How reliable are piezoelectric actuators in extreme environments? A new study takes a closer look
image: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the representative application achievements of piezoelectric actuators (PEAs), categorizing them into five main themes and twelve subcategories in total.
Credit: By Zhongxiang Yuan, Shuliu Zhou, Cailin Hong, Ziyu Xiao, Zhengguang Zhang, Xuedong Chen, Lizhan Zeng, Jiulin Wu, Yunlong Wang and Xiaoqing Li.
Piezoelectric actuators (PEAs) are widely used in precision engineering for their compact size, fast response time, and high accuracy. They power a range of technologies—from microrobots and surgical tools to vibration control systems and advanced manufacturing equipment. But how do they hold up under extreme operating conditions?
A review published in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing examines this question in depth, offering a practical look at how PEAs perform when exposed to high temperatures, strong vibrations, rapid movements, and other demanding environments.
The study analyzes five key application areas where PEAs are commonly used: precision positioning, biomedical devices, microrobotics, vibration mitigation, and manufacturing systems. These are further divided into twelve specific use cases—such as optical alignment tools, surgical instruments, and aerospace components—where both precision and durability are critical.
While PEAs are known for delivering precise motion in compact systems, their performance can vary significantly depending on how they are integrated with other parts of a system, including materials, mechanical structures, and control electronics. According to the authors, real-world factors like heat buildup, material fatigue, and nonlinear behavior (such as hysteresis) are still not fully addressed in many current designs.
To improve reliability, the study highlights several promising directions. These include developing more robust control strategies, using high-performance materials like heat-resistant ceramics, and improving system-level design for better thermal and energy management. The goal is to ensure consistent performance over time, even in challenging conditions.
There is also increasing interest in flexible and miniaturized PEAs for wearable medical devices and portable tools. Meanwhile, more rugged designs are being explored for extreme environments like deep-sea installations and space missions.
“Piezoelectric actuators have clear advantages in delivering precise, repeatable motion,” says Prof. Xiaoqing Li, lead author of the study.“But to make them truly reliable in real-world applications, especially under extreme conditions, we need to go beyond idealized models and focus on practical system integration.”
The review offers both researchers and engineers a valuable reference for understanding the current limitations and future opportunities for PEAs—particularly as manufacturing systems continue to evolve toward higher precision, smarter control, and more demanding use cases.
International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (IJEM, IF: 21.3) is dedicated to publishing the best advanced manufacturing research with extreme dimensions to address both the fundamental scientific challenges and significant engineering needs.
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