Thermal Design

UHV Systems Fabrication

At Ants Pivotal, we specialise in the precision fabrication of Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) systems, delivering components and assemblies that meet the most stringent requirements for vacuum integrity, surface finish, and contamination control.

Our UHV systems are crafted using high-grade stainless steel and advanced welding techniques such as TIG and electron beam welding, ensuring leak-tight performance at pressures as low as 10⁻¹¹ mbar. We adhere to rigorous cleaning, polishing, and degassing procedures, making our systems ideal for use in cutting-edge research, semiconductor manufacturing, and space-grade instrumentation.

Our Capabilities Include:

Our Expertise Covers:

Precision-machined flanges and ports (CF, ISO, KF)
Vacuum chambers with integrated feedthroughs
Bake-out compatible assemblies
Cleanroom-compatible production and testing

Our Team

Using state-of-the-art simulation tools and real-world testing, we model and optimise thermal performance from the early stages of design. Our approach combines engineering precision with practical experience to deliver thermal systems that are both innovative and effective.

From compact enclosures to large-scale industrial systems, Ants Pivotal provides tailored thermal design solutions that balance performance, energy efficiency, and cost.

Ultra Vacuum System

An ultra vacuum system (really, an ultra-high vacuum system, or UHV system) contains a specific set of components designed to create, measure, and maintain extremely low pressures—below 10⁻⁷ Pa or 10⁻⁹ Torr.

Here’s a breakdown of what a typical UHV system contains:

🔩 1. Vacuum Chamber

Made of stainless steel (usually 304L or 316L).
Welded or sealed with metal gaskets (like copper) to avoid leaks.
Polished inside surfaces to reduce outgassing.

🚪 2. Seals & Flanges

ConFlat (CF) flanges with copper gaskets are standard.
These ensure metal-to-metal, leak-tight seals.

🌡️ 3. Bake-Out System

Heaters (often flexible jackets) used to bake the chamber to 100–250 °C.
Baking drives out adsorbed gases (mainly water vapor) to reach UHV.

💨 4. Pumping System

Typically a combination of pumps, including:
- Roughing pump (rotary vane or scroll pump) – brings pressure down to ~10⁻² Torr.
- Turbo-molecular pump (TMP) – takes it lower (~10⁻⁸ Torr).
- Ion pump – maintains pressures down to 10⁻¹¹ Torr.
- Cryopump or Getter pump – for trapping specific gases (H₂, CO, etc.).

📈 5. Pressure Measurement (Gauges)

Pirani gauge – for higher vacuum ranges (not UHV).
Cold cathode or Penning gauge – good down to ~10⁻⁹ Torr.
Ionization gauge (hot filament) – for true UHV measurements.

⚡ 6. Power & Feedthroughs

Electrical feedthroughs let you power heaters, sensors, or electron guns inside the vacuum without breaking the seal.
Also includes optical windows, manipulators, and mechanical feedthroughs for moving parts inside.

📊 7. Control & Monitoring

Pressure controllers, interlocks, temperature monitoring, and data logging.

🧪 Optional Components (Depending on Application)

Sample holders, stages, manipulators
Mass spectrometers
Electron or ion guns
X-ray sources
Cryostats or cooling systems