ABSTRACT
First of all, let us understand what actuators are. Simplistically speaking, the piezotransducers that can generate deformations in the micrometer range or even lower are called the piezoceramic actuators. This behavior has recently opened up very exciting new application possibilities for electromechanical transducers as actuators for hydraulic and pneumatic valves, positioning systems, micromanipulators, and dispensing systems for liquids and gases. To know a little more, we need to know what the piezoceramics are. An example of a simple piezoceramic is barium titanate (BaTiO3)[1]. Another example is lead zirconate titanate (PZT)[2]. Basically, the piezoceramics are used to convert mechanical signals to electrical signals and vice versa. The mechanical signals, e.g., pressure and acceleration, are thus converted into electrical signals. The same piezoceramic can also be used to convert electrical signal into mechanical movement or vibration. So, the piezoceramics are called transducers or sometimes piezotransducers.
