Actuation Engineering

Actuation Engineering Ltd, trading as Actuation Lab, is a UK-based contract manufacturer established in 2021, originating from the University of Bristol. Located in Bristol, the company specialises in the development and manufacturing of innovative, low-wear industrial hardware, with a particular focus on valves designed to prevent gas leakage.

Actuation Lab's manufacturing capabilities include in-house CNC machining utilising HURCO CNC machines, supported by advanced manufacturing capacity and dedicated test facilities. They serve a diverse range of industries including Natural Gas and Chemicals, Hydrogen and Green Fuels, and Cryogenic Hydrogen, with applications extending to renewable energy, marine, and aerospace sectors.

The company's core differentiator is the "Dragonfly valve," which employs origami-inspired engineering and a magnetic coupling to eliminate the valve stem, significantly reducing operational force and preventing fugitive gas emissions. Actuation Lab has secured government contracts and grants for developing hydrogen-ready and liquid hydrogen valves, and by 2024 began shipping valves for hydrogen and ammonia applications, with projected national and international distribution for natural gas, hydrogen, and chemical applications by 2025.