Test & Measurement World - January 2007
Vibration isolation workstation outperforms air tables
Staff -- Test & Measurement World
Specifically designed for ultra-low natural frequency applications, the MK26 Series vibration control workstation uses negative-stiffness vibration isolators to provide a compact, passive vibration isolation system with excellent vertical and horizontal isolation efficiencies. Adjusted to a ½-Hz natural frequency, the workstation achieves 93% isolation efficiency at 2 Hz, 99% at 5 Hz, and 99.7% at 10 Hz.
The MK26 performs 10 to 100 times better than high-performance air tables, depending on vibration isolation frequencies, and is more efficient than active or electronic cancellation systems. Minus K isolators use a stiff spring and negative-stiffness mechanism to achieve a low net vertical stiffness without affecting the static load supporting capability. Horizontal vibration isolation is provided by beam columns connected in series with the vertical-motion isolator.
The workstation has a capacity of 700 lbs and can be used with confocal microscopes, optical microscopes, wafer probers, and atomic-force microscopes. You can select from a broad range of vibration isolation accessories to configure the MK26 workstation for applications in semiconductor processing, telecommunications, aerospace engineering, and medical research. It has a maximum load capacity of 700 lbs, a maximum tabletop width of 48 in., and a maximum tabletop depth of 36 in. Base price: $6920. Minus K Technology, www.minusk.com.