VAb

Vakuum Anlagenbau (VAb) is based in Elmshorn, northern Germany and has been established in the vacuum industry since 1987, when it was founded with only 3 employees. These days they the facility has grown to close to 3000m2 and 30 employees, and their catalogue of standard vacuum and sample handling components extends to almost 200 pages.

By combining German engineering excellence with customer-focused solutions, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for both industrial and academic clients.

In terms of chamber manufacturing they have comprehensive capabilities across a range of materials and sizes:

  • Spherical chambers (outer diameter 20 – 2,000mm)
  • UHV chambers made of Mu-metal
  • UHV chambers magnetic permeability (µ < 1.01)
  • UHV chambers with water cooling
  • Box chambers (volume: 2 – 2,000 litres)
  • Cylindrical chambers (outer diameter 10 – 2,500mm)

Surface finishes include:

  • Glass bead blasting
  • Brushed surface
  • Electropolishing

Post manufacture testing and processing:

  • Leak detection
  • Bakeout
  • Heat treatment
  • RGA testing

Materials used

  • Stainless steel: 1.4306 (304L), 1.4404 (316L), 1.4429 (316LN)
  • Aluminum
  • Mu-metal

 

VAb’s products available through VSM Instruments include:

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VBMDS40 Transfer rod DN40CF

High quality UHV magnetically-coupled transfer rod with rotation and linear motion. Standard travels from 100-1000mm in 100mm increments.

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VBMDS2-40 Dual concentric axis transfer rod DN40CF

High quality UHV magnetically-coupled dual axis transfer rod with linear motion and two independent rotation axes. Standard travels from 300-1000mm in 100mm increments.

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VBMDS63 Linear transfer rod DN63CF with sample lift capability

High quality heavy duty UHV magnetically-coupled single axis transfer rod with standard travels from 300-1000mm in 100mm increments. Unlike our DN40CF transfer rods this transfer rod is designed to be equipped with a special end-effector for lifting up the sample holder where this is needed for sample transfer. This means that the rotation axis rotates only a central 6mm rod, while the outer rod on the vacuum side is a square one with 15mm sides.

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VBMDS16 Compact Linear transfer rod DN16CF

High quality UHV magnetically-coupled single axis transfer rod with linear and rotary motion on a DN16CF flange. Linear travels available from 50-300mm in 50mm increments. A high torque version is also available (see VBMDS16-HT)

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VBMDS40/16 Compact Linear transfer rod DN40CF

High quality UHV magnetically-coupled single axis transfer rod with linear and rotary motion on a DN40CF flange. Linear travels available from 50-300mm in 50mm increments. A high torque version is also available (see VBMDS40/16-HT)

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VBJUMEM-40 Port Aligner

DN40CF port aligner available in three length options

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VBJUMEM-63 Port Aligner

DN63CF port aligner available in three length options

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VBJUMEM-100 Port Aligner

DN100CF port aligner available in three length options

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VBJUMEM-160 Port Aligner

DN160CF port aligner available in three length options

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VBSST Series Fast-Entry Door

Fast entry doors in a range of sizes from DN40CF-DN300CF

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VBSHCF K Series Standard Viewport Shutters

Simple shutter with a manually operated single flap opening in a wide range of sizes

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VBSHCF Series Venetian Viewport Shutters

Viewport shutter with a manually operated venetian blind-style opening in two sizes

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VBDDF Series Hollow Rotary Feedthroughs with Differential pumping

Our VBDDF series feedthroughs are equipped with a rotating O-ring seal with two differential pumping stages, such that they are still suitable for UHV conditions while being capable of full 360º rotation. They can be operated manually or optionally by 2 phase stepper motor.

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VBPD Series Bellows-Sealed Rotary Feedthroughs

Our VBPD series feedthroughs are equipped with a bellows-sealed, mechanically-coupled shaft in a variety of flange sizes and vacuum side length options. They are capable of full 360º rotation and can be operated manually or optionally by 2 phase stepper motor.

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VBMD Series Magnetically-Coupled Rotary Feedthroughs

Our VBMD series feedthroughs are equipped with a magnetically-coupled shaft and are available in two flange sizes . They are capable of full 360º rotation and can be operated manually or optionally by 2 phase stepper motor or pneumatic drive. Compared to mechanical bellows rotary drive, magnetic drives can be more durable in high RPM motorised applications. Manual versions offer a lower cost solution where limited torque is required and backlash is unimportant.

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VBMR Series Magnetically-Coupled Hollow Rotary Feedthroughs

Our VBMR series feedthroughs are equipped with a magnetically-driven sub-flange and are available in two sizes . They are capable of full continuous 360º rotation driven by 2 phase stepper motor. Unlike our DDF series, because they are magnetically-driven, no differentially-pumped seal is required, leading to enhanced durability and vacuum performance, especially when fast rotation is needed. They include a rotary table with tapped holes on the vacuum side.

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VBDD Series O-Ring Sealed High Vacuum (KF) Feedthroughs

Our VBDD series feedthroughs are equipped with shaft which passes all the way through the assembly and is sealed by elastomer O-rings. They are available on KF and ISO flanges.  They are capable of full continuous 360º rotation and can be optionally manually-operated or driven by 2 phase stepper motor.

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VBLDK Series Linear feedthroughs

Available in three flange sizes from DN16 CF to DN63CF and travels from 50-150mm (25mm for DN16CF), this simple, low cost hand-operated mechanism provides linear motion by operation of a knurled knob.

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VBLD Series Manual Linear feedthroughs

A robust handwheel-driven open-ended linear feedthrough available in a variety of flange sizes from DN16CF to DN160CF. The handwheel allows for greater ease of use compared to the LDK series, especially where the required motion is on a frequent basis. The sturdy frame also allows for greater stability. In many variations the flange bolt holes are not threaded at either end (unlike the LDK series) which allows for a greater range of mounting locations. On most models the handwheel can optionally be mounted in a variety of locations for ease of access.

The LD series is also available in a motorised version or with a pneumatic actuator (please see separate product pages). They can be paired with the DDF series differentially-pumped rotary feedthroughs or supplied with an integral port aligner to tilt the top flange or X-table to translate the top flange.

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VBLD Series Motorised Linear feedthroughs

A robust stepper motor driven open-ended linear feedthrough available in a variety of flange sizes from DN16CF to DN200CF. The motor is ideal for more automated setups, especially where the required motion is on a frequent basis. The sturdy frame allows for good stability. In many variations the flange bolt holes are not threaded at either end which allows for a greater range of mounting locations.

The LD series is also available in a manual handwheel or pneumatic version (please see separate product page). They can be paired with the DDF series differentially-pumped rotary feedthroughs or supplied with an integral port aligner to tilt the top flange or X-table to translate the top flange.

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VBLD Series Pneumatic Linear feedthroughs

A robust pneumatic, open-ended linear feedthrough available in two flange sizes DN40CF and DN63CF. Compared to the stepper motor driven version of this product, it is designed for moving between discrete positions only, rather than for continuous motion. The pneumatic actuator can be specified as a 2 or 3 position version.

The LD series is also available in a manual handwheel or stepper motor version (see separate product pages).

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VBML Series Precision manual linear feedthroughs

A compact bellows-based manual linear feedthrough with an 8mm diameter shaft available on DN16CF and DN40CF flanges and travels from 25-125mm.

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VBPPL Series Push and pull manual linear feedthroughs

A compact bellows-based manual push-pull linear feedthrough with an 8mm diameter shaft available on DN16CF and DN40CF flanges and travels from 25-150mm. Ideal for applications where fast, manual in and out movement is needed. A lock screw is provided to prevent the feedthrough moving inwards under the vacuum force once the desired position is reached.

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VBMLSM Series Linear Feedthroughs

A robust bellows-based linear feedthrough which can be driven by handwheel or by stepper motor. The feedthrough has an 8mm diameter shaft and is available with DN16CF and DN40CF flanges and with travels from 25-150mm.

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VBMLSMI40 Series Internal Bellows Linear Feedthroughs

A robust linear feedthrough with a vacuum-side bellows which can be driven by handwheel or by stepper motor. The vacuum side of the feedthrough has a large 33mm diameter platform with 4 M5 screw holes. The feedthrough is only available with a DN40CF flange. A vacuum side bellows may have advantages for internally-baked systems but also the large internal platform can be advantageous in certain applications compared to a rod.

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VBLDL40 Series Heavy Duty Linear Feedthroughs

A robust bellows-based linear feedthrough with a 15kg/50kg lateral / axial maximum load and a 25mm diameter shaft which can be driven by handwheel or by stepper motor. The feedthrough is only available with a DN40CF flange, and travels from 50-400mm.

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VBMLP Series Pneumatic linear feedthroughs

A compact bellows-based pneumatic linear feedthrough with an 8mm diameter shaft available on DN16CF and DN40CF flanges and travels from 25-150mm. Pneumatic drive can be specified as 2 and 3 position versions.

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VBKPM12 Series XYZ Manipulators

The KPM12 series is a simple, compact, budget-friendly single bellows XYZ manipulator available as standard with a DN40CF flange size at both ends (DN50CF or DN63CF base flange by request). With a 39mm inner diameter of the bellows, to obtain the full +/-12.5mm XY travel, the sample stage support rod and any associated wiring must be 14mm diameter or less. The manipulator can be supplied with all axes manually-operated, motorised Z axis or with all 3 axes motorised. Z travels are available from 50-600mm. The manipulator has a maximum 10kg load on the z axis.

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VBPMK12 Series XYZ Manipulators

The PMK12 series is single bellows XYZ manipulator available as standard with a DN63CF base flange (DN100CF by request), and a DN40CF moving flange (DN63CF by request). With a 65mm inner diameter of the bellows, to obtain the full +/-12.5mm XY travel, the sample stage support rod and any associated wiring must be 40mm diameter or less. The manipulator can be supplied with all axes manually-operated, motorised Z axis or with all 3 axes motorised. Z travels are available from 50-600mm. The manipulator has a maximum 20kg load on the z axis.

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VBPMM12 Series XYZ Manipulators

The PMM12 series is single bellows XYZ manipulator available as standard with a DN63CF base flange (DN100CF or DN160CF by request), and a DN63CF moving flange (DN40CF by request). With a 70.5mm inner diameter of the bellows, to obtain the full +/-12.5mm XY travel, the sample stage support rod and any associated wiring must be 45.5mm diameter or less. The manipulator can be supplied with all axes manually-operated, motorised Z axis or with all 3 axes motorised. Z travels are available from 50-600mm. The manipulator has a maximum 20kg load on the z axis.

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VBPM112 Series XYZ Manipulators

The PM112 series is single bellows XYZ manipulator available as standard with a DN100CF base flange (DN160CF by request), and a DN100CF moving flange (DN63CF by request). With a 102mm inner diameter of the bellows, to obtain the full +/-12.5mm XY travel, the sample stage support rod and any associated wiring must be 77mm diameter or less. The manipulator can be supplied with all axes manually-operated, motorised Z axis or with all 3 axes motorised. Z travels are available from 25-500mm. The manipulator has a maximum 40kg load on the z axis.

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VBPM125 Series XYZ Manipulators

The PM125 series is single bellows XYZ manipulator available as standard with a DN100CF base flange (DN160CF by request), and a DN100CF moving flange (DN63CF by request). With a 102mm inner diameter of the bellows, to obtain the full +/-25mm XY travel, the sample stage support rod and any associated wiring must be 52mm diameter or less. The manipulator can be supplied with all axes manually-operated, motorised Z axis or with all 3 axes motorised. Z travels are available from 25-500mm. The manipulator has a maximum 40kg load on the z axis.

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VBMAX25 Series XYZ Manipulators

The MAX25 series is a large single bellows XYZ manipulator available as standard with a DN100CF base flange (DN160CF or DN200CF by request), and a DN100CF moving flange (DN63CF by request). Unlike the PM125, the XY table is at the bottom rather than the top for maximum rigidity and a more compact minimum flange to flange distance for the respective travels. With a 102mm inner diameter of the bellows, to obtain the full +/-25mm XY travel, the sample stage support rod and any associated wiring must be 52mm diameter or less. The manipulator can be supplied with all axes manually-operated, motorised Z axis or with all 3 axes motorised. Z travels are available from 50-700mm. The manipulator has a maximum 40kg load on the z axis.

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VBMEGA25 Series XYZ Manipulators

The MEGA25 series is our largest single bellows XYZ manipulator. It comes as standard with a DN160CF base flange (DN200CF by request), and a DN160CF moving flange (DN100CF or DN63CF by request). The XY table is at the bottom rather than the top for maximum rigidity a compact minimum flange to flange distance. With a 150mm inner diameter of the bellows, to obtain the full +/-25mm XY travel, the sample stage support rod and any associated wiring must be 100mm diameter or less. The manipulator can be supplied with all axes manually-operated, motorised Z axis or with all 3 axes motorised. Z travels are available from 50-700mm. The manipulator has a maximum 30kg load on the z axis.

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VBPM12 Series Dual Bellows UHV XYZ Manipulators

The PM12 series XYZ manipulators are available as standard with a DN100CF base flange and a DN63CF moving flange. They offer +/-12.5mm travel in XY and up to 1 metre in Z. The smaller Z bellows has an internal diameter of 39mm and a support bearing for a 38mm diameter insert (other diameters on request). The manipulator has a maximum 30kg load on the z axis. A range of made-to-fit cryostats, sample stages and rotation stages are also available.

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VBPM25 Series Dual Bellows UHV XYZ Manipulators

The PM25 series XYZ manipulators are available as standard with a DN160CF base flange and a DN63CF moving flange. They offer +/-25mm travel in XY and up to 1 metre in Z. The smaller Z bellows has an internal diameter of 39mm and a support bearing for a 38mm diameter insert (other sizes on request). The manipulator has a maximum 30kg load on the z axis. A range of made-to-fit cryostats, sample stages and rotation stages are also available.

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VBPMAX25 Series Dual Bellows UHV XYZ Manipulators

The PMAX25 series XYZ manipulators are available as standard with a DN100CF base flange and a DN63CF moving flange. They offer +/-25mm travel in XY and up to 600mm in Z. The smaller Z bellows has an internal diameter of 66mm and comes as standard without a support bearing. The larger inner and outer diameter compared to the PM series mean that larger inserts are possible The manipulator has a maximum 30kg load on the z axis.

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VBPMEGA25 Series Dual Bellows UHV XYZ Manipulators

The PMEGA25 series XYZ manipulators are available as standard with a DN160CF base flange and a DN100CF moving flange. They offer +/-25mm travel in XY and up to 600mm in Z. The smaller Z bellows has an internal diameter of 102mm and comes as standard without a support bearing, so it is suitable for very large inserts. The manipulator has a maximum 40kg load on the z axis.

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VBPMAKRO25 Series Dual Bellows UHV XYZ Manipulators

The VBPMAKRO25 series XYZ manipulators are available as standard with a DN200CF base flange and a DN160CF moving flange. They offer +/-25mm travel in XY and up to 600mm in Z. The smaller Z bellows has an internal diameter of 150mm and comes as standard without a support bearing, so it is suitable for very large inserts. The manipulator has a maximum 40kg load on the z axis and is only available fully motorised.

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VBMDWS Series Magnetically-Coupled Wobble Sticks (1 rotation, 1 linear axis)

Our VBMDWS series wobble sticks are designed to provide linear, tilt and rotation axes for applications where a pincer is not required. Typically they are fitted with a SPECS-style transfer tool for flag style sample holders with a 90º release/engage mechanism which can be provided optionally as part of the package. These wobble sticks include a parking station and stop ring.

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VBMDWS2 Series Magnetically-Coupled Wobble Sticks (1 linear, 2 rotation axes)

Our VBMDWS2 series wobble sticks are designed to provide linear, tilt and dual rotation axes. These wobble sticks include a parking station but no transfer tool.

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VBMDWSZ Series Magnetically-Coupled Wobble Sticks (1 rotation, 2 linear axis, optional linear or 90º pincer)

Our VBMDWSZ series wobble sticks are designed to provide linear, tilt and one rotation axis. There is an additional short travel inner linear axis designed to actuate an optional pincer tool to grab flag-style samples. These wobble sticks include a parking station and stop ring.

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VBSTWS Series Mechanically-Coupled Wobble Sticks (no rotation, 1 linear axis)

Our VBSTWS series wobble sticks are designed to provide linear and tilt motion only. No rotation is possible due to the fixed mechanical coupling with the  external actuator. These wobble sticks have a significant price advantage in applications where no rotation is needed, and the lack of a magnet may also be important in some situations. A longer internal bellows is necessary for the linear and tilt motion, compared to the MDWS series where only a short bellows is required to facilitate the tilt motion. The larger surface area of this bellows may lead to greater outgassing during motion, and it’s minimum in-vacuum length is necessarily longer than the magnetically coupled equivalent travel.

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VBSWS Series Mechanically-Coupled Short Wobble Sticks (no rotation, 1 linear axis)

Our VBSWS series wobble sticks are a more compact alternative to the STWS series and are designed to provide linear and tilt motion only. No rotation is possible due to the fixed mechanical coupling with the  external actuator. These wobble sticks have a significant price advantage in applications where no rotation and a short travel is needed, and the lack of a magnet may also be important in some situations.

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VBTXY Series Precision UHV XY Tilt Stages

Our VBTXY XY tilt stages are designed to provide continuous, calibrated adjustment of up to +/-5° of tilt between two flanges separated by a bellows. The stages are available in flange sizes from DN40CF to DN160CF. The stages are used in applications where a frequent tilt adjustment is needed and are provided with a graduated scale in each tilt axis. If a set-and-forget tilt adjustment is preferred, please see our range of port aligners.

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VBPM Series XY Tables

The VBPM series XY stages provide a wide range of options for flange size, bellows diameter and motorised or manual operation. Please see the product table for full details.

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VBHVK Series Cryostats

The HVK series cryostats are primarily optimised for integration with our VBPM series dual bellows manipulators with a DDF63P rotation stage on top. For this reason they are supplied on a DN63CF flange. There are also two more compact options in the range for a smaller DN40CF flange, which due to their flange size offer less space for electrical feedthroughs. Finally two options include an additional motion axis within the cryostat which is usually used to actuate a secondary rotation within the sample stage.

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Siphon for VBHVK Helium Cryostats

These vacuum-insulated siphons are designed to tranfer liquid helium or nitrogen from the dewar to the VB-HVK series cryostats. They are available in U shape for vertically-mounted cryostats or L shape for horizontally-mounted.

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VBPHM series rotation / feedthrough assemblies with optional LN2 cooling

The PHM series feedthrough assemblies are designed to provide the motion axes to enable 4 or 5 axis motion on our VBPMK12, VBPM12 and VBPM25 series in applications where no cooling or liquid nitrogen cooling is required. If Helium cooling is required, please see our VBHVK series cryostats instead. They also include suitable feedthroughs to provide electrical connections to the sample stage, as well as optional liquid nitrogen cooling pipes and feedthroughs.

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VBPD40LD Long rotary feedthrough for XYZ manipulator 4th axis

This long shaft version of the PD40 series rotary feethrough is designed to be compatible with our VBPMK series manipulators in order to add a 4th (rotation) axis. They can be manually or stepper-motor driven and are mounted on a DN40CF flange

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VBMDJS40 Series Magnetically-Coupled Transfer Rod with pincer and port aligner

Our VBMDJS40 series transfer rods have a design similar to a wobble stick but have a set-and-forget integral port aligner for angular alignment. They are designed for longer travel applications where a pincer actuator is preferred, but which would be too long for a wobble stick to be a sensible solution.  They provide a linear and rotation axis and actuation for the pincer.

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