Design and performance evaluation of a stick–slip actuator with Z-shaped beam and two-stage amplification system

Abstract In the domain of piezoelectric driving, actuators that utilize the stick–slip effect at high speeds and low frequency have garnered significant interest. This study presents an innovative linear piezoelectric actuator that integrates a two-stage amplification system with a Z-shaped beam mechanism. The designed actuator has good driving speed at low frequency while overcoming the disadvantage of such actuators requiring two flexible mechanisms to achieve reverse motion and poor reverse performance. The structure and scale of the actuator are explained and designed through theory and simulation. The experimental results demonstrate the prototype’s capability for bidirectional motion. Subjected to a 400 Hz and 140 V excitation, the maximum speed of the actuator is 12.88 mm s −1 . The maximum load capacity is tested to be of 0.35 N. This research introduces a new approach for the design of high-speed bidirectional motion stick–slip piezoelectric actuators.