Our headquarters is in Bristol BS35 3UW, United Kingdom. Applied Vacuum Engineering

Applied Vacuum Engineering provides specialist vacuum engineering solutions, vacuum systems and technical support to customers across a wide range of industries throughout the UK and internationally. 

We work with organisations ranging from research laboratories and universities to global manufacturers, supporting both standard vacuum equipment requirements and fully bespoke vacuum system design projects. 

Industries we regularly support include: 

• Aerospace and defence  
• Automotive manufacturing  
• Electronics and semiconductor industries 
• Composite manufacturing and materials testing  
• Universities and research institutions  
• Pharmaceutical and laboratory environments  
• Industrial manufacturing and production facilities  
• Vacuum coating and surface treatment applications  
• Scientific research and development 
• Advanced engineering and technology sectors  

Our team provides tailored solutions including vacuum pumps, bespoke vacuum chambers, custom vacuum systems, vacuum pump servicing, preventative maintenance and technical support, designed around the specific needs of each application. 

From one-off specialist projects to ongoing service support contracts, Applied Vacuum Engineering delivers reliable and cost-effective vacuum technology solutions backed by decades of engineering experience. 

Explore our recent projects. to see how we support customers across a wide range of industries and applications.  Contact us. We will be pleased to provide vacuum engineering technical advice and support for your industry.

Applied Vacuum Engineering supplies a comprehensive range of vacuum accessories for the installation, operation and monitoring of vacuum systems. Our range includes vacuum gauges, vacuum valves, vacuum fittings, KF, ISO and CF flanges, adaptors, clamps, centring rings, flexible bellows, vacuum hoses, viewports, electrical feedthroughs, rotary feedthroughs, pipework, vacuum traps and other vacuum system components.

We supply accessories compatible with leading manufacturers including DVP, Edwards, Leybold, Busch, Pfeiffer, Becker, Agilent, Fieldpiece, Stokes and many more. If you’re unsure which accessory is suitable for your application, our experienced team can recommend the right solution.

Yes. Selecting the correct vacuum accessories is essential for maintaining vacuum integrity, achieving optimum performance and ensuring compatibility across your vacuum system. Whether you require vacuum gauges, valves, fittings, flanges, hoses, feedthroughs or vacuum chamber accessories, our technical team can recommend the most suitable products for your application.

For Example: Vacuum Gauges

Indication Only Gauge:
The gauge provides a vacuum reading but is supplied without calibration certification.

Traceable Calibration Gauge:
The gauge is calibrated against reference standards that are traceable to national measurement standards.

UKAS Calibration Gauge:
Calibration is performed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory and includes formal certification recognised by industry and regulatory bodies.

The appropriate option depends on your quality requirements and process validation procedures.

For Example: Vacuum Flanges

Vacuum flanges are used to connect vacuum components and maintain a leak-tight seal.

KF Flanges are commonly used for rough and medium vacuum applications and are quick to assemble.

ISO Flanges are typically used on larger vacuum systems where higher pumping speeds and larger pipe diameters are required.

CF Flanges use copper gaskets and are designed for high and ultra-high vacuum applications where extremely low leak rates are essential.

Our engineers can recommend the most suitable flange standard for your system.

For Example:  Vacuum Feedthroughs

A vacuum feedthrough allows electrical cables, signals, fluids, gases, or mechanical motion to pass through a vacuum chamber wall while maintaining the vacuum seal.

Common feedthrough types include:

• Electrical feedthroughs
• Thermocouple feedthroughs
• Ethernet feedthroughs
• Rotary feedthroughs
• Fluid and gas feedthroughs

Our bespoke vacuum chambers can be supplied with a wide range of feedthrough options to suit your application.

Please contact us for expert advice and high-quality vacuum accessories for both new installations and system upgrades.

We supply all vacuum consumable.  Vacuum consumables are the parts and fluids regularly replaced to maintain the performance and reliability of vacuum pumps and vacuum systems. These typically include:

Routine replacement of vacuum consumables helps maintain vacuum performance, extend equipment life, and reduce unplanned downtime. Please contact us for advice on suitable vacuum consumables for your equipment.

Absolutely. If you provide the pump manufacturer, model number, and application details, our team can recommend the correct:

Yes. Applied Vacuum Engineering provides comprehensive technical support, vacuum pump maintenance and preventative maintenance services designed to maximise reliability, minimise downtime and extend the operating life of your vacuum equipment. 

Our experienced vacuum engineers support a wide range of vacuum pumps, vacuum systems and industrial vacuum equipment, offering both reactive support and planned preventative maintenance programmes tailored to customer requirements. 

Our support services include: 

• Vacuum pump servicing and maintenance  

• Preventative maintenance contracts (PPM)  

• Vacuum system fault finding and diagnostics  

• Equipment inspections and performance assessments  

• On-site servicing and technical support  

• Vacuum pump repairs and refurbishment  

• Vacuum gauge calibration and instrumentation support  

• Emergency breakdown support and troubleshooting  

Regular maintenance helps reduce unexpected failures, improve efficiency and ensure your vacuum systems continue operating at peak performance. 

Contact our team to discuss your vacuum maintenance requirements and available service options. 

To maintain reliable performance, high vacuum systems require regular servicing and inspection, including: 

• Inspection and replacement of seals, O-rings and gaskets  

• Changing pump fluids and checking for contamination  

• Monitoring pump-down times, base pressure and leak rates  

• Inspecting valves, vacuum fittings, gauges and instrumentation  

• Regular servicing to identify wear before failure occurs  

Applied Vacuum Engineering also offers Preventative Planned Maintenance (PPM) contracts to help customers reduce downtime, extend equipment life and keep vacuum systems operating efficiently through scheduled servicing and technical support. 

Selecting the correct vacuum pump depends on:

• Required vacuum level
• Chamber volume
• Pump-down time requirements
• Gas load
• Process conditions
• Continuous or intermittent operation

Our engineers can assess your application and recommend the most suitable vacuum pump technology, whether oil-sealed, oil-free, rotary vane, scroll, claw, screw, or turbomolecular.

Oil-sealed vacuum pumps use oil to lubricate and seal internal components, allowing them to achieve deeper vacuum levels. They are commonly used in industrial and laboratory applications requiring high vacuum performance.

Oil-free vacuum pumps do not use oil within the pumping chamber, making them ideal for clean processes where contamination must be avoided.

The most suitable pump depends on your required vacuum level, process conditions, and maintenance requirements. Our team can help select the right solution for your application.

With almost 50 years of experience in vacuum engineering and vacuum technology, AVE supplies a wide range of vacuum pumps, vacuum systems and associated equipment from leading manufacturers worldwide. Our recommendations are based on technical expertise, performance, reliability and value rather than allegiance to a single supplier. 

Whether you require a rotary vane vacuum pump, dry vacuum pump, liquid ring pump, vacuum booster or a complete vacuum system, our experienced engineers can help identify the most suitable solution for your application. 

Unsure which vacuum pump is right for your process? Contact our technical team today for expert advice on vacuum pumps, vacuum equipment, servicing, maintenance and system design. 

Yes. Over time, vacuum pumps and vacuum systems can experience performance degradation or failure if not properly maintained. 

Common failure modes include: 

• Vacuum leaks caused by damaged seals or flange failures  

• Pump wear, bearing failure and mechanical component degradation  

• Oil vapour contamination or backstreaming (e.g. oil vapour), increasing pressure or contamination.

• Outgassing and thermal pressure spikes  (e.g. sudden release of gas from surfaces) or thermal outgassing spikes.

• Virtual leaks caused by trapped gas in poorly designed joints  

• Gradual loss of vacuum performance over time  

Regular servicing and Preventative Planned Maintenance (PPM) helps identify issues early and reduce the risk of costly downtime or equipment failure. 

Vacuum Pump Servicing, Repair & Refurbishment 

At Applied Vacuum Engineering Limited, we provide comprehensive vacuum pump servicing, vacuum pump repair and vacuum pump refurbishment services designed to restore your equipment to optimum performance and reliability. 

Our specialist workshop is equipped with advanced garnet blasting and industrial cleaning systems, enabling us to thoroughly clean, inspect and refurbish vacuum pumps and associated vacuum equipment to the highest standards. 

Every vacuum pump receives a detailed inspection and condition assessment before we provide a clear, no-obligation quotation. This transparent approach allows customers to make informed decisions regarding repair, refurbishment or replacement options. 

With almost 50 years of vacuum engineering experience, our engineers can re-machine and recover worn pump blocks, booster pump rotors, shafts, seals and other critical components, helping to extend equipment life and reduce replacement costs. We also rebuild, upgrade and modernise vacuum systems and capital plant equipment to improve efficiency, reliability and operational performance. 

Whether you operate rotary vane pumps, dry vacuum pumps, liquid ring pumps, roots blowers or complete vacuum systems, AVE can provide expert servicing and technical support. 

Preventative Maintenance Plans (PPM) 

Reduce downtime, maximise productivity and extend the life of your vacuum pumps and vacuum systems with an AVE Preventative Maintenance Plan (PPM). 

Regular inspection, servicing and maintenance helps identify potential issues before they become costly failures, reducing unplanned downtime and helping maintain peak system performance. 

Our preventative maintenance programmes can be tailored to suit your equipment, operating environment and production requirements, providing complete peace of mind and predictable maintenance costs. 

All servicing and repair work is backed by our 3-month warranty, giving you confidence in the quality, reliability and workmanship of every repair. 

Our Vacuum Engineering Services 

✔ Vacuum pump servicing, repair and refurbishment 

✔ Service, repair and overhaul of all types of vacuum equipment 

✔ Vacuum pump hire and temporary replacement equipment to minimise downtime 

✔ Preventative maintenance contracts and planned servicing programmes 

Click here for more information.or Contact Us for Advice and Support

High vacuum systems typically use multiple vacuum pump technologies working together. 

Common high vacuum pumps include: 

• Turbomolecular pumps – high-speed pumps used for high and ultra-high vacuum applications  

• Diffusion pumps – use oil vapour jets to achieve deep vacuum levels  

• Cryopumps – trap gases using extremely low temperatures  

• Sorption pumps – adsorb gases using porous materials  

• Backing pumps / roughing pumps – usually rotary vane, dry or scroll pumps used to support high vacuum pumps  

The correct vacuum pump configuration depends on the application and required vacuum level. 

Yes. Applied Vacuum Engineering provides specialist Stokes vacuum pump servicing, repair and refurbishment for a wide range of legacy and industrial Stokes vacuum pumps, including the popular Stokes 412, Stokes 212 and Stokes booster pumps. 

Our experienced vacuum pump engineers can carry out complete vacuum pump overhauls, including full strip-down, inspection, cleaning and refurbishment. Where required, we can undertake specialist re-machining of pump blocks and the replacement of critical mechanical components including: 

• Pistons  

• Oversize hinge bars  

• Bearings  

• Seals and gaskets  

• Mechanical wear components  

We also maintain a comprehensive stock of Stokes vacuum pump spare parts, allowing us to minimise downtime and provide fast turnaround on repairs and refurbishment projects. 

With decades of experience servicing industrial vacuum pumps, we can help extend equipment life, improve reliability and restore performance to original operating standards. 

Contact our team to discuss your Stokes vacuum pump service or repair requirements. 

Vacuum Pump Servicing, Repair & Refurbishment 

At Applied Vacuum Engineering Limited, we provide comprehensive vacuum pump servicing, vacuum pump repair and vacuum pump refurbishment services designed to restore your equipment to optimum performance and reliability. 

Our specialist workshop is equipped with advanced garnet blasting and industrial cleaning systems, enabling us to thoroughly clean, inspect and refurbish vacuum pumps and associated vacuum equipment to the highest standards. 

Every vacuum pump receives a detailed inspection and condition assessment before we provide a clear, no-obligation quotation. This transparent approach allows customers to make informed decisions regarding repair, refurbishment or replacement options. 

With almost 50 years of vacuum engineering experience, our engineers can re-machine and recover worn pump blocks, booster pump rotors, shafts, seals and other critical components, helping to extend equipment life and reduce replacement costs. We also rebuild, upgrade and modernise vacuum systems and capital plant equipment to improve efficiency, reliability and operational performance. 

Whether you operate rotary vane pumps, dry vacuum pumps, liquid ring pumps, roots blowers or complete vacuum systems, AVE can provide expert servicing and technical support. 

Preventative Maintenance Plans (PPM) 

Reduce downtime, maximise productivity and extend the life of your vacuum pumps and vacuum systems with an AVE Preventative Maintenance Plan (PPM). 

Regular inspection, servicing and maintenance helps identify potential issues before they become costly failures, reducing unplanned downtime and helping maintain peak system performance. 

Our preventative maintenance programmes can be tailored to suit your equipment, operating environment and production requirements, providing complete peace of mind and predictable maintenance costs. 

All servicing and repair work is backed by our 3-month warranty, giving you confidence in the quality, reliability and workmanship of every repair. 

Our Vacuum Engineering Services 

✔ Vacuum pump servicing, repair and refurbishment 

✔ Service, repair and overhaul of all types of vacuum equipment 

✔ Vacuum pump hire and temporary replacement equipment to minimise downtime 

✔ Preventative maintenance contracts and planned servicing programmes 

Click here for more information.or Contact Us for Advice and Support

Yes. Applied Vacuum Engineering offers a range of vacuum pump hire and vacuum equipment hire solutions to support short-term projects, planned maintenance, equipment breakdowns and temporary process requirements. 

Our hire fleet includes a variety of vacuum pumps and specialist vacuum equipment, including: 

• Vacuum pumps  

• Booster pumps and Roots blowers  

• Freeze dryers  

• Vacuum coaters  

• Vacuum systems and associated equipment  

Vacuum equipment hire can help minimise production downtime, support emergency breakdown situations and provide a cost-effective solution for temporary applications without the need for capital investment. 

If you require temporary vacuum equipment or a replacement vacuum pump during servicing or repair, our team can recommend the most suitable hire solution for your application.  We will be happy to provide advice and support.  Contact Us.

Yes. Applied Vacuum Engineering provides specialist vacuum plant refurbishment, vacuum system upgrades and industrial vacuum equipment refurbishment services designed to extend equipment lifespan, improve operational efficiency and reduce the cost of full system replacement. 

Our experienced vacuum engineers can assess, repair and refurbish a wide range of vacuum systems, from standalone vacuum pumps through to complete industrial vacuum plant installations. 

Our refurbishment services can include: 

• Complete vacuum pump overhaul and refurbishment  

• Mechanical repairs and replacement of worn components  

• Vacuum system upgrades and modernisation  

• Replacement of obsolete parts and components  

• Performance improvements and efficiency optimisation  

• Electrical control panel upgrades and instrumentation replacement  

• Preventative maintenance and system reliability improvements  

Refurbishing existing vacuum plant can often provide a highly cost-effective alternative to purchasing new equipment while improving reliability and extending service life. 

Contact our team to discuss your vacuum plant refurbishment requirements and available upgrade options. 

Click here for more information.  

Maintaining high vacuum conditions requires careful control of several factors, including: 

• Vacuum leaks – even extremely small leaks can significantly affect vacuum performance  

• Outgassing and desorption – gases released from internal materials can increase pressure  

• Surface contamination – oils, dust and residues can affect vacuum integrity  

• Seals and flanges – metallic seals such as CF (ConFlat) flanges are often preferred for high vacuum systems  

• Bake-out procedures – heating chambers helps remove moisture and trapped gases  

• Vacuum measurement and leak detection – accurate instrumentation is essential for system performance  

These challenges become increasingly critical as systems move toward high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. 

In vacuum technology, a vacuum is generally defined as any pressure below normal atmospheric pressure (approximately 1 bar or 1000 mbar / 0.1 MPa). 

Vacuum levels are commonly divided into several categories depending on the pressure range being achieved: 

As vacuum pressure decreases, achieving and maintaining vacuum becomes increasingly complex. 

Higher vacuum applications require greater attention to factors such as: 

• Leak detection and vacuum integrity  

• Material outgassing control  

• Surface contamination prevention  

• Vacuum pump selection and system design  

• Accurate vacuum pressure measurement and instrumentation  

• Specialised sealing materials and vacuum components  

High vacuum and ultra-high vacuum systems are commonly used in scientific research, aerospace testing, semiconductor manufacturing, coating systems, laboratories and advanced industrial processes. 

Applied Vacuum Engineering provides specialist support in vacuum system design, bespoke vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps and technical vacuum engineering solutions across all vacuum pressure ranges. 

The most common method of high vacuum leak detection is helium leak testing, where helium gas is introduced around seals or joints and a helium leak detector identifies any gas entering the system. 

Other leak testing methods include: 

• Pressure decay testing for identifying larger leaks  

• Bubble testing using soapy water for visible leak detection  

• Puff testing around valves and connections during fault diagnosis  

Even very small leaks can significantly affect high vacuum system performance, making accurate leak detection essential. 

In high vacuum systems, even extremely small leaks can affect performance. Leak rates as low as 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻¹² mbar·l/s may be significant depending on the application. 

Acceptable leak rates depend on: 

• Required vacuum level  

• Chamber size and gas load  

• Pumping speed and system design  

• Outgassing from internal materials  

Helium leak detection testing is commonly used to verify that leak rates are within acceptable limits for high vacuum operation. 

All Applied Vacuum Engineering acrylic vacuum chambers undergo a pressure rise (leak-back rate) test for a minimum period of 24 hours to verify vacuum integrity and performance. 

The most common method of high vacuum leak detection is helium leak testing, where helium gas is applied around seals, welds and joints while a helium leak detector identifies any gas entering the vacuum system. This highly sensitive method can detect extremely small leaks that would otherwise be impossible to find.

Other vacuum leak testing methods include:

• Pressure decay testing – suitable for identifying larger leaks.
• Bubble testing – using soapy water to detect visible leaks.
• Puff testing – for fault-finding around valves, fittings and connections.

At Applied Vacuum Engineering, every bespoke vacuum chamber undergoes a leak-back rate test before dispatch to verify vacuum integrity and confirm it performs as specified. Where required, we also provide qualified helium leak detection services to meet customer, research and industrial process requirements.

Even the smallest leaks can significantly affect high vacuum system performance. Depending on the application, leak rates as low as 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻¹² mbar·l/s may be critical. Acceptable leak rates depend on the required vacuum level, chamber size, gas load, pumping speed, system design and material outgassing.

Our leak testing procedures form part of our quality assurance process, ensuring every vacuum chamber is supplied ready for installation and reliable operation.

Click here for more information.

We manufacture a wide range of custom vacuum chambers designed to meet the specific requirements of research, industrial, laboratory and production applications. 

Our vacuum chambers can be manufactured from: 

• Clear cast acrylic vacuum chambers – ideal for visual observation, testing and educational applications.  

• Mild steel vacuum chambers – a cost-effective solution for many industrial vacuum processes.  

• Stainless steel vacuum chambers – offering excellent corrosion resistance, durability and suitability for high vacuum applications.  

• Aluminium vacuum chambers – lightweight, robust and ideal where weight reduction is important.  

All of our bespoke vacuum chambers can be designed and manufactured to customer specifications, with options including custom ports, flanges, instrumentation, viewing windows, feedthroughs and integrated vacuum systems. 

If you are unsure which vacuum chamber material is best suited to your application, our vacuum engineering team can provide expert technical advice and design support. 

Click here for more information. Or contact us for advice and support.

Absolutely.  Applied Vacuum Engineering specialise in bespoke vacuum chambers, including front-loading acrylic chambers, cylindrical chambers, and glass bell jars, designed to your specifications.  Click here for more information.

All Applied Vacuum Engineering acrylic vacuum chambers undergo a pressure rise (leak-back rate) test for a minimum period of 24 hours to verify vacuum integrity and performance. 

Where required, chambers can also be subjected to helium leak detection testing to validate leak rates for specific research, laboratory, industrial or high-vacuum applications. 

These testing procedures help ensure that every bespoke acrylic vacuum chamber is manufactured to a high standard and performs reliably in service.

Acrylic crazing is typically caused by stresses introduced during the manufacturing process. If acrylic components are not properly stress-relieved, fine cracks or “crazing” can develop over time, particularly when subjected to vacuum, cleaning chemicals or environmental changes. 

At Applied Vacuum Engineering, all of our acrylic vacuum chambers and acrylic vacuum chamber lids are fully annealed after manufacture. This controlled heat treatment process relieves internal stresses within the material, helping to prevent crazing and ensuring long-term durability, clarity and performance. 

Our manufacturing process has been developed through decades of vacuum chamber design and manufacture, resulting in high-quality acrylic vacuum chambers that are suitable for demanding laboratory, research and industrial applications.

Applied Vacuum Engineering designs and manufactures bespoke acrylic vacuum chambers to suit individual customer requirements. 

The largest acrylic vacuum chamber we have manufactured to date had internal dimensions of 750mm × 750mm × 750mm, however larger chambers may be possible depending on the application, operating vacuum level, structural requirements and transportation constraints. 

Our experienced vacuum engineering team can advise on the most appropriate chamber size, material thickness and design features to ensure safe and reliable operation for your specific application. 

If you require a large acrylic vacuum chamber, please contact us to discuss your requirements and obtain a bespoke design proposal. 

Yes. Applied Vacuum Engineering regularly manufactures and supplies replacement acrylic vacuum chamber lids for use with existing vacuum chambers from other manufacturers. 

We can produce bespoke acrylic vacuum chamber lids to suit a wide range of chamber sizes and applications. In most cases, we simply require the chamber dimensions, sealing arrangement and details of the intended vacuum application to ensure the lid is designed correctly. 

All of our acrylic vacuum chamber lids are manufactured from high-quality clear cast acrylic and are fully annealed after manufacture to help minimise internal stresses and reduce the risk of crazing. 

If you require a replacement vacuum chamber lid or a custom acrylic lid for a new application, our vacuum engineering team will be happy to assist.

Pump-down time depends on several factors including chamber size, vacuum pump speed, leak rate and outgassing from internal materials. 

Typically, the process happens in two stages: 

• A roughing pump lowers pressure initially using a mechanical vacuum pump  

• A high vacuum pump such as a turbomolecular or diffusion pump then achieves deeper vacuum levels  

As pressure decreases, gas flow changes from viscous flow to molecular flow, which causes pumping speed to reduce and vacuum levels to become harder to achieve. 

Correct vacuum system design and pump selection play a major role in achieving faster pump-down performance. 

High vacuum can help remove volatile contaminants, moisture and trapped gases from materials through a process known as outgassing or vacuum degassing. 

However, vacuum alone may not completely remove all contamination. 

Some contaminants such as oils, hydrocarbons and organic residues may require additional processes including: 

• Thermal bake-out procedures  

• Plasma cleaning systems  

• Solvent or chemical cleaning  

• Surface activation treatments  

The effectiveness of vacuum cleaning depends on the material type, contamination level and vacuum process being used.   Contact Us Today, we will be happy to advise you.

Effective high vacuum system design requires attention to several key factors: 

• Using low outgassing materials such as stainless steel and ceramics  

• Minimising internal surfaces, blind holes and trapped gas volumes  

• Using metal seals and CF flanges where possible  

• Preventing contamination with baffles, cold traps and oil traps  

• Minimising unnecessary ports, fittings and leak paths  

• Selecting the correct vacuum pumps and system configuration  

Careful vacuum chamber design helps improve vacuum performance, reduce contamination and achieve stable long-term operation in demanding high vacuum applications. 

To provide an accurate quotation, we typically require:

• Chamber dimensions
• Required vacuum level
• Material preference (stainless steel, mild steel, acrylic, etc.)
• Number and type of ports
• Electrical or mechanical feedthrough requirements
• Viewport requirements
• Operating temperature
• Internal fixtures or moving components
• Any certification requirements
• Whether a vacuum pump is required

If you only have a concept or sketch, our engineering team can help develop the design.

Certainly. Applied Vacuum Engineering has successfully designed and delivered a wide range of bespoke vacuum engineering projects for customers across research, industrial manufacturing, aerospace and specialist testing environments. 

Recent projects have included: 

• Custom vacuum chambers for transformer degassing applications  

• Altitude simulation vacuum chambers for aerospace and environmental testing  

• Vacuum chambers designed for vibration testing and product validation  

• Bespoke vacuum systems for research and laboratory applications  

• Custom vacuum chamber design and manufacture for specialist industrial processes  

• Vacuum system refurbishment and upgrade projects for existing plant equipment  

Every project is designed around the customer’s specific technical requirements, ensuring the most effective and reliable vacuum solution for their application. 

Whether you require a custom vacuum chamber, bespoke vacuum system, vacuum plant refurbishment or specialist vacuum engineering support, our experienced team can develop a tailored solution to meet your exact requirements. 

Explore our recent projects to see how Applied Vacuum Engineering supports customers across a wide range of industries and specialist vacuum applications.