The smallest of their kind: The innovative microvalves and actuators for fluid control by memetis with shape-memory alloy technology

The smallest of their kind: The innovative microvalves and actuators for fluid control by memetis with Shape-Alloy-Memory technology. (Copyright: memetis GmbH)

The smallest of their kind: The innovative microvalves and actuators for fluid control by memetis with Shape-Alloy-Memory technology. (Copyright: memetis GmbH)

The smallest of their kind: The innovative microvalves and actuators for fluid control from memetis with shape-memory alloy technology. (Copyright: memetis GmbH)

The smallest of their kind: The innovative microvalves and actuators for fluid control by memetis with shape alloy memory technology. (Copyright: memetis GmbH)

In many areas of engineering, the trend is towards miniaturization. This also applies to valves and actuators used in fluid control, for example in medical technology or in the life sciences. The Karlsruhe-based company memetis relies on shape-memory alloys (Shape-Memory-Alloy/SMA) for its solutions. This technical approach allows for extreme miniaturization compared to the conventional solenoid valves typically used in microfluidics, while maintaining the same performance. The SMA valves have a smaller internal volume compared to other media-separated valves, enabling more precise control of the analysis process and reducing the consumption of expensive reagents. Additionally, they consume less energy and allow for high integration density, which are two crucial factors especially when used on-site with portable devices at the patient's location.

Microvalve Line: The smallest SMA valve available on the market for media-separated solutions

The normally closed microvalve of the Microvalve Line is the smallest SMA valve available on the market, with only five millimeters in width, twenty millimeters in length, and an internal volume of less than 6.5 µl. It enables the integration of multiple valves in the smallest space and precise control of miniaturized fluidic systems. It switches silently and is proportionally controllable. It is available as standard in the Classic version for liquids and gases with pressures between zero and three bar, or as a Negative-Pressure version for a range from minus 0.7 to plus 2 bar. The microvalve is designed for up to 10 million switching cycles, easily integrated electrically and mechanically, autoclaveable, and made from biocompatible materials.

New: Microactuators

memetis has also transferred the successful concept of SMA valves to microactuators. Despite their extremely compact design, they offer strokes of up to two millimeters and impressive forces of up to eight newtons. This enables a wide range of applications, for example in microfluidic chips and disposable cartridges, in the control of disposable valves, and in the automation of biochemical tests in the smallest space.

memetis – a company of the Fluid-o-Tech Group

memetis is the specialist for miniaturized valves and actuators – and part of a strong group: the Fluid-o-Tech Group. This is a consortium of companies that develop and manufacture innovative solutions in the field of fluid technology. Each company contributes its expertise and strengths. The group's portfolio includes, in addition to ultra-compact SMA solutions for microfluidics, piezo microvalves for fast and precise control, intelligent proportional FGL valves for macrofluidic applications, and pumps. It thus covers the entire spectrum from micro to robust macro solutions. Together, the companies of the Fluid-o-Tech Group offer integrated solutions for intelligent fluid control in medical technology, laboratory automation, and industrial systems.