Magnetics Business & Technology - May/June 2024 - 30

Fluid-o-Tech Broadens from Magnetic Systems to Shape Memory Alloys & Piezo Technologies
INDUSTRY NEWS
Shape memory alloy wire defines tiny actuators from Cambridge
Mechatronics, now collaborating with Fluid-o-Tech on new microfluidic
products
Fluid-o-Tech, a longtime Italian manufacturer of magnetic pumps
and magnetic drives for fluid handling, is branching out to additional
markets as it builds capability in piezo and shape memory alloy
technologies for product development in precision fluidics.
In September, it made a strategic investment in muVaP, a start-up
based in Germany that develops compact piezo valves and pumps,
boasting a novel patented design that opens new frontiers for the
technology. Typically, there is no magnetic field and no coil used
in the construction of piezo products. Applying an electric field to a
piezoelectric material changes its size, a feature often applied in audio
products as the diaphragm expands and retracts in concert with
change in electrical charge.
Precision Flow 10 valves will be supplied by memetis and include CML's
drive ASICs tailored to deliver high accuracy positioning and precision
flow control. This enhanced functionality extends market opportunities
to medical equipment such as anesthesia gas mixing and life sciences
including 3D cell culture and advanced drug discovery
In 2022, it made a strategic collaboration with Cambridge Mechatronics
Limited (CML) for the development of precision fluid control
products employing shape memory alloy. A developer of SMA micro
actuators, Cambridge's precision control technology is embedded in
proprietary semiconductors. Its products have shipped in millions of
high-end smartphone cameras providing optical image stabilization
functionality rivalling professional digital stills cameras. Target markets
include drug delivery, portable point of care devices, semiconductor
production equipment and fuel cells for electric vehicles.
" Working closely with the Fluid-o-Tech Group and releasing
cutting-edge technology together fits in perfectly with CML's plans
to diversify into new markets beyond consumer electronics and fuel
our growth. This first product announcement is just the beginning,
commented Andy Osmant, managing director of CML. "
" We are delighted to join forces with muVaP and embark on this
journey to push the boundaries of microfluidics technology in fields
such as medical devices, life science, diagnostics, analytics, and
more, " says Diego Andreis, managing director of Fluid-o-Tech.
With over 70 years of experience in pumps and valves that include
both magnetic and non-magnetic platforms, Fluid-o-Tech now also
makes intelligent shape memory actuated valves through other
companies in its group, namely Dolphin Fluidics and memetis.
Dolphin makes intelligent fluidic systems that integrate SMA smart
valves and communication electronics while memetic develops
compact microvalves and microfluidic systems based on SMA
actuation.
30 Magnetics Business & Technology * May/June 2024
MG magnet drive gear pumps from Fluid-o-Tech
Meanwhile, from its headquarters in Corsico in the Milan area,
Fluid-o-Tech continues to advance its lines of traditional pumps
and valves for fluid handling, many of which incorporate magnetic
technology. Its MG series of magnet drive gear pumps, for example,
are compact precision performance pumps for high technology
applications. The magnet drive principle provides a totally sealed
pump chamber capable of handling a wide range of corrosive
liquids with a high degree of safety. A range of driving magnets are
available.
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Magnetics Business & Technology - May/June 2024

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