The cars of today depend on accuracy. Small movements can make a big difference in systems like active suspension, driver aid, and fuel injection, affecting performance and efficiency.
Many of these systems have quiet motors called piezoelectrics that take electrical signals and turn them into fast, controlled motion that mechanical parts alone can’t do.
In a field where speed, accuracy, and dependability aren’t always guaranteed, the quality of those actuators and the makers who produce them is more important than ever.
What Are Piezoelectric Actuators?
Piezoelectric actuators work because some materials change shape when a voltage is applied. That minuscule change, usually measured in microns, happens relatively instantaneously, allowing electrical signals to be directly translated into accurate mechanical motion.
These actuators are small, but they are very responsive, accurate, and powerful because they don’t have any gears or complicated linkages. They also do well in demanding driving situations where the temperature and vibration change frequently.
As cars get more complicated, their jobs keep getting bigger. Automotive platforms need controlled, repeatable motion with very tight tolerances for everything from fuel injection systems to active suspension and ADAS parts.
The demand for piezoelectric actuators is expected to rise from $1.99 billion in 2025 to $2.13 billion in 2026, which is a compound annual growth rate of 7%. This shows how important these parts have become in designing next-generation vehicles.
Applications and Use Cases of Piezoelectric Actuators in Automotive
Some engineers were never aware that piezoelectric actuators would be in so many automotive systems. As platforms become software-driven and electrically managed, these small motion-driven devices appear anywhere that requires precise and repeatable movement, including:
- Fuel injection systems: Piezo actuators precisely control fuel timing and amount. They may inject multiple times per combustion cycle and respond faster than solenoid devices. As rules tighten, OEMs want improved combustion efficiency, fuel economy, and emissions.
- Haptic feedback: Piezo actuators in infotainment systems, dashboards, and steering wheel controls provide tactile feedback without looking away. With touch-sensitive surfaces replacing physical buttons, a little pulse or click can make things easier and safer.
- Valve and flow control: These actuators regulate engine valves and other fluid systems with exact tolerances. Since they make modest changes quickly, they are ideal for hybrid and electric car airflow, exhaust, and heat control.
- Monitoring and sensors: Piezo-based technology can sense pressure, vibration, and force in addition to motion. Cars have knock detection, structural vibration monitoring, and airbag deployment systems. This requires quick response and high sensitivity, which piezo materials provide.
The Importance of a Quality Supplier
Picking the correct source for piezoelectric actuators is more than just a buying decision — it’s a strategic one.
A good supplier is like a collaborator in making things work better, bringing engineering knowledge that has a direct impact on uptime, yield, and overall efficiency. The right team can help you choose the best parts, make integration easier, and even speed up production.
By using better, more organized methods, manufacturers in other fields have cut down on the time it takes to change tools to 10 minutes or less. When it comes to precision parts, that same way of thinking about efficiency and process improvement is important.
A supplier that thinks ahead also designs with automation in mind. Modern manufacturing depends on technologiesthat maintain track of inventories, speed up lead times, and keep businesses competitive.
Actuators can’t work on their own — they need to fit into automated assembly lines and digitally managed supply chains. When you work with a supplier who knows how their parts fit into the bigger picture, it might be easier to scale up and make long-term growth much more stable.
Top-Rated Piezoelectric Actuator Suppliers for Automotive Use
When evaluating the top-rated piezoelectric actuator suppliers for automotive use, it’s more than just about the product specs on a datasheet. It’s about finding manufacturers that are precise, reliable enough for cars, and can help you use them in the real world.
1. APC International
APC International has long made piezoelectric ceramic materials and components in the U.S. The company is known for its material science expertise, especially in piezoelectric ceramics and powders.
When actuator performance depends on small motions and repeatability, material consistency is crucial. APC International’s vertically integrated, in-house production technique simplifies quality control and design collaboration. This is useful for automotive programs with strict validation requirements.
Custom-shaped ceramics and stack actuators from APC International are used in precision automotive applications. The solutions support modern fuel injection systems, touch-screen and driver-control haptic feedback systems, and other vehicle-sensing technologies.
Since manufacturers collaborate with clients on custom-engineered solutions, they can alter actuator geometry, displacement, and force output to meet integration needs. APC International can manufacture products in the U.S., making it a top-rated piezoelectric actuator supplier for automotive use.
2. PI Ceramic
German business PI Ceramic is part of the Physik Instrumente (PI) group, which is known for its accurate motion and positioning technology. Due to its membership in the PI ecosystem, PI Ceramic can employ substantial research, application experience, and tight quality control.
From discs and plates to multilayer actuators, the company produces a wide range of piezo elements. Industries requiring tight tolerances and stability employ these parts. It’s known for its accurate work because it processes materials carefully and scales well.
For reliable high-volume auto manufacturing, PI Ceramic’s parts are ideal. It uses piezo components in ultrasonic sensors for parking assistance systems, flow meters, and other monitoring technologies that need fast, accurate signal response.
Repeatable and long-lasting systems are needed. PI Ceramic’s material expertise and motion-control skills make it a good alternative for current automobile OEMs seeking precision-focused solutions.
3. TDK Corporation
TDK Corporation is a large Japanese electronics company that does business worldwide and offers a wide range of components. Engineers recognize TDK for its passive components, magnetic technologies, and piezoelectric solutions.
Its size is also a plus. TDK serves high-volume industries that require consistency and reliability. It boasts advanced manufacturing procedures, global factories, and considerable R&D spending.
TDK also devotes much time to automobile haptic and audio systems. For instance, its haptic feedback actuators for automotive entertainment systems and touch displays include PowerHap and PiezoHapt. The company provides haptic feedback in cars with additional screens.
TDK Corporation remains a major player in the automotive piezo market. It manufactures piezoelectric sound components for automotive alarms and notifications. It’s also useful for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers who require engineering support and a large audience.
Choosing the Right Partner for Precision
As automotive systems need faster response times, tighter tolerances, and higher reliability, piezoelectric actuators will become increasingly important.
When you work with one of the best piezoelectric actuator suppliers for cars, you get a partner who knows how to make things work well and fit in with other parts over time.