


ProblemsDielectric Breakdown
Most metals used in piezo electrodes (such as Ni or Ag) can migrate along micro cracks and grain boundaries of the piezo material under conditions of high humidity and applied voltage. This electrochemical migration results in dendrite growths and eventually leads to short circuiting within the piezo layer.
SolutionMeet the Python™ Family
Originally designed as a piezoelectric artificial muscle for our biomimetic cooling fans, the Python™ piezo bender addresses and solves for all the issues above. This gives the Python™ superior reliability when compared to conventional piezoelectric actuators, sensors and energy harvesters.
ReliabilityDouble Layer protection
With Python™ technology the piezo layer is hermetically sandwiched between two durable epoxy resin layers. This sandwich-like structure is carefully engineered to give the piezo layer significant negative pre-stress. This compressive stress helps hinder the development of micro cracks and further prevents propagation of cracks during operation. The epoxy resin layers also protect the piezo actuator from handling stress and accidental drops or impact. The Python™ bending actuator is further conformally coated with two thin silicone rubber layers to protect the piezo layer from humidity and condensation.

PerformanceHighly Optimized
The Python™ piezo actuator is the result of many years of research by our engineers in collaboration with our university research partners. The material and thickness of each layer has been optimized using advanced FEM simulations and experiments in order to yield maximum displacement at a given bending stiffness. The optimization process also ensures the piezo layer always operates within its material strength limitations, even at extremely high displacements, allowing Python™ actuators to simultaneously achieve high reliability and optimal performance.
Connection & IntergrationIsolated piezo layers
- Isolated electrical connection: Soldering directly onto the piezo layer can cause cracks and failure due to thermal shock. That is why the Python™ bending actuator comes with thermally isolated solder pads to prevent this risk.
- Convenient mechanical integration: Similarly, clamping directly onto the brittle piezo layers may also cause cracks and failures. Therefore the Python™ piezo actuator includes passive extended portions at both ends. These parts can be drilled, machined, and clamped for mechanical integration without any impact on the actual piezo layers.

QualityRigorous Testing
The Python™ actuator has undergone comprehensive and strenuous testing to validate its superior quality and reliability. Our accelerated life tests show that the Python™ bender can achieve more than one billion deflection cycles without any degradation in performance. Moreover, every single Python™ actuator goes through a minimum 10,000 cycle “burn-in test” before being shipped to our customers, ensuring no premature failures in the product.
ModelPython™ Unimorph
Descriptions
The Python™ Unimorph consists of one piezo layer attached to a substrate, and encapsulated by protective layers. When positive voltage is applied, the piezo layer contracts in a horizontal direction inducing upward bending deflection. Negative voltage with lower amps can also be applied to induce downward bending deflection. The Python™ Unimorph has a dome shape allowing its piezo layer to take on additional compressive pre-stress, resulting in superior reliability.

Stackup
Silicone rubber |
Epoxy resin |
PZT |
Substrate |
Epoxy resin |
Silicone rubber |
Unique Features
High deflection
Compared to multi-morph
Superior reliability
Dome shape allows the piezo to have additional pre-stress.
Lightweight
Aerospace materials; one layer of PZT
ModelPython™ Bimorph
Descriptions
The Python™ Bimorph consists of two piezo layers attached to the top and bottom surface of a substrate, and encapsulated by protective layers. When positive voltage is applied to the top piezo layer, it contracts in an in-plane direction inducing upward bending deflection. Similarly, when positive voltage is applied to the bottom piezo layer, the layer contracts in an in-plane direction inducing downward bending deflection. Negative voltage with lower Amps can also be applied to induce downward bending deflection. The deflection behavior is bi-directional and symmetrical. Negative voltage can also be used along with positive to achieve additional bending deflection.
Stackup
Silicone rubber |
Epoxy resin |
PZT |
Substrate |
PZT |
Epoxy resin |
Silicone rubber |
Unique Features
Customizable performance
Can be engineered to have either high blocking force or high deflection
Flexible control
4 solder pads allowing any desired wiring configuration
Bidirectional
2-way deflection from its original position
ModelPython™ Energy Harvester
Unlike conventional piezo energy harvesters which usually include one or two bare piezo layers attached to a substrate, the Python™ Energy Harvester includes a protective layer with a non-uniform thickness. The varying thickness of this layer is optimized so that the Python™ Energy Harvester receives more uniform stress and strain distributions on the piezo layer under bending conditions. This allows the Python™ Energy Harvester to harvest up to 3x more electrical energy through bending / vibration, while maintaining lower stress levels and therefore higher reliability when compared to conventional harvesters.


Common FeaturesAll models come with the following common features
Low power consumption
mW, mA range
Nano resolution
controlled by input voltage, unlimited resolution
Fast response
ms range, no delay
Standard sizes

Unit | Tolerance | PBA24RO-5H200 | PBA3008-5H200 | PBA3014-5H200 | PBA3020-5H200 | PBA6008-5H200 | PBA6014-5H200 | PBA6020-5H200 | PEH3020-5H250 | PEH6020-5H250 | PUA3008-5H200 | PUA3014-5H200 | PUA3020-5H200 | PUA6008-5H200 | PUA6014-5H200 | PUA6020-5H200 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | - | - | Bimorph | Bimorph | Bimorph | Bimorph | Bimorph | Bimorph | Bimorph | Harvester | Harvester | Unimorph | Unimorph | Unimorph | Unimorph | Unimorph | Unimorph |
a | mm | ±0.4 | 24 (dia.) | 46 | 46 | 50 | 76 | 76 | 80 | 55 | 85 | 46 | 46 | 50 | 76 | 76 | 80 |
b | mm | ±0.2 | 20 (dia.) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 30 | 60 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
c | mm | ±0.2 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | |
d | mm | ±0.2 | 8 | 14 | 20 | 8 | 14 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 8 | 14 | 20 | 8 | 14 | 20 | |
Thickness | mm | ±0.1 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.70 | 0.70 | 0.54 | 0.54 | 0.54 | 0.54 | 0.54 | 0.54 |
Dome-height | mm | ±0.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.65 | 1.6 | 0.45 | 0.45 | 0.45 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 |
Mass | g | ±0.1 | 1.24 | 0.82 | 1.52 | 2.35 | 1.54 | 2.84 | 4.23 | 2.00 | 3.46 | 0.59 | 1.12 | 1.58 | 1.02 | 1.83 | 2.87 |
Displacement | mm | ±15% | ±0.046 | ±0.39 | ±0.43 | ±0.48 | ±1.34 | ±1.52 | ±1.69 | ±3.7mm * | ±9mm * | -0.15 to +0.42 | -0.15 to +0.42 | -0.15 to +0.42 | -0.68 to +1.85 | -0.68 to +1.85 | -0.68 to +1.85 |
Blocking force | N | ±15% | 1.42 | 0.15 | 0.29 | 0.48 | 0.07 | 0.14 | 0.23 | - | - | 0.18 | 0.30 | 0.49 | 0.08 | 0.14 | 0.24 |
Resonance | Hz | ±15% | 8640 | 219 | 219 | 219 | 58 | 58 | 58 | 268 | 92 | 271 | 271 | 271 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
Piezo MAT | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | PZT-5H | ||
Piezo thickness | mm | ±10% | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
Capacitance | nF | ±15% | 76 | 52 | 90 | 142 | 104 | 180 | 284 | 55 | 110 | 26 | 45 | 71 | 52 | 90 | 142 |
Operating volt | V | - | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 | ±25V @±3.7mm ** | ±25V @±9mm ** | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 | -90 to +160 |
Operating T | C | - | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 | -20 to 85 |
* Allowable applied displacement/deflection.
** Generated voltage measured at max allowable displacement, 1Hz. The energy harvester is clamped at one end, while the other end is displacement controlled.
– Tip displacement and blocking force are measured at the max operating voltage, and the actuator is clamped at one end.
– Resonance frequency is measured with 20 Vp-p. The actuator is clamped at one end, while the other end is unloaded.
Typical applications
Actuator
Piezo valves, micropumps, switchers, positioners, vibration controllers, braille cells…
Sensor
Pressure, force, vibration, motion, and flow sensors…
Energy Harvester
Vibration, wind, rain energy harvester…
SamplePricing
For low, experimental quantities you can order any of our standard Python™ models using the shopping cart below. For higher quantities please contact us at sale@bimitech.com to request a quote.
Model | Descriptions | Availability | Price | Quantity | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
24mm dia. x 0.65 mm thick bimorph bender |
In stock |
$215.00
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46x8x0.65 mm³ bimorph bender |
In stock |
$95.00
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46x14x0.65 mm³ bimorph bender |
In stock |
$105.00
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50x20x0.65 mm³ bimorph bender |
In stock |
$115.00
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76x8x0.65 mm³ bimorph bender |
In stock |
$115.00
|
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76x14x0.65 mm³ bimorph bender |
In stock |
$125.00
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80x20x0.65 mm³ bimorph bender |
In stock |
$135.00
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55x22x0.70 mm³ energy harvester |
In stock |
$125.00
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85x22x0.70 mm³ energy harvester |
In stock |
$145.00
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46x8x0.56 mm³ unimorph bender |
In stock |
$75.00
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46x14x0.56 mm³ unimorph bender |
In stock |
$85.00
|
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50x20x0.56 mm³ unimorph bender |
In stock |
$95.00
|
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76x8x0.56 mm³ unimorph bender |
In stock |
$95.00
|
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76x14x0.56 mm³ unimorph bender |
In stock |
$105.00
|
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80x20x0.56 mm³ unimorph bender |
In stock |
$115.00
|
Qty | Discount |
---|---|
2-4 | 20% |
5+ | 30% |
* Most of standard items are in stock and usually shipped within one business day.
* Free shipping in the US on all orders. $30 international flat rate shipping. More information about shipping here.
* Not for personal use applications.