What percent strain can EPAM™ achieve?
Typical operating strains of reliable EPAM™ devices in the no-load state (no-load is defined as the condition where the device does not move any force or weight through the stroke) are 5-20% over the active length of the device (Active length is defined as the length of EPAM™ film parallel to the direction of motion. The total device length is equal to the active length plus the length of the support structure). Maximum strains of up to 380% have been demonstrated in laboratories, but there is a tradeoff between strain and life cycles when loaded. For applications that require high lifetimes, the actuator must be designed to operate at lower strain levels. The strain is also dependent upon frequency. Typically, as the frequency is increased, the strain decreases. The strain frequency response is dependent upon material properties, configuration design, and control electronics. Development is ongoing to improve the maximum strain at which devices can be reliably operated. Diaphragm devi
