Piezo motor
PI (Physik Instrumente) P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators motor
Preloaded multilayer piezo actuators with 15 to 90 µm travel, 3,000 N push and 700 N pull capacity, sub-2 nm resolution and an integrated strain-gauge sensor for closed-loop use.
Key specifications
| Temperature | -40–80 °C |
|---|---|
| Force (max) | 3,000 N |
| Stroke (max) | 0.09 mm |
| Feedback | Integrated SGS strain gauge sensor |
| Resolution (finest) | 0.3 nm |
| Stiffness | 38 to 225 N/µm |
| Resonant frequency | 5.5 to 16 kHz unloaded |
Summarised in our own words from HOERBIGER Holding (Positioning Division)'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
stroke_mm_max = 90 µm. Pull force 700 N. Operating voltage not given on the product page.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with HOERBIGER Holding (Positioning Division). PI (Physik Instrumente) and P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Engineer support
Speak to our engineers about your project
Our experienced engineers are on hand, ready to help with your project. Whether you need the PI (Physik Instrumente) P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators itself, help sourcing it, or a modified or custom design built around your load, speed and space, tell us what the machine has to do and we'll come back with the right option.
- Help sourcing P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators and spares for installed machines
- Modified and custom designs when a catalogue part doesn't fit
- Complete axis: motor, drive, gearing and feedback matched together
What a piezo motor is
A piezo motor produces motion from piezoelectric ceramics, which change shape slightly when voltage is applied. By driving the ceramics at high frequency, the tiny deformations are turned into continuous linear or rotary motion through friction, using ultrasonic, walking or stick-slip principles. Piezo motors offer very fine resolution, typically down to the nanometre range, and many hold position with no power. They are compact, non-magnetic in some designs and have very fast response.
When engineers choose a piezo motor
Choose a piezo motor for precise, compact positioning with light loads, such as optics, microscopy, medical devices and laboratory instruments, or where magnetic fields and holding current are unwanted. The trade-offs are speed, force and wear: friction contacts limit load and life, and drive electronics are specialised. Electromagnetic motors with gearing are better for higher power, continuous rotation or heavy loads.
How to specify the PI (Physik Instrumente) P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators variant or an equivalent:
- Linear or rotary motion
- Travel (mm) or rotation range
- Force or torque (N, Nm)
- Speed (mm/s or rpm)
- Resolution and repeatability (nm, µrad)
- Holding force with power off
- Environment: vacuum, magnetic field, cleanroom
Common mistakes to avoid
- Expecting electromagnetic-motor duty and lifetime from friction drives
- Ignoring the specialised drive electronics
- Underestimating preload sensitivity
- Leaving out feedback where nanometre accuracy is needed
PI (Physik Instrumente) P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators: frequently asked questions
What is the PI (Physik Instrumente) P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators?
Preloaded multilayer piezo actuators with 15 to 90 µm travel, 3,000 N push and 700 N pull capacity, sub-2 nm resolution and an integrated strain-gauge sensor for closed-loop use. Published series figures include temperature -40 °C, temperature 80 °C, force 3,000 N, stroke 0.09 mm. It is made by HOERBIGER Holding (Positioning Division); Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the PI (Physik Instrumente) P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators?
The PI (Physik Instrumente) P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators is made by PI (Physik Instrumente) (HOERBIGER Holding (Positioning Division)) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with HOERBIGER Holding (Positioning Division); brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the temperature of the PI (Physik Instrumente) P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators?
The published series minimum temperature is -40 °C. Individual models and sizes in the P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the PI (Physik Instrumente) P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators?
Yes. Our engineers can propose an equivalent built around your load, speed and environment. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Why do piezo motors hold position without power?
Most piezo motors move the load through friction between the ceramic drive and a runner. When power is removed, the preload keeps the contact clamped, so the motor holds position without current or heat. This makes piezo motors useful for battery devices and stable positioning.
When should I use a piezo motor instead of a voice coil?
Use a piezo motor for very fine, stable positioning, low speed and holding position without power. Use a voice coil for fast, smooth motion and force control over short strokes. Voice coils need constant current to hold position; piezo motors usually do not.
Further reading: How to select a voice coil or piezo motor · Linear actuators
Other piezo motor series
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators
Select every part you need, answer the questions an applications engineer would ask, and see your summary before we ask for any details.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
Engineer support
Our engineers are ready to help with your project
Tell us about your project and how you use the PI (Physik Instrumente) P-845 preloaded PICMA piezo actuators: the load, speed, duty and environment. An experienced engineer will review it and reply, normally within one working day.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.