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CUSTOM ULTRA HIGH VACUUM CHAMBERS (UHV)

Aluminum - Stainless Steel - Exotic Materials

Meyer Tool supplies custom vacuum chambers for ultra-high vacuum applications.  We select the highest-grade materials consistent with UHV applications. In the manufacturing process, only procedures and materials consistent with the UHV application are utilized, e.g., in the selection of machining coolant.
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To minimize outgassing rates, we adhere to stringent UHV cleaning procedures for all custom UHV chambers, which may include electropolishing or ultrasonic cleaning of vacuum surfaces.   We maintain a cleanroom for the final assembly of custom UHV vessels and equipment.

CUSTOM VACUUM CHAMBER CATEGORIES

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A Unique Custom Aluminum Vacuum Chamber
Aluminum offers unique advantages for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber design. It remains lightweight and easy to machine. Being non-magnetic, aluminum serves well depending on the chamber's intended application. Additionally, aluminum raw material costs less than stainless steel. 

Although aluminum is easier to machine, it is more challenging to weld. This is especially true when obtaining UHV-quality welds. Aluminum is notoriously prone to porosity issues in the welds. If the proper weld prep designs, cleaning procedures, and weld settings are not utilized, chamber performance can deteriorate. Although aluminum material is cheaper, adding bi-metal transitions to convert to stainless steel connections can become expensive.  

Meyer Tool has extensive experience designing and constructing custom aluminum UHV (ultra-high vacuum) chambers and weldments. We build numerous high-quality aluminum ultra-high vacuum systems. Our team actively helps you evaluate your design criteria to determine if aluminum is the best option for your custom vacuum chamber project.
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A Large Custom Vacuum Chamber
Stainless steel serves as the go-to material for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber design. It is easier to weld, making it more cost-effective for designs that require extensive welding. Additionally, stainless steel is easy to clean and consistently achieves UHV pressures. While it is not as easily machined as aluminum, it machines better than more corrosion-resistant alloys like Inconel and Hastelloy. Manufacturers readily supply stainless steel conflats and ports, eliminating the need for bi-metal fittings. Furthermore, stainless steel is a tougher material than aluminum, effectively resisting wear on seal surfaces and enduring general structural fatigue better.

Most of the welding and machining work that we perform  involves stainless steel. Our welders and machinists understand the material properties and fabrication requirements. Our engineering staff designs systems to your specifications, or we develop fabrication plans based on your existing prints.   Meyer Tool has been fabricating stainless steel ultra high vacuum chambers out of stainless steel since 1969.
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A Custom Titanium Vacuum Chamber
Sometimes the conventional material choices, (aluminum and stainless steel), just will not work for certain ultra high vacuum (UHV) applications.  In some cases weight is the driving factor when it comes to material selection.  At other times, corrosion resistance plays the lead role in decision making.  At Meyer Tool, we have seen our fair share of unique material requirements related to the design and fabrication of custom UHV chambers and chamber components.  Titanium, Inconel, Monel, and Hastelloy are just a few of the different alloys we have worked with while building UHV chambers.

We will work with you to find the optimal material choice for your particular custom ultra high vacuum chamber application.  In addition to selecting the material for the chamber there are many different plating, polishing, and coating options that we can offer.   We will work with you to find the right mix of design, material, and post processing to find the optimal cost, time, and quality mix for your project.