Patent ID: 7395742

Claim:
A method for using a fast Z actuator to machine a work piece, comprising: providing a work piece having a surface to be machined; providing a fast Z actuator, the actuator comprising: a main body having a back side, a front side, and a mounting section on the front side; a piezoelectric stack secured and preloaded on the mounting section such that the piezoelectric stack extends substantially parallel to the front side of the main body; and a tool tip connected to the piezoelectric stack, wherein the tool tip includes a cutting portion extending substantially perpendicular to the piezoelectric stack, wherein the piezoelectric stack moves the tool tip in a z-direction substantially parallel the surface of the work piece to be machined; and using the actuator to create structures in the surface of the work piece to be machined, wherein the structures are created by the tool tip as controlled by the actuator.