Custom Shape Memory Actuators

creating movement in the smallest dimensions
several examples of ultra-thin shape memory alloy actuator designs

Our years long experience in creating extremely thin, light-weight and high power density shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators has helped our customers create smart coupling mechanisms and develop in-space automation instruments like never before.

We are eager to hear what your challenge is!

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Flat-form SMA Actuators: Diverse Movements in the Smallest Spaces

A man changes the temperature on an oven

Principles of memetis' SMA Actuation

Our actuators are made from intelligent materials - the so-called shape memory alloys (SMA). These are metallic alloys which after deformation "remember" their original shape and restore it independently when heat is applied. 

With this shape memory effect, great forces are released and great distances can be covered.

Properties at a Glance

what makes our actuators unique?
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 /
Silent operation

memetis SMA actuators enable silent operation due to their inherent property of stepless and smooth state-change. This benefits application fields with increased noise sensitivity, for example, in near-patient settings.

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

Custom-Designed Actuator Example

01 /
Ultra-Compact Actuator for Märklin Telex Coupling
Linear Actuation
  • Coupling with cold actuator

    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 with cold actuator

    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 with cold actuator

    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 with cold actuator

    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 with actuator heating up

    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 with actuator heating up

    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 with warm actuator

    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 with warm actuator

    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 with warm actuator

    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 with warm actuator

    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.

Ultra-Compact Actuator for Märklin Telex Coupling

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.

Customer Voices / Custom Actuator Development

"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, Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH

"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​

"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, Victorinox AG

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