Choosing an electron beam power supply is not as simple as matching the kW rating printed on the front of the old unit.

The power supply is part of a complete electron-beam evaporation system, and a replacement must work with:

• Electron-beam source
• Number of guns
• Required output power
• High-voltage range
• Emission current
• Facility electrical supply
• Sweep controller
• Deposition controller
• Safety interlocks
• High-voltage cables
• Cooling system
• Existing chamber controls

YTI offers new and refurbished electron beam power supplies while also supporting repair and refurbishment of existing vacuum coating electronics.

This guide explains what should be evaluated before choosing a replacement.

1. Start With the Electron Beam Source

The first question should not be:

“How many kilowatts is my current supply?”

It should be:

“What electron-beam source am I operating?”

Identify:

• Manufacturer
• Model
• Number of guns
• Hearth configuration
• Source power rating
• Filament or emitter configuration
• High-voltage requirements

Different e-beam sources have different operating requirements.

Commercial suppliers therefore design power supplies around specific source applications. Telemark offers supplies for single- and multiple-source operation, while Ferrotec offers high-voltage supplies specifically designed for e-gun sources.

YTI also supplies:

• Single-hearth electron beam sources
• Multi-hearth electron beam sources
• Ultra Source electron beam sources

Source and supply should be evaluated together.

2. Determine the Required Power

Electron-beam power supplies are commonly described by maximum kW output.

But the required power depends on the process.

Consider:

• Material being evaporated
• Desired deposition rate
• Crucible size
• Source design
• Chamber geometry
• Throw distance
• Production throughput
• Number of sources

A small research chamber does not necessarily need the same power as a production coating system running large-volume or high-rate deposition.

Current commercial source systems cover a wide power range. Telemark, for example, offers certain high-capacity sources in 10 kW and 15 kW configurations, while Ferrotec’s Carrera power supplies span several output capacities.

More Power Is Not Automatically Better

Oversizing a power supply does not automatically improve the process.

The complete system still has limits determined by:

• Source
• Cooling
• Material
• Crucible
• High-voltage components
• Process recipe

Choose enough capacity for the required process with appropriate margin rather than selecting the largest available unit by default.

3. Single Gun, Dual Gun or Multi-Gun?

Determine how many electron-beam sources the power supply must operate.

Single-Gun

Best suited to systems built around one e-beam source.

Dual-Gun

Can support systems using two independent sources or more complex coating sequences.

Multi-Gun

Some power supplies can operate three sources sequentially or simultaneously depending on the control architecture and available total power.

Ferrotec’s Carrera platform includes configurations for up to three evaporators.

When replacing an older supply, determine whether the existing system truly requires multiple outputs or whether the chamber has been modified since installation.

4. Verify High Voltage and Emission Requirements

Two supplies with the same kW rating may still operate very differently.

Verify:

• High-voltage range
• Maximum emission current
• Filament supply requirements
• Control response
• Arc handling
• Source polarity
• Grounding architecture

The power supply needs to operate inside the range expected by the e-beam source.

Changing those conditions can affect:

• Beam formation
• Source behavior
• Arc frequency
• Maximum power
• Process stability

Do not assume electrical compatibility from the front-panel power rating alone.

5. Verify Facility Power

A technically compatible e-beam supply may still be unusable if the facility cannot power it.

Confirm:

• Input voltage
• Phase
• Frequency
• Available current
• Disconnect size
• Transformer requirements
• Grounding

This becomes particularly important when replacing equipment originally designed for another region or when installing a refurbished unit from a different system.

Telemark specifically offers incoming-voltage options intended to accommodate different installation locations.

Photograph the existing nameplate before requesting a replacement.

6. Identify the Sweep Controller

The sweep controller determines how the beam moves across the evaporation material.

A replacement power supply may need to interface with existing:

• X-axis sweep
• Y-axis sweep
• Pattern controls
• Beam-position electronics
• Source controls

Do not assume the existing sweep electronics communicate with every replacement supply.

Document:

• Sweep-controller manufacturer
• Model
• Control connectors
• Analog signals
• Digital signals
• Existing drawings

YTI also supplies and supports electron beam sweep controllers.

7. Check Deposition-Rate Feedback

Many coating systems use a crystal monitor or deposition controller to automatically regulate the process.

The controller may provide an output signal that changes beam power according to measured deposition rate.

Before changing the power supply, determine:

• Deposition-controller manufacturer
• Output signal type
• Power-control interface
• Rate feedback method
• Existing process recipe

Ferrotec’s Genius controller provides an example of this type of integrated control architecture, combining source-control parameters with compatible power supplies.

Replacing a supply without maintaining the feedback interface can turn a previously automated process into a manual one.

8. Review Safety Interlocks

Electron-beam evaporation combines high voltage, substantial electrical power, vacuum equipment and cooling water.

The supply commonly interacts with safety and process permissives.

These may include:

• Chamber vacuum
• Cooling-water flow
• Cabinet doors
• Source status
• Emergency stop
• High-voltage enable
• Process controller
• Arc protection

When replacing legacy electronics, determine which interlocks are built into:

• Power supply
• Chamber PLC
• Source controller
• External relay logic

A replacement should preserve the required safety architecture rather than bypassing it for convenience.

9. Check High-Voltage Cables and Connectors

Mechanical compatibility matters too.

Before selecting a supply, document:

• High-voltage connector type
• Cable condition
• Cable length
• Source connections
• Ground connections
• Control connectors
• Rack dimensions
• Cabinet space

Replacing a power supply can become a much larger engineering project if every cable and control connection also has to be redesigned.

10. New or Refurbished?

Both can make sense.

Reasons to Choose New

A new e-beam power supply can be attractive when:

• Building a new system
• Modernizing controls
• Increasing power
• Adding sources
• Existing equipment is obsolete beyond economical repair
• Long-term standardized support is important

Reasons to Choose Refurbished

Refurbished equipment may be attractive when:

• Replacing a legacy unit
• Existing source and wiring need to remain
• A compatible model is available
• Budget matters
• Faster integration is desirable
• A proven older platform fits the process well

YTI maintains new and refurbished equipment paths and also refurbishes legacy electronics in its in-house lab.

Explore current options:

New & Refurbished Electron Beam Power Supplies

11. Should You Repair the Existing Unit Instead?

Before replacing a power supply, determine what is actually wrong with it.

A repair can make more sense when:

• One fault has developed
• The supply previously operated reliably
• The unit still fits the process
• Integration would make replacement expensive
• The problem is economically repairable

YTI provides component-level electronics and power supply repair for e-beam high-voltage supplies, including HV faults, arcing and emission problems.

If you are not sure whether the existing unit has failed, read:

Electron Beam Power Supply Troubleshooting: 7 Common Problems & What They Mean

12. When Does Refurbishment Make More Sense?

Refurbishment sits between a simple repair and complete replacement.

It can be especially useful when:

• The unit is obsolete but valuable
• Multiple components are aging
• Reliability has declined
• Output is drifting
• Cooling components are weak
• Previous repairs are accumulating
• Replacement would require major integration work

A refurbishment can involve:

• Cleaning
• Inspection
• Board repair
• Capacitor replacement
• Relay replacement
• Fan replacement
• Wiring correction
• Connector repair
• High-voltage section repair
• Calibration
• Load testing

YTI’s refurbishment process evaluates the entire assembly and replaces worn or age-sensitive components rather than stopping after one failed component is corrected.

Learn more:

Electronics & Power Supply Refurbishment

Quick Selection Checklist

Before requesting a quote, collect:

Existing Power Supply

• Manufacturer
• Model
• Serial number
• Maximum power
• Input voltage
• Input phase
• High-voltage range
• Emission rating

Electron Beam Source

• Manufacturer
• Model
• Number of guns
• Number of hearths
• Power rating

Controls

• Sweep-controller model
• Deposition-controller model
• Crystal-monitor model
• Chamber-controller information

Connections

• High-voltage cable photos
• Rear-panel photos
• Control connector photos
• Wiring diagrams

Process

• Material being evaporated
• Normal operating kW
• Typical deposition rate
• Production or research use
• Reason for replacement

Equipment Strategy

Tell YTI whether you are considering:

• New
• Refurbished
• Repair
• Refurbishment
• Complete system upgrade

Example Decision Paths

Existing Supply Failed Once

Best starting point: Repair

If the unit has been reliable for years and suddenly develops one fault, evaluate it before replacing it.

Existing Supply Fails Repeatedly

Best starting point: Refurbishment

A deeper rebuild may provide better long-term reliability than continuing isolated repairs.

Existing Supply Is Obsolete but the Chamber Works Well

Best starting point: Refurbished compatible unit or refurbishment

Maintaining existing system compatibility may reduce integration work.

Adding Another Electron Beam Gun

Best starting point: New or different multi-gun power-supply platform

The old supply may not have the required output or control architecture.

Complete Chamber Modernization

Best starting point: New power supply and control integration

A modernization project can coordinate power, source, sweep, deposition feedback and chamber controls together.

Understand the System Before You Choose

If you want a deeper explanation of how the supply, source, sweep electronics and deposition controls interact, start with:

What Is an Electron Beam Power Supply? A Guide to E-Beam Evaporation

That foundation makes power-supply selection considerably easier.

Continue the YTI Electron Beam Power Supply Series

Learning how e-beam power works?

Read:

What Is an Electron Beam Power Supply? A Guide to E-Beam Evaporation

Troubleshooting an existing unit?

Read:

Electron Beam Power Supply Troubleshooting: 7 Common Problems & What They Mean

Ready to look at equipment?

Visit:

New & Refurbished Electron Beam Power Supplies

Need Help Matching a Power Supply to Your System?

YTI can review the existing e-beam gun, power supply, sweep controller, deposition controls, facility power and chamber configuration before recommending a new, refurbished, repair or refurbishment path.

Send:

• Make
• Model
• Nameplate
• Source information
• Gun count
• Power requirement
• Facility voltage
• Photos
• Drawings when available

Request an E-Beam Power Supply Review
Call (860) 429-1908

An electron beam power supply is one of the core electronic components behind an electron-beam evaporation system.

It provides the controlled high voltage and emission power required for the electron-beam source to generate a beam, direct that beam toward evaporation material and deliver the energy needed to heat the material under vacuum.

But the power supply does not operate independently.

A complete e-beam deposition system may include:

• Electron beam power supply
• Electron beam source or gun
• Filament or emitter
• High-voltage connections
• Beam sweep controller
• Hearth and crucibles
• Cooling-water circuits
• Vacuum chamber
• Vacuum pumping system
• Deposition controller
• Quartz crystal monitor
• Safety interlocks
• Chamber process controls

Understanding how these components interact is important when selecting, replacing, troubleshooting or refurbishing an e-beam power supply.

YTI supplies new and refurbished electron beam power supplies and supports the electronics, sources, controls and vacuum systems around them.

What Does an Electron Beam Power Supply Do?

The main job of an e-beam power supply is to provide the electrical conditions necessary to create and control an electron beam.

In a typical electron-beam evaporation source, electrons are emitted from a heated filament and accelerated using high voltage.

Those electrons are then directed toward the evaporation material contained in a hearth or crucible.

When the beam strikes the material, its kinetic energy is converted into heat.

The material becomes hot enough to melt and eventually evaporate.

The resulting vapor travels through the vacuum chamber and condenses onto the substrate, forming a thin film.

Commercial e-beam power supplies are therefore designed specifically to operate with electron-beam sources rather than acting as generic high-voltage supplies. Telemark describes its units as electron-beam source power supplies, while Ferrotec similarly pairs high-voltage power supplies with its e-gun sources and controllers.

Why Is High Voltage Used?

Electrons must be accelerated toward the evaporation material with enough energy to generate substantial localized heating.

The power supply creates the electrical potential that accelerates those electrons.

Depending on the equipment, e-beam systems may operate at several thousand volts.

Higher voltage does not automatically mean better deposition.

The power supply, source geometry, beam current, hearth configuration, material and process must all work together.

This is one reason an existing e-beam supply should not be replaced simply by finding another unit with the same maximum kW rating.

What Is Emission Current?

Voltage accelerates the electrons.

Emission current represents the amount of electron flow being produced.

Together, voltage and current determine how much beam power is delivered to the source.

As the process calls for additional evaporation power, the system can increase emission within the operating limits of the power supply and e-beam gun.

A stable relationship between high voltage and emission is important for repeatable evaporation.

Problems with emission control can result in:

• Difficulty starting evaporation
• Unstable deposition rate
• Sudden loss of beam power
• Process interruptions
• Arc faults
• Inconsistent coating cycles

If your equipment is already experiencing these symptoms, continue to Electron Beam Power Supply Troubleshooting: 7 Common Problems & What They Mean.

What Is an Electron Beam Gun?

The electron-beam gun is the physical source connected to the power supply.

Its job is to generate, shape and direct the electron beam toward the evaporation material.

Different source designs are available depending on:

• Required power
• Number of materials
• Crucible capacity
• Chamber dimensions
• Deposition rate
• Production requirements
• Beam geometry
• Application

YTI supports several types of electron-beam sources, including:

• Single-hearth electron beam sources
• Multi-hearth electron beam sources
• Ultra Source multi-hearth electron beam systems

Telemark’s current source lineup similarly spans multiple source configurations and power requirements, demonstrating why source selection and power-supply selection must be considered together.

What Does the Beam Sweep Controller Do?

Producing the electron beam is only part of the process.

The beam may also need to move across the evaporation material.

A beam sweep controller manages that movement.

Rather than concentrating the entire beam on one stationary point, X-Y sweep control can move the beam through a programmed pattern across the material.

This can help:

• Distribute beam energy
• Control the molten material pool
• Improve material utilization
• Manage evaporation behavior
• Support repeatable deposition

Ferrotec’s integrated e-beam controllers, for example, store beam-sweep and operating parameters and can coordinate multiple electron-beam sources with compatible power supplies.

YTI supplies and services electron beam sweep controllers as part of the same vacuum coating electronics ecosystem.

How Does Deposition Rate Feedback Work?

Many production coating systems do not rely only on an operator manually adjusting beam power.

A quartz crystal monitor or deposition controller can measure film growth and provide process feedback.

The system can then use that information to adjust evaporation power so the desired deposition rate is maintained.

Conceptually, the control loop may look like this:

Power Supply → E-Beam Source → Evaporating Material → Deposition → Crystal Monitor → Deposition Controller → Power Adjustment

That means apparent power-supply problems are sometimes actually feedback or process-control problems.

A fluctuating deposition rate could potentially involve:

• Power supply
• Emission control
• Sweep controller
• Electron-beam source
• Crystal sensor
• Rate controller
• Material condition
• Chamber pressure
• Cooling conditions

This is why YTI’s electronics service approach includes the connected controllers and instrumentation instead of treating every problem as an isolated power-supply failure. YTI currently repairs e-beam supplies, sweep and emission controls, rate/thickness monitors and associated process controls.

Single-Gun vs. Multi-Gun Power Supplies

Not every vacuum coating system has the same source arrangement.

Single-Gun Systems

A single-gun power supply operates one electron-beam source.

This is common in systems where one source can handle the required materials and deposition process.

Dual-Gun Systems

Dual-gun configurations can support two electron-beam sources.

This may be useful where:

• Different materials are deposited
• Additional source capacity is needed
• System geometry requires multiple guns
• Process flexibility is important

Three-Gun Systems

Some power-supply platforms can operate up to three evaporation sources.

Ferrotec’s current Carrera series, for example, includes configurations capable of sequential or simultaneous supply to as many as three evaporators.

The correct configuration depends on much more than how many connectors are available.

Total available power, control architecture and the actual deposition process must also be considered.

How Much Power Does an E-Beam System Need?

Electron-beam power supplies are available across a wide range of output capacities.

The appropriate power level depends on:

• Evaporation material
• Required deposition rate
• Source design
• Crucible size
• Number of guns
• Throw distance
• Production cycle
• Chamber configuration

Some high-melting-point or high-throughput applications require considerably more energy than small research systems.

For example, current commercial equipment spans small multi-kilowatt systems through sources designed for 10 kW, 15 kW or more depending on application. Telemark lists high-capacity production sources in 10 kW and 15 kW configurations, while Ferrotec’s Carrera power-supply family covers multiple output capacities.

The important point is:

Do not choose an electron beam power supply based on wattage alone.

Read How to Choose an E-Beam Power Supply: New vs. Refurbished, Power, Controls & Compatibility before selecting a replacement.

What Happens When an E-Beam Power Supply Begins to Fail?

Because the supply operates at high voltage and forms part of a larger control system, failures can appear in several ways.

Common symptoms include:

• High-voltage fault
• No emission
• Unstable emission
• Arcing
• Supply trips under load
• Unable to reach normal power
• Intermittent shutdown
• Cooling-related faults
• Control communication problems
• Output drift
• Process rate instability

YTI repairs high-voltage e-beam supplies down to the component level and specifically lists arcing, emission loss and HV faults among the problems it addresses.

For detailed diagnosis guidance, read:

Electron Beam Power Supply Troubleshooting: 7 Common Problems & What They Mean

Can an Older E-Beam Power Supply Be Repaired?

Often, yes.

Vacuum coating equipment can remain in production for many years, and replacing an entire deposition system because one electronic assembly becomes obsolete is not always economical.

Depending on the unit and failure, service may include:

• Component-level diagnosis
• Board repair
• High-voltage section repair
• Relay replacement
• Capacitor replacement
• Cooling-fan replacement
• Connector and wiring repair
• Control-loop repair
• Output recalibration
• Load testing

YTI’s in-house electronics lab services current, discontinued and legacy vacuum coating electronics and can also evaluate compatible replacement electronics when original hardware is no longer practical to restore.

Learn more:

Electronics & Power Supply Repair

Electronics & Power Supply Refurbishment

Repair, Refurbish or Replace?

The right decision depends on the equipment condition.

Repair

Best when:

• There is one defined fault
• The rest of the supply is in good condition
• Parts remain supportable
• Reliability was good before the failure

Refurbish

Better when:

• Failures are becoming frequent
• Components are aging
• Output is drifting
• The unit is obsolete
• Heat or contamination has accumulated
• Production depends heavily on the supply

YTI describes refurbishment as a deeper rebuild that evaluates the entire assembly, including boards, connectors, relays, capacitors, cooling systems, high-voltage sections, interlocks and controls.

Replace

Replacement may make more sense when:

• The existing supply cannot meet process requirements
• Repair is no longer economical
• Critical components are unavailable
• The system is being upgraded
• Additional guns or power are required
• New controls are being integrated

For a complete comparison, read:

How to Choose an E-Beam Power Supply

How the Complete E-Beam System Fits Together

A useful way to visualize an electron-beam evaporation system is:

Facility Power
↓
Electron Beam Power Supply
↓
Electron Beam Source / Gun
↓
Electron Beam
↓
Evaporation Material
↓
Material Vapor
↓
Deposited Film

Working alongside that power path are:

Sweep Controller → Beam Position

Crystal Monitor → Deposition Rate

Process Controller → Power Feedback

Vacuum System → Process Environment

Cooling Water → Heat Removal

Safety Interlocks → Equipment Protection

Understanding those relationships makes troubleshooting and equipment selection much easier.

Continue the YTI Electron Beam Power Supply Series

This article is part of YTI’s electron-beam power supply technical resource series.

Experiencing a problem?

Read:

Electron Beam Power Supply Troubleshooting: 7 Common Problems & What They Mean

Selecting a new or refurbished unit?

Read:

How to Choose an E-Beam Power Supply: New vs. Refurbished, Power, Controls & Compatibility

Looking for equipment now?

Visit:

New & Refurbished Electron Beam Power Supplies

Need Help With an Electron Beam System?

YTI supports the complete electronics and component chain around electron-beam evaporation, including power supplies, sources, sweep controllers, high-voltage electronics, deposition controls and the surrounding vacuum coating system.

Send the manufacturer, model, source information, power requirements, photographs and current symptoms to YTI.

Contact YTI
Call (860) 429-1908

If you operate a vacuum coating system, you may hear operators refer to “the Polycold” as though it were another vacuum pump attached to the chamber.

That description is convenient, but it is not quite accurate.

A Polycold cryochiller is a closed-loop cryogenic refrigeration system that can cool a cryocoil, Meissner coil, cryobaffle or another cold surface connected to a vacuum process. One of its most important vacuum-coating applications is capturing water vapor so the chamber can reach process vacuum more efficiently.

Understanding that distinction helps explain why a Polycold system can dramatically affect vacuum performance even though it does not replace the chamber’s primary high-vacuum pump.

Why Water Vapor Matters in Vacuum Coating

When a vacuum chamber is opened to atmosphere, moisture adsorbs onto the chamber walls, tooling, fixtures and other internal surfaces.

During pump-down, that moisture gradually leaves those surfaces and becomes part of the chamber’s gas load.

The mechanical roughing and high-vacuum pumping system must remove that gas before the chamber reaches the pressure required for the coating process.

A cryogenically cooled surface provides another way to deal with that water vapor.

Instead of requiring every water molecule to travel to the primary pump, the cold surface captures condensable vapor directly inside or near the chamber.

For vacuum coating operations, this can contribute to:

• Faster and more repeatable pump-down
• Reduced residual moisture
• Better process consistency
• More stable base-pressure behavior
• Improved production throughput
• Reduced burden on the primary pumping system

Edwards describes Polycold cryochillers as closed-loop cryogenic refrigeration systems used to capture water vapor and other condensable substances in vacuum processes.

Is a Polycold System a Vacuum Pump?

Not in the same way as a diffusion pump, turbomolecular pump, mechanical pump or conventional cryopump.

A Polycold water-vapor pumping system creates an extremely cold surface.

Water molecules that reach that surface condense or freeze onto it and are therefore removed from the active chamber gas load.

This is why operators may describe the cryocoil as providing very high effective pumping speed for water vapor.

However, the Polycold system works with the chamber’s primary pumping equipment rather than replacing it.

A typical coating system might therefore include:

1. A mechanical or dry roughing system
2. A high-vacuum pump such as a diffusion or turbomolecular pump
3. A Polycold cryochiller and cryocoil for water-vapor capture
4. Vacuum gauges and controls
5. Valves and chamber hardware
6. Deposition sources and associated power supplies

The performance of the coating system depends on those components working together.

How Does a Polycold Cryochiller Work?

Modern Polycold cryochillers use a closed refrigeration circuit.

The system circulates a specialized multi-component refrigerant mixture through a refrigeration process before sending very cold refrigerant through insulated lines to the cryosurface.

Official Polycold service documentation describes an auto-refrigerating cycle in which a multi-component refrigerant stream is circulated by a single compressor and progressively cooled using heat exchange, phase separation and expansion.

In simplified terms, the process looks like this.

Step 1: The Compressor Circulates the Refrigerant

The compressor raises the pressure of the refrigerant mixture and provides the circulation required for the refrigeration cycle.

Step 2: Heat Is Removed

The hot compressed refrigerant passes through the cooling and heat-exchange sections of the system.

Step 3: The Refrigerant Mixture Is Progressively Cooled

Because the mixture contains components with different boiling characteristics, different portions of the refrigerant condense and expand at different stages.

This allows the system to produce extremely low temperatures using one integrated refrigeration circuit.

Step 4: Cold Refrigerant Travels to the Chamber

The refrigerated mixture flows through insulated supply lines to the cryocoil, cryobaffle, cold chuck or other application.

Step 5: The Cryosurface Captures Water Vapor

Inside the vacuum chamber, water molecules contacting the very cold surface condense or freeze onto it.

Step 6: Refrigerant Returns to the Cryochiller

After absorbing heat at the cryosurface, the refrigerant returns to the refrigeration unit and repeats the closed-loop cycle.

Step 7: The Cryosurface Is Defrosted

After the process cycle, the system can warm or defrost the cryosurface so captured material can be released before the next cycle.

What Are the Main Parts of a Polycold System?

Although operators may think primarily about the cryochiller cabinet, the complete system extends from the refrigeration unit into the vacuum chamber.

Refrigeration Unit

The cabinet contains the major refrigeration components responsible for compressing, cooling, separating and circulating the refrigerant.

Depending on the model and generation, this may include:

• Compressor
• Heat exchangers
• Condenser
• Refrigerant separators
• Expansion components
• Oil-management components
• Valves
• Pressure protection
• Controls
• Sensors

Refrigerant

Polycold technology uses engineered multi-component refrigerant mixtures.

The mixture is an important part of the refrigeration design rather than simply a generic coolant that can be replaced with any commonly available refrigerant.

That distinction becomes especially important when maintaining older equipment.

For a deeper explanation, read Polycold Refrigerant Alternatives: What You Need to Know.

Refrigerant Lines

Insulated supply and return lines carry refrigerant between the refrigeration unit and the chamber-mounted cold surface.

Line condition, insulation, fittings and leaks can all influence practical system performance.

Cryogenic Feedthrough

The feedthrough allows the refrigeration circuit to enter the vacuum chamber while maintaining vacuum integrity.

Cryocoil or Meissner Coil

The cryocoil provides a large cold surface inside the chamber.

Its location, surface area, geometry and temperature affect how effectively water vapor is captured.

Cryobaffle

Some systems use cold baffles for condensable vapor capture or to help manage contamination and backstreaming in the vacuum system.

Controls and Sensors

Pressure sensors, temperature sensors, relays, control electronics, valves, alarms and safety interlocks manage system operation.

Where Are Polycold Systems Used?

Polycold technology has been installed in many vacuum and cryogenic applications.

Common environments include:

• Optical coating
• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Thin-film deposition
• Aerospace production
• Research laboratories
• Medical-device manufacturing
• Electronics
• Industrial vacuum coating
• Advanced materials processing
• High-vacuum process equipment

YTI supports Polycold equipment as part of complete cryochiller and cryopump systems as well as integrated vacuum coating systems.

What Types of Polycold Equipment Are Still in Use?

One of the reasons Polycold service requires specialized experience is the wide range of equipment generations still operating.

Facilities may have:

• Legacy P-Series equipment
• Older 1100-Series units
• PFC fast-cycle water-vapor pumps
• MaxCool cryochillers
• Compact cryogenic refrigeration systems
• Custom or modified Polycold installations
• Single-circuit systems
• Multi-circuit systems
• Custom cryocoil configurations

Older vacuum coating systems are also frequently modified during their operating lives.

Controls may have been upgraded, refrigeration work may have been performed previously, the chamber may have been repurposed or the original cryocoil may have been altered.

For that reason, a model number is only the starting point when evaluating an older system.

How Does a Polycold System Improve Pump-Down?

Consider what happens after a production vacuum chamber is vented and loaded.

Moisture enters with the atmosphere and attaches to internal surfaces.

During the next cycle:

1. Roughing pumps begin evacuating the chamber.
2. Water vapor continues desorbing from internal surfaces.
3. The high-vacuum pumping system takes over as chamber pressure decreases.
4. The Polycold cryosurface becomes extremely cold.
5. Water molecules striking the cryosurface are trapped.
6. The remaining pumping system has less water-vapor load to remove.
7. The chamber reaches process conditions more efficiently and consistently.

The actual improvement depends on the chamber, cryocoil configuration, water load, equipment condition and process.

A healthy cryochiller therefore cannot compensate for every vacuum problem.

A large chamber leak, failing diffusion pump, inadequate roughing system or severe contamination can still cause poor pump-down even when the Polycold system is operating correctly.

Why Would a Polycold System Stop Improving Pump-Down?

When a chamber suddenly begins taking longer to evacuate, the cryochiller is one possible cause—but not the only one.

Potential Polycold-related causes include:

• Insufficient refrigerant charge
• Refrigerant leak
• Compressor wear
• Refrigeration restriction
• Heat-exchanger problems
• Cooling-water problems
• Damaged refrigerant lines
• Control or valve failure
• Cryocoil no longer reaching temperature
• Cryocoil contamination
• Sensor problems

Potential non-Polycold causes include:

• Chamber leak
• Increased moisture load
• Contamination
• Diffusion-pump problem
• Mechanical pump problem
• Valve leak
• Seal failure
• Process change
• Increased chamber heat load

YTI’s approach is to diagnose the connected vacuum process rather than assume the cryochiller is responsible simply because pump-down became slower.

How Do You Know When a Polycold System Needs Service?

Watch for changes relative to the equipment’s normal operating baseline.

Common indicators include:

• Longer cooldown
• Warmer cryocoil
• Slower pump-down
• Increasing chamber base pressure
• Pressure alarms
• Refrigerant loss
• Abnormal compressor behavior
• Repeated faults
• Inconsistent coating cycles

For a detailed service-focused explanation, continue to:

Polycold Service & Repair: Top 7 Frequently Asked Questions

Can Older Polycold Systems Still Be Supported?

Many can.

YTI provides independent support for current and legacy Polycold equipment and can evaluate refrigeration systems, cryocoils, controls, refrigerant circuits and the connected vacuum process.

Depending on the condition of the equipment, the appropriate path may be:

• Targeted repair
• Complete refurbishment
• Refrigerant recharge
• Cryogenic refrigerant supply
• Controls or electronics repair
• Preventive maintenance
• Replacement or rental equipment
• Complete system upgrade

Continue Exploring Polycold Technology

This guide is part of YTI’s three-part Polycold resource series.

Having a problem with your equipment?

Read:

Polycold Service & Repair: Top 7 Frequently Asked Questions

Concerned about an older refrigerant or future availability?

Read:

Polycold Refrigerant Alternatives: What You Need to Know

Need manufacturer-specific service information?

Visit:

YTI Polycold Cryochiller Service, Repair & Refurbishment

Need Help With a Polycold or Vacuum Coating System?

YTI supports vacuum coating and cryogenic systems from troubleshooting and repair through complete refurbishment, refrigerant service, controls, custom engineering and long-term equipment planning.

If your Polycold system is no longer cooling correctly or chamber pump-down has changed, send YTI the equipment model, serial number, refrigerant information, photographs and current operating symptoms.

Contact YTI
Call (860) 429-1908

ORAFOL Customer Case Study: Refurbishing Three DIP 20000 Diffusion Pumps

Restoring reliable high-vacuum performance for an industrial metalizer

When vacuum equipment supports a production process, reliable performance depends on much more than repairing a single component. The pumps must be serviced correctly, reinstalled properly and evaluated as part of the complete vacuum system.

ORAFOL contacted Yeagle Technology Inc. to service three DIP 20000 oil diffusion pumps used on the company’s metalizer. YTI completed the diffusion pump refurbishment work, supported the pump reinstallation and performed leak detection testing on the system.

The project followed an earlier visit in which YTI repaired a Polycold unit serving the same vacuum chamber operation.

After the three diffusion pumps were returned to service, ORAFOL reported that the pumps were working well and praised YTI’s technical knowledge, communication, pricing and willingness to help the customer better understand its equipment.

“Thank you, the Diffusion Pumps are working great!”

Project at a glance

Customer: ORAFOL
Equipment: Three DIP 20000 oil diffusion pumps
Application: Industrial metalizer and vacuum chamber
Previous YTI work: Polycold unit repair
Primary service: Diffusion pump refurbishment
Additional work: Pump reinstallation support, system leak detection and findings report
Customer contact: Blanche Gorham, Process Engineer

The challenge

ORAFOL’s metalizer relies on its vacuum system to maintain the operating conditions required by the production process. The system includes multiple pieces of interconnected equipment, including the diffusion pumps and Polycold unit serving the vacuum chamber.

Three DIP 20000 diffusion pumps required professional service and refurbishment. ORAFOL needed a provider that could do more than work on the pumps in isolation. The selected company also needed to communicate clearly, support the equipment after reinstallation and help identify other conditions that could affect vacuum performance.

ORAFOL evaluated proposals from several service companies before selecting YTI.

According to Process Engineer Blanche Gorham, YTI provided the most reasonable pricing among the companies considered while also delivering the technical knowledge and support required for the project.

A relationship that began with Polycold service

The diffusion pump project was not ORAFOL’s first experience with YTI.

Several months earlier, YTI had repaired a Polycold unit used with ORAFOL’s vacuum chamber. That work gave YTI familiarity with the facility, application and supporting vacuum equipment before the diffusion pump refurbishment project began.

This continuity is valuable when servicing production vacuum systems. A pump, cryogenic unit, chamber, cooling circuit, control system or leak can affect the performance of the overall process. Having one technical partner familiar with multiple parts of the system can make troubleshooting and long-term equipment planning more efficient.

Refurbishment of three DIP 20000 diffusion pumps

YTI completed the approved refurbishment scope on all three DIP 20000 diffusion pumps.

The objective was to return the pumps to reliable operating condition while giving ORAFOL a clear understanding of the completed work and any additional concerns found during the service process.

For industrial vacuum equipment, refurbishment can provide an alternative to premature replacement. It allows the service team to evaluate the existing equipment, address repairable conditions and help extend the useful life of major vacuum system components.

YTI supports diffusion pumps through depot refurbishment, field service, troubleshooting, installation support and system-level performance evaluation.

Reinstallation followed by leak detection testing

The work did not end when the diffusion pumps were returned.

After the pumps were reinstalled, YTI performed leak detection testing on the vacuum system. This additional step helped evaluate the system after the pump service and identify areas that could require further attention.

YTI then provided ORAFOL with a report documenting the areas of concern discovered during testing.

This was an important part of the project because satisfactory vacuum performance depends on the condition of the entire system. Even properly refurbished pumps may not deliver the expected result when leaks, seals, connections or other system conditions remain unresolved.

By including leak detection after reinstallation, YTI gave ORAFOL more than a completed pump refurbishment. The customer also received useful information for continued maintenance and future system planning.

Communication throughout the project

ORAFOL specifically recognized YTI’s communication before, during and after the work.

Clear communication is especially important when servicing production-critical equipment. Customers need to understand what information is required, how the work will proceed, what was discovered and what should happen next.

YTI worked to keep ORAFOL informed throughout the diffusion pump project and remained available to answer technical questions after the work was completed.

The customer also highlighted the team’s willingness to explain how the equipment works and provide practical guidance on how to care for the system.

That exchange of knowledge helps the customer make better maintenance decisions, recognize developing problems and communicate more effectively when future service is required.

The result

Following refurbishment and reinstallation, ORAFOL reported that all three diffusion pumps were working well.

The project delivered several important outcomes:

• Three DIP 20000 diffusion pumps were professionally refurbished.
• The pumps were returned to operation on ORAFOL’s metalizer.
• Leak detection testing was completed after reinstallation.
• ORAFOL received a report identifying areas of concern.
• The customer received responsive communication throughout the project.
• YTI answered technical questions and provided equipment-care guidance.
• The work strengthened an existing service relationship that began with the earlier Polycold repair.

Most importantly, ORAFOL expressed confidence in using YTI for future service needs.

What ORAFOL said about working with YTI

“Thank you, the Diffusion Pumps are working great!

We hired YTI to service the oil diffusion pumps (DIP20000) on our Metalizer and had a great experience. YTI also handled the repairs on our PolyCold unit for the vacuum chamber a few months back. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. We got quotes from several different companies to complete this job, and YTI’s price was by far the most reasonable.

They did a great job at communicating before, during, and after the job was complete. They also included a leak detection test after the pumps were reinstalled and provided a report indicating the areas of concern. The staff is happy to answer our questions and teach us more about the innerworkings of our machine and how to care for it. It feels like the staff at YTI genuinely wants us to succeed and is happy to support us in any way they can.

Will definitely be going back to YTI for future services. Special shoutout to Adam, Omar, and Gary for all their help!”

Blanche Gorham
Process Engineer
ORAFOL

More than a pump repair

The ORAFOL project reflects YTI’s broader approach to vacuum equipment service.

The immediate assignment involved refurbishing three diffusion pumps, but the complete value of the work also included:

• Familiarity with the related Polycold equipment
• Communication throughout the service process
• Support after the pumps were reinstalled
• Leak detection testing of the connected system
• Documentation of additional areas of concern
• Technical education for the customer’s team
• Continued availability for future support

This approach helps customers move beyond isolated repairs and toward better long-term equipment reliability.

Diffusion pump refurbishment and field support from YTI

Yeagle Technology Inc. provides diffusion pump refurbishment, troubleshooting, leak detection, installation support and vacuum system field service for customers throughout the United States.

YTI also supports related equipment and systems, including:

• Vacuum coating and deposition systems
• Polycold and other cryochiller equipment
• Cryopumps
• Mechanical vacuum pumps
• Vacuum chambers
• Controls and electronics
• Power supplies
• Feedthroughs and vacuum components
• Cooling circuits
• Preventive maintenance programs
• Custom machining and fabrication
• Equipment redesign and modernization

With engineering, machining, fabrication, electronics, cryogenic service and vacuum testing capabilities, YTI can evaluate both the component requiring service and the larger system in which it operates.

Does your diffusion pump or vacuum system need service?

Contact YTI when a diffusion pump requires refurbishment, a vacuum chamber is not reaching its expected pressure, pump-down time has increased or a production system needs a complete technical evaluation.

Provide the equipment manufacturer, model number, photos, operating symptoms, service history, facility location and required timeline. YTI will review the information and help determine the appropriate depot service, field service, leak detection, repair, refurbishment or preventive maintenance path.

Yeagle Technology Inc.
Ashford, Connecticut
Nationwide field and depot service
(860) 429-1908
sales@ytionline.com

A Guide to Interfacing Diffusion Pumps with a New Coating Chamber

Integrating an existing diffusion pump with a new or repurposed vacuum coating chamber is a common task in many R&D and manufacturing environments. To ensure success, this process requires more than just bolting parts together. Proper integration involves a systematic review of mechanical interfaces, backing pump compatibility, thermal management, and control systems to achieve the desired vacuum level and prevent costly contamination or system downtime. This guide outlines the critical engineering choices for a successful retrofit.

Understanding the Core Challenge of Integration

Connecting a diffusion pump to a vacuum coating chamber is more than a simple flange-to-flange connection. The chamber must be evaluated as part of the full pumping system so the diffusion pump, high-vacuum valve, foreline, backing pump, seals, and controls all work together safely and efficiently. The goal is to create a clean, leak-tight, high-conductance connection that allows the diffusion pump to reach the required operating pressure without introducing contamination, mechanical stress, or unnecessary pump-down limitations.

Before installing the diffusion pump, inspect the chamber port and surrounding connection area carefully. Check for damaged flange faces, warped sealing surfaces, worn O-ring grooves, contamination, or interior scratches that could trap gases and create virtual leaks. A helium leak check should be performed before final integration to confirm the chamber can support high-vacuum operation. For demanding high-vacuum coating work, the target leak rate is typically less than 10⁻⁹ mbar ⋅ l ⋅ s⁻¹.

Key initial chamber considerations include:

Vacuum Integrity: Confirm the chamber is structurally sound, clean, and capable of holding the required vacuum level before connecting the diffusion pump. Pump Port Compatibility: Verify the chamber port size, flange type, bolt pattern, and seal style match the diffusion pump or the required adapter flange. Conductance and Flow Path: Keep the connection between the chamber and diffusion pump as short, straight, and unrestricted as possible to maximize pumping efficiency. In-Chamber Hardware: Account for sources, shields, heaters, fixtures, and other internal components that may increase surface area and outgassing load. The diffusion pump and backing system must be sized to handle that added load.

Mechanical Integration: Flanges, Seals, and Alignment

The most direct interface between your diffusion pump and the chamber is the mechanical connection. Mismatched flanges, improper seals, or poor alignment can introduce leaks, stress components, and ultimately prevent your system from reaching its target pressure. Getting this right is fundamental.

Most large diffusion pumps use ISO (Large Flange / LF) flanges, while chambers can vary. It's critical to ensure you have the correct adapter flange if the port on your chamber is a different standard, such as ConFlat (CF). While adapters are readily available, each additional flange joint is another potential leak point that requires careful assembly.

Field example: These flange components illustrate why bolt pattern, sealing surface condition, alignment, and support must be checked before final installation. Even small fitment issues at this connection can create leaks, reduce conductance, or place stress on the chamber port.

Sealing is paramount. For high-vacuum (HV) systems, the choice of O-ring material is critical. While Viton is common, it has a higher outgassing rate and permeation compared to metal seals. If your new chamber is intended for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) applications, you must upgrade from elastomer O-rings to metal seals like ConFlat (CF). This single change dramatically reduces outgassing and allows the system to achieve lower ultimate pressures. Be sure to follow proper bolt-tightening procedures in a star pattern to ensure the knife-edge makes a perfect seal.

Don't overlook physical alignment and support. Diffusion pumps are heavy and must be properly supported to avoid putting mechanical stress on the chamber port, the pump throat, or any connecting high-vacuum valves. Use a sturdy frame and leveling feet to ensure the pump is perfectly aligned before tightening the flange bolts. Misalignment can cause uneven sealing and create a persistent, hard-to-find leak. Our team specializes in designing and fabricating these types of custom engineering services.


The Pumping Stack: Backing and Foreline Considerations

A diffusion pump cannot exhaust directly to atmosphere; it requires a backing (or roughing) pump to maintain a low pressure at its outlet, known as the foreline pressure. The performance of your diffusion pump is directly tied to the performance of its backing pump. When interfacing with a new chamber, it's the perfect time to evaluate and potentially upgrade your entire pumping stack.

Older systems often used oil-sealed rotary vane pumps as backing pumps. While effective, they are a known source of hydrocarbon contamination. If oil vapor backstreams from the backing pump into the diffusion pump, it will be cracked by the hot oil jets and can contaminate your entire vacuum chamber. Modern alternatives offer a cleaner solution.

Consider these upgrades for your backing pump system:

• Dry Scroll or Screw Pumps: Replacing an old rotary vane pump with a hermetically sealed dry pump eliminates the primary source of hydrocarbon vapor in your system. This is one of the most effective upgrades for improving process cleanliness.
• Roots Boosters: For very large chambers or processes with high gas loads, adding a Roots blower between the diffusion pump and the backing pump can significantly improve pump-down times.
• Foreline Traps: If a dry pump isn't in the budget, adding a molecular sieve or an actively cooled trap to the foreline can help prevent oil backstreaming from a rotary vane pump.

Proper foreline design is also crucial. The line should be as short and wide as possible to maximize conductance, and it must be rated to handle the required vacuum level and be leak-free.

Thermal and Power Management for Diffusion Pumps

Diffusion pumps operate by boiling a special fluid and directing the vapor through a series of jet assemblies. This process requires precise thermal management, including both a powerful heater and an efficient cooling system. Integrating these subsystems into your new chamber setup is a critical step.

Your control system must supply the correct voltage and current to the diffusion pump's boiler. The power should be interlocked with sensors to prevent overheating. The pump should never be heated until a sufficient rough vacuum is achieved, and it should never be vented to atmosphere while hot, as this will oxidize the pump fluid.

Simultaneously, the body of the diffusion pump must be actively cooled, typically with water. The cooling lines must be properly connected and have a reliable flow rate. Many system failures are caused by an interruption in cooling water.

Key integration points for thermal management include:

• Power Control: Use a dedicated circuit and controller for the pump's heater, interlocked with vacuum gauges and temperature sensors.
• Cooling Water Flow: Integrate a flow switch into the cooling line. This switch should be interlocked with the heater, automatically cutting power if water flow stops, preventing catastrophic pump failure.
• System-Wide Cooling: Consider how the pump's cooling integrates with other system needs, such as water-cooled chamber shielding or deposition sources. Ensure your chiller has adequate capacity for all components. For more on this, see these thermal management strategies.

Modern Alternatives: When to Replace Your Diffusion Pump

While diffusion pumps are reliable and cost-effective workhorses for high vacuum, it's important to consider modern alternatives, especially when undertaking a major system retrofit. Depending on your process requirements, replacing an old diffusion pump with a turbomolecular pump (TMP) may be a better long-term solution.

Diffusion pumps, even when perfectly operated, present a risk of oil backstreaming into the process chamber. For sensitive applications like semiconductor manufacturing or high-purity optical coatings, this risk is often unacceptable. TMPs, on the other hand, are completely dry high-vacuum pumps that operate mechanically, like a jet turbine, to move gas molecules.

Here's a comparison:

• Cleanliness: TMPs are inherently cleaner, with zero risk of oil vapor backstreaming. This is their single biggest advantage.
• Pump-Down Time: TMPs often provide faster pump-down cycles because they can be started sooner and do not require a lengthy warm-up or cool-down period.
• Operating Pressure: Diffusion pumps can handle higher gas loads at higher pressures, making them suitable for some industrial PVD processes. TMPs operate best at lower pressures.
• Cost & Maintenance: Diffusion pumps have lower initial costs and simpler maintenance (oil changes). TMPs have a higher initial cost and require specialized bearing service every few years.

If your new process demands the highest level of cleanliness or rapid cycling, upgrading to one of our modern turbomolecular pumps is a smart investment. However, for many large-scale industrial applications, a well-maintained diffusion pump remains a highly effective and economical choice.

Process Control and Automation Integration

Finally, the diffusion pump must be fully integrated into the chamber's master control system. A modern remanufactured system will use a PLC or PC-based interface to automate sequencing and provide safety interlocks. Your diffusion pump is not a stand-alone device; it's a critical component that must communicate with the rest of the system.

Automated control sequences are vital for the proper operation of a diffusion pump. The controller must manage the pump-down cycle, ensuring the correct valves open and close in the right order. For example, the high-vacuum valve between the pump and chamber should never open until the pump has reached its operational state.

Essential interlocks for a diffusion pump include:

1. Foreline Pressure: The heater should not activate until the foreline pressure, measured by a gauge, is below a setpoint (e.g., <100 mTorr). If foreline pressure rises too high during operation, the heater should shut off.
2. Cooling Water Flow: A flow switch must confirm adequate water flow before the heater turns on and must shut it down if flow is interrupted.
3. Pump Temperature: A sensor on the pump casing can prevent overheating by cutting power if a maximum temperature is exceeded.
4. Chamber Pressure: The high-vacuum valve should be interlocked with a high-vacuum gauge to prevent it from opening at or near atmospheric pressure.

By integrating these functions into a central PLC, you create a safe, reliable, and repeatable process. This is a core part of our vacuum system upgrades and retrofits service, ensuring all components work together seamlessly.

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Whether you're reusing a trusted diffusion pump or considering an upgrade, successful integration with a new vacuum chamber requires careful planning across mechanical, thermal, and control systems. By following these engineering principles, you can ensure your retrofitted system achieves its performance goals for years to come.

Ready to upgrade or retrofit your vacuum system? Contact the experts at Yeagle Technology today to discuss your project requirements.

FAQs About Vacuum Pump and Chamber Integration

What is the main challenge when connecting a diffusion pump to a new chamber?

The primary challenge is ensuring a perfect, leak-free mechanical and vacuum seal. This involves matching flange types (or using proper adapters), selecting the right seal material (elastomer vs. metal), and ensuring precise physical alignment to avoid stress on the connection, which could create a leak.

Why is the backing pump so important for a diffusion pump?

A diffusion pump can only operate when the pressure at its outlet (the foreline) is kept low. A backing pump, such as a rotary vane or dry scroll pump, provides this condition. The cleanliness and performance of the backing pump directly impact the diffusion pump's efficiency and the ultimate cleanliness of the entire vacuum system.

Can I use my old O-rings on a high-vacuum system?

It is strongly discouraged. While elastomer O-rings (like Viton) are used in some high-vacuum applications, they degrade over time, have higher outgassing rates than metal, and can cause contamination. For UHV or cleaner processes, you should always upgrade to metal seals like those on ConFlat (CF) flanges.

Should I upgrade my diffusion pump to a turbomolecular pump?

It depends on your application. If your process is extremely sensitive to hydrocarbon contamination (e.g., optics, semiconductors) or requires very fast cycling, a turbomolecular pump (TMP) is a superior choice. If you have a high gas-load industrial process and budget is a key concern, a well-maintained diffusion pump is still a very viable and effective option.

How do I control a diffusion pump with a modern PLC?

You integrate the pump using sensors and relays connected to the PLC's I/O. Key signals to integrate are foreline pressure, cooling water flow, and pump temperature. The PLC is then programmed with a sequence that ensures the pump only turns on when conditions are safe and automatically shuts down if a fault (like loss of cooling water) is detected.

What is backstreaming and how do I prevent it?

Backstreaming is the migration of pump oil vapor from the pump into the clean vacuum chamber, causing contamination. With diffusion pumps, it can be minimized by using a cold trap or baffle above the pump. The best way to prevent it entirely is to use dry backing pumps and, for the most critical applications, upgrade the high-vacuum pump itself to an oil-free turbomolecular pump.

Ashford, CT

Vacuum pump rebuilds result in improved performance and profitability

YTI, a fully equipped service, remanufacturing and repair center for nearly all types of vacuum pumps, has gained market leadership with its fast, affordable diffusion pump rebuilds. Improved pump efficiency and fast service turnaround ensure that vacuum system users operate competitively and cost-effectively. YTI specializes in fast, expert repair of diffusion pumps, which tolerate extreme operating conditions that other pumps cannot. Diffusion pumping remains a highly economical means of creating high vacuum environments.

Distinctive service and quality parts
The company’s success is attributed to its ability to customize new and used vacuum coating equipment to perform new technology processes and to meet operators’ exact requirements expeditiously. Its trademark quality and speed of service are the result of YTI’s staff of fully trained service engineers and complete in-house electronics laboratory.

As a fully equipped service and repair center for virtually every type of vacuum instrument, YTI trains and maintains a staff of vacuum coating equipment and service experts who ensure superior quality repairs and service in notably short turnaround times for new installations, preventive maintenance, and emergency service. The company provides new, re-engineered, and pre-owned vacuum systems, vacuum consulting, custom fabrication, in-house equipment repairs, and field service.

In addition to a full line of spare parts for most vacuum pumps and a variety of rebuilt pumps available at very competitive prices, YTI provides Diff-Therm® platen heaters, high quality tubular heating elements which set the standard for long life, evenly distributed process heating, and efficient power generation.

Ashford, CT

Specialized leak detection methods help prevent costly downtime

YTI is pleased to announce the expansion of its Vacuum leak testing services to include leak detection for all vacuum components. Testing with helium can be performed by sniff, accumulation, inside-out or outside-in test methods. All these testing services are available at YTI’s fully equipped laboratories or at clients’ sites and are conducted by the company’s knowledgeable technicians.

Leaks left undetected in vacuum coating equipment can be very costly and the root cause of poor coating quality and slow production. Periodic leak detection helps prevent unscheduled and time-consuming interruptions in production. YTI’s precision leak detection service spares customers from such costly unplanned downtime.

At YTI, helium is applied to find leaks too small for detection by other methods. The company’s highly experienced staff is an essential component in the process of vacuum leak detection. Their knowledge ensures that no areas are missed and known problem areas are double checked. YTI provides its vacuum coating clients with a wide range of systems, services, engineering and components.