MPS MICRO PRECISION SYSTEMS AG - Experts in custom-made microsystems

MPS Microsystems offers a complete range of high precision ball screws for positioning less than 5 µm. Mostly custom-made, these screws ensure smooth and uniform movement resulting from the high precision of their thread, achieved by grinding. Our ball screws are made exclusively of stainless steel and are fitted with double nuts to allow fine adjustment of the axial play. Moreover, an optional ogival thread can provide a higher static and dynamic load capacity. Thanks to a large number of options, we can ensure that the ball screw meets your technical and quality needs. The following parameters can be personalized: lubricant (grease, oil, dry lubrication, no lubrication), customized screw ends, shape and external dimensions of the nut and screw, multiple nuts on the same screw, left-hand thread, thread length, specific axial play, special surface treatment, and more.

MPS Microsystems is specialized in manufacturing high-precision, miniature linear bearings. We offer a comprehensive range of exceptionally smooth bearings with bore diameters from Ø 2 mm to Ø 6 mm. The balls of these precision bearings meet ‘Grade 3’, the highest quality defined by the ISO 3290/DIN 5401 standard. Combined with a cage and a high precision casing, they allow rapid positioning while reducing friction and eliminating the stick-slip effect. The standard version of MPS Microsystems linear bearings consists of a stainless steel bushing and balls, and a brass cage. An all-stainless steel version or one with ceramic balls can be made on request.

MPS Microsystems offers a wide range of linear bearings that provide smooth movement. Another advantage of these guidance systems: their attractive price. They are available in a range of diameters from Ø 3 mm to Ø 25 mm and are made of injected plastic segments (POM), as well as easy-to-clean stainless steel needles and balls. The needles have three roles: they hold the segments together, they serve as external tracks for the balls, and they define the diameter of the ball bushing. The plastic segments of MPS Microsystems DBL series linear bearings enable their use in environments with high temperature fluctuations.

Novostia, a Swiss startup founded in 2017, has entrusted MPS with the manufacture of its TRIFLO artificial valve, a revolutionary aortic prosthesis on several levels. Thanks to its aerodynamic design, the presence of three leaflets and the absence of physical pivot axes for the leaflets, the TRIFLO valve aims to satisfy the following three criteria: - A device lifespan at least equal to that of the patient, to avoid the need for a second surgical procedure. This means more than 30 million flap openings and closures per year, with no leaks, blockages, cracks, ruptures or flap escapes. - The artificial valve must not lead to thrombosis, so that patients do not need to take anticoagulants. - Operation (flap opening and closing, blood flow through the valve) must be as silent as possible, so as not to disturb the patient or those around him, day or night. The TRIFLO device is in clinical trial and is not approved for sale.

This very compact optical system with an original design allows two groups of lenses to be moved perfectly coaxially over several millimeters. It is particularly recommended for applications requiring a constant alignment precision when moving the lenses. The perfect coaxiality of the lens holders is guaranteed by a common bore machined in a single operation. Numerous dimensional modifications allow a perfect adaptation to the optical design related to its application. Due to the use of perfectly adjusted ball cages, its low-friction translation mechanism is best suited for intense use and offers an unequalled lifetime without any particular maintenance.

Based on proven experience with the realisation of past successful projects MPS has designed and characterised a scalable Theta/Phi fiber positioner for Multi-Object Spectrographs. The positioner has been designed with the purpose of adapting readily to the requirements of any Multi-Object Spectrograph, which requires precise positioning of optical fibers. Whether MOONS, FPS, MEGARA, or DESI, each project has so far developed its own fiber positioner from scratch, with all of the risks and long lead times linked to such a complete new development. The positioner presented here intends to significantly reduce the development time, costs, and eliminate unforeseen risks. The design is easily scalable in size, length, and shape. The positioner size starts at a diameter of 9.5mm and is scalable to fit any customer specific requirements. It is capable of reaching any target within 5 µm with just two correction moves.