Vacuum Chambers

This guide evaluates aluminum and stainless steel vacuum chamber characteristics, components, and performance. Compared to plastic vacuum chambers, metal vacuum chambers are favorable for applications requiring maintained internal temperatures, heat/cold cycling, extreme temperature ranges, and low outgassing rates. Although they require a larger upfront expense, stainless steel vacuum chambers are cost-effective in the long run due to their durability, extended lifespan, and minimal maintenance. By understanding the materials, construction techniques, and design methodologies, you can make an informed decision and ensure the success of your vacuum processes.

A vacuum chamber is a rigid enclosure that maintains an extremely low-pressure environment and a near-perfect vacuum. Vacuum chambers require a vacuum pump to remove air and other gases from the chamber, creating a low-pressure environment inside. This environment is essential for various scientific research, industrial processes, and testing applications. The level of vacuum achieved can vary widely, depending on the specific requirements of the application, ranging from full vacuum to low vacuum

Vacuum chambers for outgassing and degassing applications must consider the rate and volume of gas released from materials when placed in a vacuum. Outgassing rates can be critical as it might lead to contamination of other surfaces, optical degradation, or material failure in vacuum or space environments.

As an American manufacturer of vacuum chambers and their associated systems, Terra Universal offers an array of vacuum chamber designs for material testing, thermal testing, stress testing, degassing, atmospheric simulation, and more. In this series, we'll discuss smaller benchtop vacuum chambers for small parts, as well as large high-capacity vacuum chamber models for extra large assemblies or components.