Australian Vacuum Services

05/06/2026

29/05/2026

Booster + RVP roughing pump on large freeze drying system needed some service and assessment of pressure gauges, isolation valves and operation. PLC controlled operation, threshold of booster around 30 mBar and dual range vacuum gauges.

28/05/2026

Discover how Australian Vacuum Services combines expertise, reliability, and innovation to deliver top-tier vacuum technology solutions. From high vacuum system sales to specialized engineering consultancy, we support industries with precision-driven results. Learn more about our services in nanotechnology and vacuum systems—visit your website today to explore how we can meet your business needs.

27/05/2026

🔬 When your client builds a Scanning Electron Microscope from scratch — and then open-sources the whole thing.

We had the privilege of working with a researcher pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the home lab and workshop. Their latest milestone? A fully documented, open-source SEM build — and the video is now live on YouTube.

This isn’t just impressive engineering. It’s science democratised. 🧬⚡

From electron optics and vacuum systems to signal detection and imaging — every step is shared so the global maker and research community can learn, build, and improve on it.

🎬 Watch the full build video → link in bio
▶️ youtu.be/Ku04_mVZx_E

🛠️ At Australian Vacuum Services, we love seeing projects like this — where deep vacuum knowledge meets bold open-source thinking. Vacuum technology is at the heart of every SEM, and it’s incredible to see it in the hands of passionate builders.

⚠️ Just to be clear — this is a fun, experimental build for learning and demonstration purposes only. It’s not a commercial instrument and shouldn’t be confused with a high-end professional SEM. Think of it as the spirit of open science in action — raw, hands-on, and genuinely impressive for what it is! 😄🔧

ElectronMicroscopy CitizenScience MakerCommunity Physics ResearchAndDevelopment AustralianVacuumServices OpenHardware STEM NanoTech YouTubeScience DIYScience JustForFun HomeLabScience MakerBuild

27/05/2026

Torr Scientific offers a range of phosphor screens, both as individual components and as part of a MCP detector, but what is a phosphor?

Phosphor is a term to describe a material that exhibits either fluorescent, phosphorescent or cathodoluminescent behaviours.

These all refer to emitting light in response to a stimulus.

Fluorescence and phosphorescence are typically in response to visible or ultraviolet light (can include X-rays as well), whereas cathodoluminescent is in response to an electron beam.

Fluorescence and phosphorescence differ in how long until the emission occurs, phosphorescence dissipates some of the light before responding, whereas fluorescence is closer to an instantaneous emission.

There are numerous types of phosphors, which differ on attributes such as the colour of light they emit, the delay before emitting and their efficiency.

Phosphors are formatted as “P” followed by a number, as designated by the JEDEC and the EIA.

Our most popular type of phosphor is P43, this emits light at 545 nm (yellow-green colour) and is known for its high efficiency, high brightness, and small grain size giving higher spatial resolution. However, it can be slightly slower to decay (reduce in brightness after the initial emission) than other phosphors.

Here at Torr, we can both offer new phosphor screens as well as providing a refurbishment service for existing screens.

If you would like to learn more about our phosphor screen refurbishments, check out our newsletter article: https://torrscientific.co.uk/refurbishing-phosphor-screens-incl-leed-rheed/

~~~

25/05/2026

Enhancing reliability in electronics manufacturing! ⚡
Our plasma treatment process for PCB components effectively removes organic contamination at the microscopic level. The result? Significantly improved wire bonding and stronger, more durable connections for your critical components. 🔬⚙️ Henniker Plasma Systems
TechInnovation

25/05/2026

🔬 Hunting the Invisible: UHV Helium Leak Detection 🔍💨
Ever tried finding a needle in a haystack? Try finding an Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) leak smaller than a fraction of a hair!
Today, we’re troubleshooting a critical point on a UHV chamber: the viewport. Because viewports experience thermal cycling and stress on the glass-to-metal seals, they are prime candidates for microscopic leaks that can ruin your base pressure (and your day).
Here is a quick look at the Helium Spray Method in Vacuum Mode:
1️⃣ The Setup: The chamber is evacuated and connected directly to a Helium Leak Detector (Mass Spectrometer).
2️⃣ The Strategy: We use a fine nozzle to spray a tiny, controlled stream of Helium gas around the outer edges of the viewport fl**ge, CF gasket, and glass-to-metal interface.
3️⃣ The Science: Because Helium atoms are incredibly small and light, if there’s a micro-fissure, they get sucked into the vacuum instantly. The leak detector sniffs them out and gives us an exact leak rate in real-time.

💡 Pro-Tip: Always start spraying from the top of the chamber and work your way down. Helium rises! If you start at the bottom, rising helium might trigger a false positive on a leak higher up, sending you on a wild goose chase.

Keeping vacuum systems tight is an art and a science. Clean seals, correct torque, and patience are your best friends. 🛠️

PhysicsLab MassSpectrometry PrecisionEngineering ThinFilms SurfaceScience

23/05/2026

Fixing up a seized pump with broken vanes. Rattling suggested loose bits, but rotor has now completely ground to a halt.

22/05/2026

Seized pump investigation resulted in identifying a collapsed vane in the LV stage. Lubrication has dropped significantly due to build up inside oil and surfaces over time. Seal kit and replacement parts ordered, won’t be too long before she can be put back to work.

19/05/2026