Originally Published MPMN July/August 2002
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering to Manufacture NanoMuscle Actuators
![]() |
This
piezoelectric motor developed by scientists at Pennsylvania State University
measures 4 mm in length and 1.8 mm in diameter.
|
NanoMuscle linear actuators provide silent motion in a miniature package to enable a new generation of medical devices. Replacing motors and solenoids, the actuators harness the power of shape-memory alloys to reduce bulk, noise, and cost. "Our actuators are about the size of a paper clip, and require about one-fifth the power of motors they replace," MacGregor says. Possible applications for the actuators include patient-side instrumentation, diagnostic assays, and implantable devices.
Copyright ©2002 Medical Product Manufacturing News