Patent ID: 7293487

Claim:
An X-Z actuator for use in machining a work piece, comprising: a main body having a first aperture with an opening in the main body and having a second aperture with an opening in the main body, wherein the first aperture is positioned in the main body substantially perpendicular to the second aperture; a first piezoelectric stack secured and preloaded in the first aperture; a second piezoelectric stack secured and preloaded in the second aperture; a tool tip carrier having a surface for mounting a tool tip; and a paddle having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is substantially perpendicular to the second portion, wherein the first piezoelectric stack is connected through the first aperture opening in the main body to the tool tip carrier and to the first portion of the paddle and wherein the second piezoelectric stack is connected through the second aperture opening in the main body to the second portion of the paddle, and wherein the first piezoelectric stack moves the tool tip carrier in an x-direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the work piece to be machined and the second piezoelectric stack moves the tool tip carrier in a z-direction substantially parallel to the surface of the work piece.