What Minus K Technology does

Minus K Technology, Inc. is a privately held specialty manufacturer founded in 1993 and headquartered at 460 Hindry Ave., Unit C, Inglewood, California. The company develops, manufactures and markets passive mechanical vibration isolation products based on a patented "negative-stiffness" mechanism that achieves 0.5 Hz vertical and approximately 1.5 Hz horizontal natural frequencies, with stated isolation efficiency of 93% at 2 Hz, 99% at 5 Hz and 99.7% at 10 Hz — performance positioned as 10 to 100 times better than high-performance air tables, achieved without compressed air or electricity. The product portfolio spans ultra-thin tabletop platforms (CT-1, CT-2 at 2.25–2.5 inches; CT-10 at 2.7 inches), benchtop units (BM-1 through BM-10) covering 25–1,000 lb loads, the auto-adjusting BA-1, ultra-compact LC-4, large-capacity CM-1/SM-1, integrated workstations (WS-4, MK26, MK52), floor platforms (FP-1) for SEMs/TEMs/STEMs, and the forthcoming CS-1 suspension-mount isolator with vacuum/UHV variants. Minus K is a California Certified Small Business and Veteran Owned Small Business.

The company sells almost entirely through direct channels: its own website and sales team (phone at 310-348-9656), with exclusive international representatives in Israel (New-Road Agencies Ltd.) and Australia/New Zealand for audio applications (Döhmann Audio). It also operates as an OEM supplier to leading manufacturers of scanning probe microscopes, micro-hardness testers, NSOMs and profilers. Pricing is published by SKU in tiered brackets based on payload weight — for example, CT-10 from $4,350 to $4,950, BM-1 from $5,400 to $8,570, BA-1 from $10,265 to $12,605, SM-1 from $12,600 to $14,000, and MK52 optical tables starting at $21,130, with custom floor platforms quoted on request — with standard four-week shipping on ExWorks terms. Revenue is one-time hardware sales; there is no recurring software or service component evidenced.

The customer base spans more than 300 private companies and more than 300 universities and government laboratories across 52 countries, and is organized horizontally across nine use cases including microscopy and nanotechnology (primary), quantum computing, laser and optical systems, spacecraft and aerospace testing, microelectronics and semiconductor fabrication, biology and neuroscience, high-end audio reproduction, analytical instrumentation, and heavy systems. Marquee customers and case studies include NASA/JPL (Space Interferometry Mission dynamic test bed, James Webb Space Telescope ground testing, ICESat-2 ATLAS instrument testing), the European Space Agency (satellite micro-vibration test platform developed with the National Physical Laboratory), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, University of Michigan Ultra-Low Vibration Lab, GEO600, and Döhmann Audio's Helix One and Helix Two high-end turntables. The firm markets through its website, email newsletter, Facebook, an annual Educational Giveaway for U.S. colleges/universities (more than $125,000 of isolators granted since 2014), PR coverage in publications such as Laser Focus World, Microscopy Today, R&D Magazine and NASA Spinoff, and industry events including Optics & Photonics, Photonics West and APS meetings.

Name

Minus K Technology

Legal name

Minus K Technology, Inc.

Website

https://minusk.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Minus K Technology, founded 1993 in Inglewood, California, designs and manufactures patented passive mechanical negative-stiffness vibration isolation platforms serving microscopy, quantum, optical, aerospace, semiconductor, biological and high-end audio researchers across more than 300 companies and 300 universities in 52 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Vibration Isolation Equipment

NAICS

Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Vibration Control & Anti-Vibration Products (Mounts, Bushings, Isolators) (IMANALAD)

Keywords

• Vibration isolation platforms
• Negative stiffness isolators
• Microscope isolation tables
• Passive vibration control
• Nanotechnology lab equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Inglewood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Vibration Isolation Hardware Sales: One-time purchase of vibration isolation platforms, tables, workstations, and isolators. Products ship in four weeks or less. Custom product pricing available by contacting sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Minus K Technology develops, manufactures, and markets passive mechanical vibration isolation products based on patented negative-stiffness technology. Its product portfolio includes ultra-thin tabletop platforms (CT-10, CT-2, CT-1), benchtop isolators (BM-1 through BM-10), ultra-compact and large-capacity isolators (LC-4, CM-1, SM-1), workstations (WS-4, MK26, MK52), and floor platforms (FP-1) for heavy instruments such as SEMs and TEMs. The isolators are sold to research laboratories, universities, government agencies, OEMs, and high-end audio manufacturers.

Product overview

Minus K Technology offers a comprehensive portfolio of passive mechanical vibration isolation products based on patented negative-stiffness technology. The product line includes: ultra-thin low-height tabletop platforms (CT-10, CT-2, CT-1) designed for space-constrained microscopy applications; benchtop platforms (BM-1 through BM-10) and automatic-adjusting BA-1 for various load capacities ranging from 25 to 1000 lbs; ultra-compact isolators (LC-4, CM-1, SM-1) for larger capacity applications; workstations (WS-4, MK26, MK52) providing integrated table solutions; floor platforms (FP-1) for heavy equipment like SEMs and TEMs; and the upcoming CS-1 suspension isolator for specialized applications. All products are completely passive, requiring no air or electricity, and deliver 1/2 Hz or lower natural frequencies for superior vibration isolation performance 10-100 times better than air tables. The company also serves as an OEM supplier to leading manufacturers of scanning probe microscopes, micro-hardness testers, NSOMs and profilers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CT-10 Ultra-Thin Low-Height Vibration Isolation Platform Ultra-thin tabletop passive vibration isolation platform at 2.7 inches tall using patented negative-stiffness technology; delivers 0.5 Hz vertical and ~1.5 Hz horizontal natural frequencies for space-constrained microscopy and nanoscale measurement.
• CT-2 Ultra-Thin Low-Height Vibration Isolation Platform Ultra-thin passive vibration isolation platform at 2.5 inches tall offering improved horizontal performance and expanded payload ranges over the CT-1 for microscopy and precision instrumentation.
• CT-1 Ultra-Thin Low-Height Vibration Isolation Platform Ultra-thin passive vibration isolation platform at 2-1/4 inches tall providing 1 Hz natural frequency for low-frequency isolation in micro- and nano-microscopy.
• BM-10 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform Small-footprint high-performance benchtop isolator at 4.6 x 12 x 12 inches offering 10-100 times better performance than air tables in a compact package; 0.5 Hz vertical natural frequency.
• BM-8 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform Benchtop isolator only 4.6 inches tall delivering 10-100 times better performance than air tables without requiring air.
• BM-6 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform Compact benchtop isolator delivering better-than-air performance with vertical resonant frequency comparable to or better than air tables and significantly better horizontal performance.
• BM-4 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform Most cost-effective benchtop platform in the BM series, capable of 0.5 Hz performance in both vertical and horizontal directions.
• BM-1 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform Highest-capacity benchtop isolator providing cost-effective 0.5 Hz performance vertical and horizontal for weight loads up to 1,000 lb.
• BA-1 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform Automatic version of the BM-1 that self-adjusts for varying weight loads, suitable for remote or automated applications.
• LC-4 Ultra Compact Vibration Isolator Ultra-compact low-frequency negative-stiffness isolator with 0.5 Hz vertical natural frequency; available in 1.5 Hz or 0.5 Hz horizontal configurations and combinable into multi-isolator systems for heavier payloads.
• CM-1 Compact Large Capacity Vibration Isolator Compact high-capacity low-frequency negative-stiffness isolator that can be placed on pedestals to retrofit existing air tables, retaining the existing table top with better isolation performance.
• SM-1 Large Capacity Vibration Isolator Large-capacity passive negative-stiffness isolator with manually-adjustable 0.5 Hz performance vertical and horizontal; designed for payloads of many thousands of pounds or kilograms.
• WS-4 Vibration Isolation Workstation Smallest free-standing vibration isolation workstation from Minus K, consisting of a sturdy stand paired with a BM-1 platform, providing 0.5 Hz performance.
• MK26 Vibration Isolation Workstation Free-standing vibration isolation workstation providing 0.5 Hz performance in standard 30 x 36 and 36 x 48 inch sizes, with larger custom configurations available.
• MK52 Optical Vibration Isolation Table Optical vibration isolation table with 0.5 Hz performance utilizing BM-1 series isolators, developed in collaboration with Kinetic Systems for laser, optical, and interferometry applications.
• FP-1 Vibration Isolation Floor Platform Custom floor platform typically built with two or three SM-1 isolators, supporting up to 10,000 lbs or more for SEMs, TEMs, STEMs, and other large metrology or fabrication tools.
• CS-1 Compact Suspension Passive Mechanical Vibration Isolator Compact suspension isolator — the first standard sub-hertz isolators designed for suspension (not compression) mounting. Vertical-only 0.5 Hz natural frequency, weight loads 30 to 640 lbs with 3 or 4 units per system, vacuum compatible with UHV option.

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% isolation efficiency at 2 Hz, 99% at 5 Hz, 99.7% at 10 Hz - 10 to 100 times better than high-performance air tables
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and strategic.

• New-Road Agencies Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive international representative office for Israel handling sales and support for Minus K vibration isolation products. Located at 11 Ha'amal str., Park Afek, Rosh Ha'ayin 48092, Israel. Contact: Eyal Shemer.
• Döhmann AudiocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive representative for Australia and New Zealand for audio applications. Döhmann Audio integrates Minus K vibration isolation into their Helix One and Helix Two high-end turntables. Located at 27 Viking Court, Cheltenham, Melbourne VIC 3192, Australia.
• Vibro-Acoustic ConsultantsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVibration and acoustic consulting firm providing consulting services in noise and vibration control. Listed as a recommended partner on Minus K website.
• Colin Gordon & AssociatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsulting services firm specializing in acoustics and vibration control. Listed as recommended partner with expertise referenced in Minus K educational materials.
• ESI Engineering, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering consulting firm providing services in structures, vibration and noise. Listed as recommended partner on Minus K website.
• OEM Customers (SPM, Microhardness, NSOM, Profiler Manufacturers)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMinus K is an OEM supplier to leading manufacturers of scanning probe microscopes (SPMs), micro-hardness testers, NSOMs and profilers. Technology is embedded into third-party instrument platforms.
• National Physical Laboratory / European Space AgencystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerNPL developed satellite micro-vibration test platform for ESA using Minus K negative-stiffness vibration isolation with active seismometers to isolate vibrations to 0.1 Hz.
• Kinetic SystemsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinus K collaborated with Kinetic Systems to develop the MK52 Optical Vibration Isolation Table product line.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Technical Manufacturing Corporation (TMC): TMC is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of vibration isolation systems and optical tables for microscopy, semiconductor, and aerospace customers. It is the most direct head-to-head competitor to Minus K in the lab-grade passive and active isolation market, selling into the same universities, government labs, and OEMs.
• Kinetic Systems: Kinetic Systems manufactures optical tables, vibration isolation platforms, and lab supports, and is both a collaborator (co-developed the MK52 with Minus K) and a competitor in the optical-table and benchtop-isolator category. Its product portfolio overlaps directly with Minus K's BM, CT, and MK lines.
• Accurion (formerly Halcyonics): Accurion is a specialist in active vibration isolation systems for nanoscale and high-precision applications, directly competing with Minus K's passive technology. The two companies represent the principal technological alternatives — passive negative-stiffness versus active electronic — in the sub-Hz isolation category.
• Bilz Vibration Technology: Bilz is a German manufacturer of vibration isolation, leveling, and machine-mounting products serving industrial, metrology, and laboratory customers. It is a direct peer in passive and active anti-vibration mounts and is commonly evaluated alongside Minus K in European labs.
• IDEAS (Integrated Dynamics Engineering / IDE): IDE designs and manufactures active and passive vibration isolation systems, optical tables, and acoustic enclosures for semiconductor, aerospace, and life-science applications. It directly competes with Minus K in cleanroom, metrology, and OEM instrument environments.
• Vibration Solutions / CV Technology (CVT): CV Technology is a U.S. manufacturer of vibration isolation mounts, platforms, and shock absorbers for military, aerospace, and industrial customers. It overlaps with Minus K in defense and aerospace test applications and competes on rugged, high-capacity passive isolation.

Broad incumbents

• Newport (MKS Instruments): Newport, now part of MKS Instruments, is a broad incumbent offering optical tables, vibration isolation, motion control, and photonics hardware. It competes with Minus K in optical tables and integrated lab solutions but at much larger scale and with a far broader catalog.
• Thorlabs: Thorlabs is a broad incumbent in photonics, optics, and lab equipment, including optical tables and vibration isolation supports. While it is not a specialist in passive sub-Hz isolation, it competes on integrated lab solutions and serves many of the same university, OEM, and research customers.
• LDS (Test & Measurement, now part of HBK / Hottinger Brüel & Kjær): LDS/HBK is a broad incumbent in vibration testing, shakers, and acoustic measurement, serving aerospace, automotive, and research customers. While its focus is on vibration testing rather than isolation, it addresses the same vibration-aware customer set and competes for adjacent budget within vibration-sensitive programs.

Emerging players

• Standa: Standa manufactures optical tables, breadboards, and vibration isolation components, with a growing presence in research and OEM markets. It is an emerging peer with a lower price point and broader catalog, increasingly visible in microscopy and photonics labs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/MinusKTechnology
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/minus-k-technology-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Minus K Technology