Abstract
An actuator can be defined as a mechanical device that creates a physical movement within a system. While this definition can encompass many different devices, the focus of this chapter is on printed films that are able to impart an actuation action by virtue of being composed of an active material (piezoelectric, magnetostrictive and shape memory alloy) that deforms mechanically when subjected to an external stimulus. For film-based actuators, actuation is most commonly achieved by coupling the active material with an inactive support structure that induces a bending moment when the active material is made to contract or expand parallel to the film plane. The approaches used to integrate thick active films with a variety of substrates are examined, along with the limitations and microstructural effects that arise as a consequence of co-processing materials. © 2012 Woodhead Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.