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 a change in electrical charge.
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.
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.
