A piezoelectric motor can mechanically hold its position when power is cut (off-power holding), whereas a voice coil motor (VCM) requires current to hold position.

Verified by Lenz · Jun 2, 2026

The Short Version

The claim captures the usual engineering distinction. Many piezo motors can hold position off power through frictional or self-locking mechanics, whereas standard voice-coil motors are back-drivable and typically need continuous current to hold force or maintain position under load. The caveat is that this is not universal: some piezo-based actuators are not mechanically self-locking, and specialized VCM systems can achieve zero holding current with added design features.

Caveats

Do not generalize from piezo motors to all piezo actuators: piezo stacks and flexure stages may drift, creep, or need electrical compensation rather than mechanical locking.
The VCM statement is true for standard designs holding against a load, but specialized magnetic detents, latches, springs, or custom magnetic circuits can reduce or eliminate holding current.
Holding performance depends on the full mechanism—load direction, friction, counterbalance, brake/latch hardware, and controller—not just the motor type.

The Receipts

The Piezo LEGS Technology: Unleashing Precision Motion
PiezoMotor
Electrical Operation of Piezo Actuators
PI-USA.us
Piezo Motors | Linear Motor Positioners | Manufacturer
PI (Physik Instrumente)
Piezo Inertia Drives
PI (Physik Instrumente)
Piezo Motor Positioning Systems
Newport (MKS Instruments)
Piezoelectric Inertia Actuators
Thorlabs
High Precision Linear Actuators | Non-magnetic & Vacuum Capable
PiezoMotor
Linear voice coil motors explained
Moticont
Back-Driveable Linear Actuator Selection Guide for Motion Control
Industrial Monitor DirectFeb 21, 2023
Piezo motor technology: Questions answered
Designfax

+ 13 more sources — see the full list on Lenz

Filed Under

Piezoelectric MotorVoice Coil Motor

A piezoelectric motor can mechanically hold its position when power is cut (off-power holding), whereas a voice coil motor (VCM) requires current to hold position.

The Short Version

Caveats

The Receipts

Filed Under

More Fact Checks

Piezoelectric autofocus motors can hold their position without continuous electrical power, unlike voice coil motor (VCM) autofocus modules that require continuous current to hold a non-rest position.

In a voice coil motor (VCM), the magnetic field is provided by a permanent magnet, and the lens position is controlled by varying the current through a copper coil.

A voice coil motor (VCM) autofocus module typically uses a return spring so that when current is reduced or cut, the lens moves back toward a rest position.