New Ultra Compact, Negative-Stiffness Vibration Isolator from Minus K Technology Reduces Low-Frequency Vibrations with Less Space Required

Minus K Technology, a leading manufacturer of passive vibration isolation products, has just released a compact, high-capacity, low-frequency negative-stiffness isolator designed to support heavy payloads while reducing low-frequency vibrations. The new LC-4 isolator comes in several capacity ranges to match vibration-sensitive instruments such as SPMs (AFMs, STMs, etc), micro-hardness testers, profilers, interferometers, electron microscopes, or other imaging systems, for weight loads from 1 to 130 lbs.

The LC-4 comes in two versions (Low Freq. Horiz and Ultra Low freq. Horiz.). Both can deliver a vertical natural frequency of 1/2 Hz or less, which can be achieved over the entire load range. Horizontal natural frequency is load dependent. The Low Freq. version has a 1 1/2 Hz natural frequency, while the Ultra Low version can achieve 1/2 Hz or less near the nominal loads.

As with all Minus K isolators, the LC-4 is completely passive, using no air or electricity. The new isolators can be combined into multi-isolator systems to support heavier payloads while taking up very little room themselves. The LC-4 isolators can be placed inside OEM equipment as needed enabling the systems to achieve much better isolation.

If needed, the LC-4 isolators can be customized to achieve user-specific needs. For example, different horizontal and vertical frequencies, damping, etc. They can also be made cleanroom or vacuum compatible.

About Minus K Technology, Inc.
Minus K® Technology, Inc. was founded in 1993 to design, manufacture and market state-of-the-art vibration isolation products based on the company’s patented negative-stiffness-mechanism technology. Minus K products are used in a broad spectrum of applications including nanotechnology, biological sciences, semiconductors, materials research, zero-g simulation of spacecraft, and high-end audio. The company is an OEM supplier to leading manufacturers of scanning probe microscopes, micro-hardness testers and other vibration-sensitive instruments and equipment. Minus K customers include private companies and more than 300 leading universities and government laboratories in 48 countries.

Dr. David L. Platus is the inventor of negative-stiffness mechanism vibration isolation systems, and President and Founder of Minus K Technology, Inc. (www.minusk.com). He earned a B.S. and a Ph.D. in Engineering from UCLA, and a diploma from the Oak Ridge School of (Nuclear) Reactor Technology. Prior to founding Minus K Technology he worked in the nuclear, aerospace and defense industries conducting and directing analysis and design projects in structural-mechanical systems. He became an independent consultant in 1988. Dr. Platus holds over 20 patents related to shock and vibration isolation.

For more information contact Steve Varma, Minus K Technology, Inc.; 460 Hindry Ave., Unit C, Inglewood, CA 90301; Phone 310-348-9656; Fax 310-348-9638; email stevev@minusk.com; www.minusk.com

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