When integrated into machinery, a vacuum chamber can be used to create a low-pressure environment that allows gases to be manipulated in ways that would not be possible at atmospheric pressure.
For example, in semiconductor manufacturing where PP Control & Automation hold decades of vital machine and system build experience, a vacuum chamber is used to deposit thin films of material onto a substrate.
Gas management in vacuum chambers is essential to control the pressure, composition, and temperature of the gas inside. This is achieved using gas handling systems, such as mass flow controllers, which can accurately control the flow rate of gases into and out of the chamber. Additionally, gas analysers and leak detection systems are used to monitor the composition and pressure of the gas inside the chamber, ensuring that the conditions are as desired.
Also typical in industrial sectors such as medical and life sciences or aerospace and solar cell production, vacuum chambers and gas management systems are often used and integrated into complex machine builds. These high technology fields can benefit from valuable experience and competence in sourcing and assembling of vacuum chambers and associated gas management systems through a well-devised outsourcing strategy with PP C&A.
PP C&A can assemble and test vacuum chambers and gas management in-line with customer specific needs, including services such as helium leak testing.
Through a combination of key technology partners, PP C&A can give customers access to several disciplines that are deemed critical to achieving optimum vacuum chamber and gas management system performance and safety. For example, design requirements and material selection, alongside other manufacturing competencies such as fabrication and the processes of casting, forging, or stamped metal parts can be sought.
Components are assembled into the final build, which could include installing vacuum pumps, valves, gas handling systems, and other components that make up the complete system.
Before the vacuum chamber and/or an associated gas management system is shipped to the customer, it is thoroughly tested to ensure that it meets the specifications and performs as expected. This typically includes vacuum and leak testing, as well as testing of the gas handling systems and other components.
Ensure your chosen partner is competent in several different considerations and is aware of the critical aspects of your particular system assembly or build.
Vacuum chambers must be able to maintain a high level of vacuum and withstand high temperatures. An outsourcing partner should show the competencies required to ensure vacuum pumps, valves, and other components assembled are of the highest quality and any build is able to maintain the vacuum level over time.
Materials must be compatible with the process and the substances that are going to be in contact with the chamber and quality of chosen components is key. An outsourcing partner must display the ability to inherit, manage, and improve the associated supply chain and ensure material and component selection is in-line with system specific requirements.
The vacuum chamber must have a low leak rate to maintain the vacuum for the desired process. The chosen manufacturer and outsourcing partner should be able to provide leak rate specifications and undergo stringent testing processes in-line with any customer specific needs.
The gas management system must be able to accurately control the flow rate, pressure, and composition of gases within the chamber. The manufacturer and outsourcing partner should be able to provide the specifications of the gas handling system, such as the flow rate range, control accuracy and control resolution.
The manufacturer and outsourcing partner should be a source for continued build quality and performance improvements and show the flexibility to adjust to design changes or customisations to the system. The partner should also be competent in recommending improvements that make the manufacture more efficient through DFMA and engineering processes.
Your chosen manufacturing partner should have a robust quality control program in place to ensure that vacuum chamber and gas management systems meet the required specifications and perform as expected.
Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) is a core discipline practiced at PP C&A and can be best understood as a set of guidelines and best practices for designing products in a way that makes them easy and efficient to manufacture and assemble.
The goal of DFMA is to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase efficiency during the manufacturing process.
DFMA can encompass several value add techniques, such as using standardised components, simplifying designs, and minimising the number of parts used.
Essentially, by following DFMA principles, PP C&A can help machine builders and OEMs design systems that are easier to manufacture, assemble, test, and maintain. Cost savings, improved quality, and shorter lead times are renowned key benefits to following these principles.
Minimising the number of parts
Using standardised components
Simplifying designs
Optimising tolerances
Reducing assembly steps
Improving accessibility for testing and repair
Minimising material waste
PP C&A is always inspired by the many benefits of building partnerships as part of a wider strategy to support the trend for outsourced design, engineering and more specialist competencies required by OEMs involved in complex machine building.
Cooperation within a framework of customer specific needs and optimisation of those needs, alongside the ability to adapt and drive innovation is sought after now more than ever.
PP C&A’s technical partnerships with innovative technology suppliers, testing & approval bodies and industry associations facilitates the continuous development of the company, capturing emerging opportunities at speed thanks to an ‘on request’ pool of expert knowledge and know-how to dip into.
If leveraging the benefits of partnerships developed at PP C&A could help on your growth journey, then PP+ may be of interest. PP+ is an expansion of the traditional outsourcing model that considers the customer’s growth objectives and offers a single-source solution to industry-best resources and guidance.
PP C&A is a proud and long-standing member of the Manufacturing Assembly Network, also known as the MAN Group.
The MAN Group is a network of manufacturing companies designed to share technical excellence in mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering processes.
As a customer and partner of PP C&A, access is open to numerous manufacturing disciplines from a single source and a more stable solution for complex, multi-discipline engineering projects.
The MAN Group consists of seven specialist manufacturers, one engineering design agency and the knowledge transfer of Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG).
Aluminium casting
CNC & conventional machining
Contract electronics manufacturing
Electrical & electronics assemblies
Forging
Metal stamping
Plastic injection moulding
Tube bending & manipulation
A combination of production and engineering capabilities to suit your specific needs can be accommodated to deliver the desired result.
Such a solution can broadly be divided into module build, part machine build or full machine build – – whichever provides the optimum solution for you.
Get a quick glimpse at key capabilities by interacting with the solutions wheel below.
The resource centre collects all downloadable content from the website and allows you to compile your own custom resource pack for instant download.
Feel free to browse the full range of resources by clicking the button below.
There should always be a process of consideration when selecting the right outsourcing partner and understanding how that partner delivers against your requirements. That’s why PP C&A introduced the 3D process. It clearly defines the whole journey into three specific stages: Discovery, Decision, Delivery.
Add to basket
In your basket
This collection of case studies examines some of the recent strategic outsourcing partnerships delivering against several business pains for machine builders and OEMs. This guide collects case studies published during 2021.
Add to basket
In your basket
This guide highlights key technical supplier relationships covering a broad set of categories, from industrial design support and access to academia, and automation and legislation partnerships, to packing and shipping finished goods, all designed to add sought after value to customers.
Add to basket
In your basket
We believe in meeting you, listening and understanding your needs first and foremost.
If you are considering PP C&A’s vacuum chamber & gas management assembly services or you wish to review your outsourcing strategies, we would welcome the opportunity for discussion.