Miniature Valve Actuators (Piezo/Solenoid)

Miniature Valve Actuators are compact, high-speed actuation solutions designed for precise control of fluid and gas flow in space-constrained and high-performance systems. Available in piezo-driven and solenoid-driven configurations, these actuators are ideal for applications that require fast response, reliability, and accurate flow control at a small scale.

At Norck Robotics, Miniature Valve Actuators are engineered devices that convert electrical signals into controlled mechanical motion to open, close, or modulate valves. Their compact size allows easy integration into medical devices, analytical instruments, robotics, and industrial automation systems where precision and repeatability are critical.

Miniature valve actuators such as miniature solenoid actuator and piezoelectric types are commonly found in lab automation systems and are used throughout the automated liquid handling systems to accurately control flow and manipulate reagents. The miniature actuators allow for the precise dispensing and mixing of the reagents while controlling for smallest amounts of fluids. They are also used in microfluidic devices or lab-on-a-chip types of systems and controlled over very small amounts of liquid and to manipulate very small amounts of fluid through tiny channels for complex analysis.

• Miniature valve actuators are integrated into analyzers for controlling sample flow in the potential testing sequence.
• Their response time is quick, which is critical to accurate fluid control systems.
• They typically require low power consumption which maximizes their efficiency for automated operation that can function indefinitely.
• These characteristics allow miniature valve actuators to support critical precision and automated fluid control in lab automation devices.

Miniature valve actuators have been designed to effectively control small volumes of liquid within compact and responsive systems that deliver accuracy and repeatability in sample liquid handling systems in laboratory automation. These actuators use either a piezoelectric switch or solenoid switch to control the flow of liquid with precision, time and with less dead volume. Here's how precise actuation contributes to a highly controlled valve and fluid management in low volume lab automation devices:

• Piezoelectric actuators produce precise mechanical movement in response to an electrical signal, allowing for valve modulation with high accuracy to precisely dose fluid amount.
• Miniature solenoid actuator produce a magnetic field and cause a quick switching of the fluid valve providing quick binary open/close control of fluidic systems.
• Micro movements could allow control of liquid volume in small quantities from microliters to nanoliters.
• Fast switching speed allows for high-throughput operations that are critical to automated pipetting operations, dispensing materials and/or in analytical testing.
• Low internal dead volume minimizes dead volume of fluid waste and fluid cross-contamination, which helps keep cleaning in a clean lab setting.
• Accuracy in timing and pulse control allows flow of liquid to be predictable in time-critical assays such as, PCR, or immunoassays.
• Small physical profile is ideal for small footprint lab-on-chip systems or handheld analyzers.
• Energy-efficient actuators are ideal for lab products which require continuous uninterrupted sample processing or battery-operated lab devices which generate little heat.

Utilizing piezo or solenoid technology for valve actuation in laboratory applications has several crucial advantages, especially regarding precision fluid control within analytical and diagnostic devices:

• Precise Control: Piezo actuators enable dispensing of sub-microliters and are capable of very precise movement, making them particularly useful for lab-on-a-chip and microfluidic systems.
• Quick Action: Both solenoid and piezo electric valve can operate opening and closing in milliseconds. This trait can provide fast and repeatable high-throughput liquid handling.
• Low Power Consumption: These actuators consume little power. Thus, they can be used in laboratory applications where devices may run continuously or for long periods without increasing the amount of heat that can impact temperature-sensitive samples.
• Space Efficient: Because valve design is small, it may be a more friendly option for use in tight spaces of highly packaged lab instruments (e.g. analytical instruments and hand-held diagnostic devices).
• Chemically Compatible: Many designs have bodies that are chemically inert or resistant, which has a compatible and reliable approach for using a wide variety of reagents and solvents.
• Reliability and Repeatability: The minimal amount of physical contact leads to minimal wear, supporting longer-term use without maintenance or maintenance intervention and more consistent performance.
• Noise Free: Piezo electric valve in particular operate very quietly when utilized, which is a particularly beneficial attribute in clinic or research lab settings.

• End-to-end production control ISO-certified CNC machining, anodizing, and cleanroom assembly for total quality assurance.
• Ultra-compact solutions micro valve actuators designed for space-critical applications with high functional density.
• Energy-efficient operation piezo valve actuators deliver precise, low-power, and silent actuation.
• High-cycle durability robust solenoid valve actuators built for consistent operation in demanding environments.
• Configurable architectures custom stroke lengths, flow rates, and control interfaces without added lead time.
• Validated performance lifecycle and leak testing ensure reliable operation in mission-critical applications.
• Global engineering support regional experts in North America, Europe, and Asia ready to assist from design to deployment.