Semiconductor manufacturers should take a gander at ETEL’s ZAO force- controlled actuator that its maker claims is ideal for semiconductor pick and place, die bonding and probing machines, and other applications. Paired with an AccurET controller, the ZAO promises to reduce machine cost of ownership while addressing current and future force control challenges. The actuator sports a 30-mm travel and employs a frictionless bearing arrangement and a light moving mass. Reportedly, this ensures low and repeatable force applications as well as low force overshoot at impact on a contact surface. Other features include a control accuracy of 0.2 N ±10% and a dynamics capability up to 20g.