Powerful and unique

memetis' ultra compact actuators

Sensors have already impressively demonstrated the possibilities of miniaturization in recent years. Miniaturizing movement, however, faces major challenges as the previous technologies are reaching their physical limits. 
memetis is actively tackling these limits.

A man changes the temperature on an oven

Principles of memetis' actuation

Our actuators contain intelligent materials - the so-called shape memory alloys (SMA). These are metallic alloys which after deformation seem to "remember" their original shape and restore it independently. With this shape memory effect, great forces are released and great distances can be covered. We use these properties to manufacture high-performance actuators with unsurpassed working density in a compact format.

Flat-form SMA actuators: Diverse movements in the smallest space

Properties at a glance

actuation solutions for clear differentiation
01 /
Increased switching speed

Thanks to extremely thin foils, foil-based SMA miniature actuators from memetis clearly demonstrate the advantages of a large surface-to-volume ratio and achieve very short switching times.

02 /
Customizable design

The simple setup of memetis SMA miniature actuators enables simple and very stable designs that can be adapted to specific market and customer requirements. Complex structures, such as multidimensional actuators, are also part of memetis' range of services.

03 /
High power density

memetis foil-based SMA miniature actuators work with large forces in a small space - even the smallest actuators thus achieve performance characteristics of conventional actuators whose dimensions are larger by a factor of 2-5.

04 /
Competitive production

The novel memetis process and selected materials allow the production of competitive SMA miniature actuators. memetis actuators operate efficiently and reliably and thus help to save costs.

05 /
Biocompatible & durable

The materials used by memetis are biocompatible and thus also suitable for use in medical technologies or biotechnologies. For particularly high requirements, fatigue-free materials with significantly increased operating times (over 10 million switching cycles) can be used.

06 /
Silent operation

Shape memory alloys (SMA) as used for memetis actuators enable silent operation. This enables application fields with increased noise sensitivity.

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Use cases and applications

customer-specific solutions

memetis actuators' fields of application are diverse.
Let us discuss applications in your industry!

01 /
Shape memory actuator for Märklin Telex coupling
Linear actuation
  • Coupling closed - martensite (low temperature phase)

    The actuator (blue) is not heated and is fully deflected by the force of a return spring. The coupling is closed.

  • Coupling closed - martensite (low temperature phase)

    The actuator (blue) is not heated and is fully deflected by the force of a return spring. The coupling is closed.

  • Coupling closed - martensite (low temperature phase)

    The actuator (blue) is not heated and is fully deflected by the force of a return spring. The coupling is closed.

  • Coupling opens - Phase transformation

    The actuator is now increasingly heated. The alloy transforms into its memory form and builds up a counterforce to the return spring.

  • Coupling opens - Phase transformation

    The actuator is now increasingly heated. The alloy transforms into its memory form and builds up a counterforce to the return spring.

  • Coupling opens - Phase transformation

    The actuator is now increasingly heated. The alloy transforms into its memory form and builds up a counterforce to the return spring.

  • Coupling open - austenite (high temperature phase)

    Actuator (red) is now sufficiently heated and realizes sufficient power to fully open the coupling. A smooth coupling is now possible.

  • Coupling open - austenite (high temperature phase)

    Actuator (red) is now sufficiently heated and realizes sufficient power to fully open the coupling. A smooth coupling is now possible.

  • Coupling open - austenite (high temperature phase)

    Actuator (red) is now sufficiently heated and realizes sufficient power to fully open the coupling. A smooth coupling is now possible.

  • Coupling open - austenite (high temperature phase)

    Actuator (red) is now sufficiently heated and realizes sufficient power to fully open the coupling. A smooth coupling is now possible.

The long-established German company Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH is known worldwide for its model railways and is market leader in the European model railway industry. memetis supports this with its ultra-compact linear actuators for "even more authentic movement in the smallest space".

Initial situation

As the European market leader in the model railway industry, Märklin also pursues the goal of innovation leadership in relevant markets. The aim is to continuously increase the functionality of the detailed Märklin models while keeping an eye on authenticity. This enables an even better customer experience and a strong positioning in the market.

Challenge

The attractiveness of the Märklin models can be enhanced by additional physical functions, such as those offered by the new telex coupling. In most cases, only very limited installation space is available, which additionally competes with the complex model electronics or other drives. This requires an actuator solution that allows controllable movement with relatively large travel and forces at minimum dimensions.

Solution

memetis manufactures a linear actuator that meets the requirements of Märklin: Large forces and travel ranges with the smallest possible dimensions. In addition, more realistic movement and slim design are guaranteed.

Client comment / Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH
Logo Marklin

"We build the best model locomotives in large series and convey the prestige of the brand through value - this also means that we [...] shift the boundaries of miniaturization to achieve a higher degree of miniaturization. [...] This category also includes the slimming down of the telex coupling by a miniature actuator."

Wolfrad Bächle, Co-Managing Director of Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH
Client comment / Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH
Logo Busch-Jaeger

"Busch-Jaeger constantly meets the highest demands of its customers in terms of quality, product range and innovation. For our smart home products and systems we are therefore always looking for advanced solutions. The memetis team has worked with us to develop technically sound concepts and functional prototypes within a very short time. We are very satisfied with the final result and look forward to further projects with memetis."

Tim Wehberg, Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH​
Client comment / Victorinox AG
Logo Victorinox

" Victorinox focuses on product design and quality and is always looking for ways to increase functionality. For developing a new function on one of our Travel Gear product, we approached memetis for their expertise in miniature actuation. They proved to be a very reliable project partner who acts fast and delivers what they promise. We were very pleased that memetis quickly developed a sophisticated prototype that met our full expectations. This is one of the reasons why we can thoroughly recommend the actuator solutions from memetis."

Félix Rhyner, Head of Innovation & License Management

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We look forward to your inquiry!