electrostatic actuators

[dragon]

Has anyone ever made one of these before, I think its just a couple of plates that open and close the distance between and u give it high-voltage and u get a contraction. (the plates suck into each other.)

My high-voltage unit burnt out, probably because I was misusing it, so I never got to test this out, anyone ever made of these before, seem like a good cheap alternative to electromagnetic motors. (the usual way u get something to move with electrical charge.)

 

[kellys_eye]

I'm guessing the force this type of 'actuator' can assert is measured in micro- or milli- grams? In which case it's pretty much useless for doing anything practical.

 

[dragon]

what if it was the input into a mechanical motor driver - then u only need milligrams!!!
or it could be a sound wave maker, like a speaker.
Or it was the transducer on a delay line memory input.

 

[Alec_t]

Electrostatic loudspeakers were marketed half a century ago. I haven't checked if they're still available.