When your fluid control challenge is so unique that no standard part will work, you need more than a supplier—you need a partner. For nearly a century, that partner has been Vernay Laboratories. Since 1935, customers have trusted Vernay to address their most demanding fluid control challenges through custom-engineered, co-designed solutions .
This post explores Vernay’s rich history of American innovation and its unique approach to creating custom duckbill valves and other fluid control devices for specialized applications across medical, industrial, and emerging technology markets.
The Vernay Story: A Century of Problem-Solving (Since 1935)
Founded in 1935, Vernay Laboratories has spent over 85 years establishing itself as the industry’s problem-solving expert . Unlike companies that manufacture standard catalog products, Vernay’s entire business model is built on collaboration. They work directly with engineers and designers to turn product visions into reality.
Headquartered in the United States, Vernay combines deep material science expertise with precision manufacturing. Their “Concept to Launch” product development methodology is a streamlined, integrated approach that ensures projects are designed and executed right the first time, meeting exacting customer expectations . This commitment to custom innovation has kept them at the forefront of fluid control for generations.
The Vernay Duckbill Valve: Custom-Engineered for Your Application
For Vernay, a duckbill valve is not a commodity item but a starting point for engineering. They specialize in creating duckbill check valves with specific performance characteristics tailored to the device they will serve.
Their expertise lies in:
- Material Science: Selecting and compounding the exact elastomer required for chemical compatibility, flexibility, and longevity in your specific fluid.
- Precision Geometry: Engineering the duckbill’s slit length, wall thickness, and angle to achieve precise cracking pressures and flow rates.
- Integration: Designing the valve as a seamless component of a larger assembly, often overmolded or bonded to other plastic or metal parts.
This custom approach is epitomized by their latest innovation: the Supravalve MAX® Medical Check Valve . Described as the “next generation of medical check valves,” the Supravalve MAX® features a normally closed duckbill—the first of its kind . This breakthrough design offers medical device manufacturers a new level of precision and reliability for critical applications requiring a guaranteed seal when at rest.
Engineered Solutions, Duckbill Valve Not Catalog Models
Because Vernay focuses on custom solutions, they do not offer a standard price list of models. Instead, they engineer each valve to meet specific customer requirements. The following table illustrates how their custom approach might apply across different industries:
| Engineered Solution Type | Potential Custom Feature | Example Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical-Grade Duckbill | Normally closed design (like Supravalve MAX®), bio-compatible materials, ultra-low cracking pressure. | Catheters, infusion pumps, respiratory devices, surgical instruments. |
| Automotive Fluid Control | Resistance to fuels, oils, and high under-hood temperatures; precise pressure activation. | Emission control systems, fuel vapor management, coolant circuits. |
| Industrial Dispensing | Abrasion-resistant materials, chemical inertness, high cycle life. | Analytical instruments, inkjet printers, industrial chemical dispensers. |
| Consumer Product Valve | Low-cost high-volume manufacturing, specific feel or “touch” for user experience. | Sport bottles, soap dispensers, packaging closures. |
Duckbill Valve Key Applications Across Vernay’s Markets
Vernay’s custom duckbill valves are found in a vast array of applications where standard parts fall short . Their key industries include:
- Medical: From implantable devices to surgical tools and diagnostic equipment, reliability is paramount .
- Automotive: Managing fluids and vapors in engines, fuel systems, and emissions controls under extreme conditions .
- Industrial: Providing precise control in analytical instrumentation, ink systems, and chemical dispensing .
- Consumer Goods: Enhancing the functionality and user experience of everything from beverage containers to personal care packaging .
- Emerging Technologies: Venting solutions for advanced battery safety, as highlighted by their award-winning VoltaVent® .
How to Partner with Vernay
Because Vernay operates through direct engineering collaboration, they do not use a network of agents or distributors for their core custom business. The path to a solution is a direct conversation with their team.
- Primary Contact Method: Visit their official website at https://vernay.com and use the contact or inquiry forms to begin a discussion about your project .
- Kickstart Your Development: Vernay even offers a unique program where they provide a carefully curated selection of samples to kickstart your product development, delivered free of charge—no purchase orders or payment required . This allows you to “Make something great” by experimenting with real components .
- Phone: A general company phone number is typically available on their website’s “Contact” page, which will connect you with their headquarters.
Latest News: Recognition for Innovation
Vernay’s commitment to innovation continues to earn industry recognition. A highlight from their website is that Vernay won the 2024 Silver Edison Award for the Vernay VoltaVent® . This smart battery safety and efficiency innovation demonstrates how Vernay’s fluid control expertise is helping shape a safer, more sustainable future, proving that their custom engineering approach remains at the cutting edge of technology .
For your next project that demands a duckbill valve unlike any other, partner with the problem-solving experts at Vernay. With nearly 90 years of experience, they don’t just manufacture parts; they bring your product vision to life.