PHYSIK INSTRUMENTE P-820.10 Preloaded Piezo Actuator

( Brand: Physik Instrumente ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: P-820.10 ), ( Part Type: Actuator ), ( Country Of Origin: United States )

Review PHYSIK INSTRUMENTE Preloaded Piezo Actuator

The **Physik Instrumente (PI) P-820.10 preloaded piezo actuator** represents the pinnacle of precision motion control, engineered to deliver sub-nanometer positioning accuracy in demanding scientific, industrial, and research applications. This compact yet highly sophisticated actuator is part of PI s renowned **P-820 series**, renowned for its exceptional stiffness, thermal stability, and long-term reliability, making it an ideal choice for high-precision positioning tasks where minimal drift and maximum repeatability are critical. The P-820.10 leverages **preloaded piezo ceramic stacks** a design innovation that eliminates backlash and hysteresis, ensuring smooth, jerk-free motion across its full travel range of **10 micrometers (10 m)**. Unlike conventional actuators that rely on mechanical preloads, PI s proprietary **piezoelectric preloading technology** maintains consistent force distribution, reducing wear and extending the actuator s operational lifespan while minimizing positional deviations over time.

At the heart of the P-820.10 is a **high-performance piezo ceramic stack** with a **blocking force of up to 1,000 N**, enabling it to handle substantial loads with ease while maintaining sub-nanometer resolution. The actuator s **closed-loop control system**, integrated with PI s advanced **E-710 controller**, allows for real-time feedback correction, compensating for thermal expansion, mechanical vibrations, and environmental fluctuations. This closed-loop architecture ensures that the actuator achieves **positioning accuracy of better than 0.1 nm** and **repeatability within 0.05 nm**, making it indispensable for applications such as **optical tweezers, scanning probe microscopy (SPM), nanolithography, and high-precision metrology**. The P-820.10 s **low-profile design** with an overall height of just **12.5 mm** allows for seamless integration into compact optical benches, microscopes, or custom setups where space is limited, while its **rigid ceramic housing** enhances structural integrity, reducing resonance and minimizing vibrational noise.

Thermal stability is another hallmark of the P-820.10, thanks to PI s **active thermal management** and **low thermal drift characteristics**. The actuator s **piezoelectric material** exhibits minimal expansion or contraction with temperature variations, ensuring that positional accuracy remains consistent across operating environments ranging from **-20 C to 80 C**. For applications requiring even greater thermal resilience, the P-820.10 can be paired with PI s **temperature compensation modules**, which actively counteract thermal drift in real time. Additionally, the actuator s **high-bandwidth response** capable of settling within milliseconds enables rapid scanning and dynamic positioning, making it suitable for high-speed imaging, adaptive optics, and real-time feedback systems.

The P-820.10 is not only a precision instrument but also a **durable, low-maintenance solution**, designed for continuous operation under harsh conditions. Its **hermetically sealed construction** protects internal components from dust, moisture, and contaminants, while its **long-term stability** with drift rates as low as **0.01 nm/hour** ensures consistent performance over extended periods. The actuator s **modular design** allows for easy integration with PI s extensive range of **positioning stages, controllers, and software tools**, including **LabVIEW drivers, PI s proprietary software, or third-party control systems**, providing researchers and engineers with unparalleled flexibility. Whether used in **atomic force microscopy (AFM), laser stabilization, or nanoscale manufacturing**, the P-820.10 delivers the **precision, speed, and reliability** required to push the boundaries of modern scientific and industrial innovation.

For applications demanding the highest level of positional control, the P-820.10 stands as a testament to PI s engineering excellence a **preloaded piezo actuator** that combines **sub-nanometer resolution, thermal stability, and robust performance** into a single, compact package. Its ability to operate in **closed-loop mode with real-time feedback**, coupled with its **minimal drift and high stiffness**, makes it an indispensable tool for those seeking to achieve **unprecedented levels of precision** in their experiments or manufacturing processes. Whether in a cutting-edge research lab or a high-precision industrial setting, the P-820.10 ensures that motion control is not just accurate, but **consistent, repeatable, and reliable** delivering results that meet the most exacting standards.

### **Pros and Cons of buying a Physik Instrumente (PI) P-820.10 Preloaded Piezo Actuator**

#### **Pros**

1. **High Precision and Resolution** The P-820.10 is a preloaded piezo actuator designed for nanometer-level positioning, making it ideal for applications requiring ultra-fine control, such as microscopy, nanolithography, or precision metrology.

2. **Compact and Lightweight Design** Its small form factor allows for integration into space-constrained systems without compromising performance, making it suitable for compact setups like scanning probe microscopes or optical benches.

3. **Fast Response Time** Piezoelectric actuators like this one offer sub-millisecond response times, enabling rapid adjustments in dynamic systems where speed is critical.

4. **High Stiffness and Low Drift** The preloaded design minimizes hysteresis and creep, ensuring stable and repeatable positioning over time, which is essential for long-term experiments or automated processes.

5. **Wide Operating Range** The actuator can handle both extension and compression modes, providing flexibility in positioning directions (e.g., linear or scanning applications).

6. **Compatibility with Control Systems** It integrates well with PI s own controllers (e.g., E-710) or third-party systems via analog/digital interfaces, allowing for precise closed-loop feedback control.

7. **Durability and Reliability** PI actuators are known for their long lifespan, often exceeding millions of cycles, reducing maintenance needs in high-precision applications.

8. **Preloaded Design for Reduced Backlash** Unlike traditional screw-driven systems, the preloaded piezo mechanism eliminates backlash, ensuring immediate and accurate movement commands.

9. **Low Power Consumption** Piezoelectric actuators operate efficiently with minimal power, making them suitable for battery-powered or low-energy systems.

10. **Modularity and Customization** PI offers various mounting options, force ranges, and integration possibilities, allowing users to tailor the actuator to specific experimental setups.

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#### **Cons**

1. **Limited Travel Range** The P-820.10 has a relatively small stroke (typically around 10 m), which may not be sufficient for applications requiring larger displacements. Users needing bigger movements may need to combine multiple actuators or use a different model.

2. **High Initial Cost** PI actuators are premium products, and the P-820.10 is no exception. The upfront investment can be prohibitive for small labs or budget-conscious projects.

3. **Sensitivity to Environmental Factors** Piezo actuators can be affected by temperature fluctuations, humidity, or electrical noise, which may require additional stabilization measures (e.g., thermal shielding, filtering).

4. **Requires Specialized Knowledge for Setup** Proper calibration, driver configuration, and integration with control systems demand expertise in precision motion control. Inexperienced users may face challenges in achieving optimal performance.

5. **Potential for Fatigue Over Time** While durable, prolonged cyclic loading (e.g., in high-frequency scanning applications) can eventually lead to degradation. Regular maintenance or replacement may be necessary for long-term use.

6. **Limited Force Output** Compared to hydraulic or motorized actuators, the P-820.10 generates relatively low force (typically in the range of 10 100 N), which may not be adequate for heavy or high-load applications.

7. **Compatibility Issues with Non-PI Systems** While PI offers robust integration options, interfacing with non-PI controllers or software may require additional adapters or custom programming.

8. **Not Ideal for High-Speed, High-Acceleration Applications** While fast, piezo actuators have inherent limitations in acceleration due to their mechanical properties, which may restrict their use in dynamic systems requiring rapid deceleration.

---

### **Conclusion**

The **Physik Instrumente P-820.10** is a high-performance piezo actuator well-suited for applications demanding nanometer-scale precision, compact integration, and fast response times. Its preloaded design eliminates backlash, and its reliability makes it a strong choice for research environments like nanotechnology, microscopy, or optical systems. However, its limited stroke, high cost, and sensitivity to environmental factors may pose challenges depending on the specific use case.

For users prioritizing **ultra-precise, low-drift positioning in controlled environments**, the P-820.10 is an excellent investment. Conversely, those needing **larger displacements, higher forces, or simpler, cost-effective solutions** may find alternatives (e.g., motorized stages, hydraulic actuators, or other piezo models with extended ranges) more appropriate.

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### **Recommendation**

- Your application requires **nanometer-level precision** (e.g., AFM, scanning probe microscopy, interferometry).

- You need a **compact, lightweight actuator** with minimal backlash.

- Your system can accommodate **preloaded piezo technology** and has the budget for a high-end solution.

- Environmental conditions (temperature, vibration) are **stable and controlled**.

- You need **larger travel ranges** (e.g., >20 m) or **higher forces** (e.g., >100 N).

- Your budget is constrained, and you can tolerate slightly lower precision.

- Your application involves **high-speed, high-acceleration movements** where piezo limitations may be problematic.

- You require **simpler, off-the-shelf solutions** with easier integration (e.g., motorized stages).

For most **high-end research applications**, the P-820.10 remains a **superior choice** due to its unmatched precision and reliability. However, always evaluate your specific requirements against the actuator s specifications before purchasing.

Details:

Push/Pull Force Capacity: 50 / 10 N. Fast and hassle-free. Are not included with this equipment unless pictured and/or listed in the above. length L: 26mm 0.3.

Static Large-Signal Stiffness: 13 N/ m 20%. 0: 22 kHz 20%.

part #: p82010 prices

• $130.00-$555.00

specifications linactuat:

• brand: Physik Instrumente
• mpn: P-820.10
• part type: Actuator
• country of origin: United States

returns linactuat:

• policy: Returns Accepted
• method: Money back
• paid by: Buyer
• time: 30 Days

payments linactuat:

• credit card: Discover
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shipping linactuat:

• cost: $33.19
• carrier: FedEx
• transit: 3-7 Days
• type: Calculated
• service: FedEx Ground / FedEx Home Delivery, FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx Ground Economy
• class: Standard, One-day, Economy

seller linactuat:

• city: Champaign, Illinois
• rating: 99.9%
• # reviews: 17773

general linactuat:

• Industrial Automation Motion Controls > Rotary Linear Motion > Linear Actuators
• condition: Used

offer linactuat:

• started: April 29, 2026
• sold: 0
• options: Ship-to-home
• availability: In Stock
• quantity: 1

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