News

The unique X-ray flashes of the European XFEL make it possible to render ultrafast chemical reactions visible to the human eye. To ensure that the atoms are disturbed as little as possible during their "dance", the very best vacuum conditions are required. (7 min. read)

In terms of solidity, 3D metal prints are no longer inferior to current cast or forged materials. Vacuum and its precise controllability play a key role in the printing process and the production of the required metal powder. (9 min. read)

TOFWERK's time-of-flight mass spectrometers impress with their incredible precision – VAT Vacuum Valve Technology supports this. For more than a decade, TOFWERK and VAT have enjoyed a productive development cooperation. (6 min. read)

With the help of the SIAM Photon Source, Thailand provides a unique synchrotron infrastructure in the ASEAN region. VAT technology allows to extend the capabilities of the 1.2 GeV storage ring continuously. (2 min. read)

The world's most powerful heavy-ion accelerator was inaugurated on May 2, 2022, at Michigan State University's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Fast closing valves from VAT help secure the ultra-high vacuum environment of the FRIB. (2 min. read)

With new approaches in particle management, VAT sets standards for ultra clean vacuum requirements. The goal is maximum avoidance of unwanted particles and outgassing. (7 min. read)

As the world’s most sensitive scale for the measurement of neutrino mass, the international Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment has now reported a level of precision never achieved before. The suite of VAT valves developed for KATRIN continue to provide seamless performance despite the experiment’s radiation levels, extreme temperatures, and UHV environment. (2 min. read)

Bonded valve plate seals offer a number of advantages over classic O-ring seals – including longer durability, improved sealing and damping properties. (6 min. read)

A top priority of the European Strategy for Particle Physics to enable research to new frontiers of particle physics, CERN's the High-Luminosity LHC (“HiLumi”) project will multiply the power of CERN’s already mighty Large Hadron Collider. VAT all-metal valves are designed to withstand the demanding extreme UHV conditions. (3 min. read)

As semiconductor production becomes more complex in microprocessor architecture and in the type and size of layers and structures, the room for variation in production process conditions also becomes smaller. Process stability and controllability are key elements for success here. (3 min. read)

As part of the "Auxiliary Parts Project", VAT is working with its customers on the reuse of product-accompanying elements, such as transport locks. (2 min. read)

Latest synchrotron facilities employ novel getter pump techniques to establish UHV conditions. VAT provides high-tech valves to control the coating process. (4 min. read)

Semiconductor chips now are abundantly used for an increasing variety of challenging applications. VAT evolves from a supplier of vacuum components towards a system integrator to support the development of increasingly complex semiconductor production lines. (4 min. read)

With two new e-car charging stations for visitors and two more for employees, VAT supports emission-free driving. (1 min. read)

Generating energy through controlled nuclear fusion has long been a dream of mankind. To get closer to this dream, an experimental fusion reactor is currently being built in southern France as part of the ITER project. As a certified supplier of all-metal and elastomer valves, VAT is closely involved in this ambitious research project. In the process, the valve professionals from Switzerland have achieved a truly great feat. (5 min. read)

Sustainability in production and logistics is a core topic at VAT. As a further step towards more sustainable logistics solutions, VAT is testing environmentally friendly goods transport with a hydrogen-powered truck via its logistics partner Gebrüder Weiss GmbH. (2 min. read)

The development of specific sealing technologies is a decisive feature of VAT's competitiveness. Where standard solutions reach their limits, VAT vacuum valves offer process system operators more functional reliability. Especially in the field of classic elastomer seals, VAT sets standards. (3 min. read)

U.S. researcher Andrew McElrone investigates grape roots with particle accelerator at ALS research facility in Berkeley, California. The goal: sustainable water use strategy for grape growers. (6 min. read)

Penang, 27 January 2022 – VAT today held a groundbreaking ceremony to initiate the extension of its production facility in Penang, Malaysia. (4 min. read)

12 years ago, VAT has implemented a global initiative to minimize the environmental impact of its own operations – as well as those of our customers and suppliers. The company maintains and promotes a broad range of recycling programs at manufacturing facilities in Switzerland and Malaysia. (2 min. read)

VAT “Fixed Price Refurbishment Programs” help system operators – in particular in semiconductor production – to improve uptime and optimize service costs. (1 min. read)

In the electromobility sector, technical innovation is becoming more important, particularly where battery production is concerned. Vacuum and plasma technology plays a central role in some of these processes. Vacuum valve development can thus provide significant support for progress. (5 min. read)

Mini-LEDs instead of LEDs in flat panel displays have set a profound change in motion, and the next innovation is waiting in the wings: Micro-LEDs, a new challenge for VAT vacuum valves. (4 min. read)

With the new 06.3 Large Transfer Valve / Insert with TWINVAT, VAT offers an optimized version of its successful 06.1 series, especially for OLED, PVD and load-lock applications. (1 min. read)

With a 60% production increase this year, VAT Malaysia is considering to extend its capacity, to meet future demand. The driving force is increasing global demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and with it the demand for VAT high performance vacuum valves. (2 min. read)

VAT is being consistent in the implementation of its sustainability offensive and is once again sending a strong signal for renewable energies by switching to hydropower at its Haag site. (4 min. read)

VAT has been present in Japan for over three decades and now the move to Tokyo-Haneda is imminent. This important step will consolidate previously dispersed functions at one location, expand service capacities for the Japanese market and significantly improve services for our customers. (2 min. read)

To effectively combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus, like other viruses, it is necessary to first elicit structural information from the virus, particle accelerators with VAT technology help to do this. (5 min. read)

VAT vacuum valves are part of the upgrade to the LCLS, an X-ray laser at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California (USA) that is so fast and precise, it can observe atoms in motion. (3 min. read)

Leading plant manufacturer of large production machines for TV displays awards VAT the contract to supply the new 29. 2 HV Angle Valve with Soft-Pump Function. (1 min. read)

Where to put the highly radioactive nuclear waste? An innovative technology called transmutation is preparing to defuse the brisance of nuclear waste. VAT technology plays a key role in this. (7 min. read)

Thanks to quantum technology, computing capacities and speeds are advancing into previously unknown dimensions and enabling a completely new approach to tasks. This offers new opportunities for research and industry. VAT technology is an important element in this. (3 min. read)

In the production of vacuum valves, high-purity cleaning processes are an essential part of VAT's vacuum valve product quality. Modern semiconductor production requires a vacuum environment of the highest purity. This applies to all system components - including the vacuum valves used. (3 min. read)

At the world-famous research facility, CERN, thoughts are turning to the future of particle research. There is no question about it: the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has produced sensational results worthy of a Nobel Prize. However, these results immediately raised further questions, the answers to which in turn require new developments in accelerators. Technology from VAT should also be part of this in the future because that technology is already delivering outstanding service in the LHC. (4 min. read)

This is where Combo Valves or valve assemblies in general can score: with easier assembly, 30-40% less space required, reduced dead volume and - last but not least - fewer potential leakage points. (3 min. read)

Have a look! VAT helps with the choice of profession.

VAT Logistics announced a new ‘Packaging Concept’ to reduce the volume of foam and increase the amount of sustainable packaging materials used, further reducing VAT's overall carbon footprint. (3 min. read)

In 2019, the National Science Foundation (NSF) held a workshop for “Large Ultrahigh Vacuum Systems for Frontier Scientific Research Instrumentation” to help identify cost effective technologies to design, build and operate a new generation gravitational wave observatory based on the original LIGO concept.* This new design will be an order of magnitude more sensitive than the current generation systems in the USA (LIGO), EU (Virgo) and Japan (KAGRA) – and also MUCH larger. (2 min. read)

Advancing into the innermost structures of matter requires ever more powerful and larger particle accelerators. This drives up construction and operating costs. Plasma accelerators are blazing a new trail. Challenges also for vacuum valves. (3 min. read)

As part of its global sustainability initiative to reduce energy, VAT is installing state-of-the-art LED lighting systems. The switch will cut energy consumption in half. (2 min. read)

Hyperloop transportation concepts – high-speed travel in a low-pressure tubes – promises to revolutionize ground transportation. Large vacuum valves are needed to maintain the enormous vacuum volumes in these systems. (3 min. read)

Solar cell technology is seen as crucial to help fight climate change. A new generation of large transfer valves offers manufacturers the improvements needed to produce high-performance solar cells. (3 min. read)

The cooling systems of machines and production halls of the Swiss VAT production have been converted from electricity to groundwater cooling. A benefit for the environment and lower energy costs. (4 min. read)

The number of new satellites is increasing - and with it the need for tests under space conditions. VAT vacuum valves help to simulate the temperature and pressure conditions prevailing in space. (4 min. read)

Haag, June 2021, VAT has launched “Quick Spec Bellows”, a new online configuration and order service for welded metal bellows. The online service provides convenient configuration, quick price information and a guaranteed three-week delivery time ex works VAT Switzerland. (2 min. read)

Demand for valve technology that can increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar cell production continues unabated. This is confirmed by the numerous visitors at this year's VAT booth. (1 min. read)

The installation of solar cells for energy generation on the roof of VAT's manufacturing plant in Penang, MY, was completed in June 2020 and is now an important building block in VAT's strategy to reduce its overall carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy sources. (2 min. read)

The second fair of the year is over. A big thank you to all visitors at our booth at IVE 2021. If you did not have time to visit us at the fair, contact us directly. (2 min. read)

VAT has received the Fair ON Pay+ certificate from SGS Société Générale de Surveillance for being compliant with the equal pay provisions of the Swiss Federal Act on Gender Equality. (1 min. read)

Semiconductor production equipment must pay for itself quickly - the very next innovation cycle increases the cost pressure. Aging equipment makes this a challenge. VAT therefore offers upgrades & retrofits as a cost-effective solution for optimizing existing production equipment. (2 min. read)

Increasing demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment in Asia, drives demand for VAT high performance vacuum valves. VAT is therefore ramping up the factory output in Penang, Malaysia. (2 min. read)

VAT Korea has received the “2020 Best Quality Supplier of the Year” award from the Samsung Mechatronics R&D Center. With this award, VAT has been recognized for its longstanding and successful collaboration with Samsung in the area of pressure control. (1 min. read)

As the IC1 controller components used in VAT vacuum valves reach their technological ‘end of life,’ the advanced 32-bit IC2 components are being integrated into new and existing applications. VAT specialists are working with customers to ensure a rapid and problem-free transition. (2 min. read)

VAT has a long-term collaboration with CERN, the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. Sector valves developed by a dedicated VAT team help keep the ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions within CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) intact. (3 min. read)

What a great show! Thanks a lot to everyone who stopped by at our booth at SEMICON China 2021. If you did not have the time to visit us at the show, contact us directly. (1 min. read)