Method for using a cutting tool having variable and independent movement in an x-direction and z-direction into and laterally along a work piece for making microstructures

A method for using an X-Z actuator to machine a work piece, comprising:

• providing a work piece having a surface to be machined;
• providing an X-Z actuator, the actuator 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;
• a tool tip mounted on the surface of the tool tip carrier;
• 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 the 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;
• 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.