Capabilities
High and Ultra-High Vacuum Product Manufacturing
Explore the Craftsmanship Behind Components Engineered for Rigorous Vacuum Applications
Made in the USA
At ANCORP, located in the heart of Central Florida, we pride ourselves on being a U.S. manufacturer dedicated to producing high and ultra-high vacuum products with unparalleled expertise. Our facility is the birthplace of every product we manufacture, showcasing our commitment to domestic manufacturing and quality assurance. In the field of vacuum technology, we distinguish our products by a meticulous selection of materials and proven manufacturing processes. Discover more about our capabilities and the techniques behind every product we ship out the door.
Materials
Because of its high corrosion resistance, low outgassing rates, a wide range of applicable temperatures, machinability, weldability, and relative cost, ANCORP’s standard material for most products is 304L stainless steel. ANCORP routinely works with 304L and 316L stainless steel as well as 6061 T6 aluminum and Grade 4 Titanium.
ANCORP specifies a magnetic permeability not to exceed 1.02μ when ordering raw 304 stainless materials. Welding and machining processes may result in heat-affected or cold-worked zones that may increase magnetic permeability in these zones. Minimizing seams, joints, and bends in areas of high magnetic sensitivity should be considered during the design process. For applications that require superior magnetic flux shielding, mumetal can also be supplied.
Flanges
ANCORP’s flanges are made from specially manufactured raw stock that is designed to maximize the vacuum capabilities of 304 and 316LN stainless steel. This choice is strategic, aiming to reduce impurities and inclusions that might otherwise compromise the steel’s vacuum integrity. Grain size, orientation, and density are also engineered to maximize the vacuum performance of the raw stock. The standard range of flanges manufactured by ANCORP includes ConFlat® (CF) flanges, KF and ISO flanges, and ASA flanges.
Fabrication
Machining
State-of-the-art, multi-axis, CNC machine centers are at the heart of ANCORP’s operations. Our work processes are built upon the dual goals of high quality and rapid turnaround. Our machining coolants are sulfur free, biodegradable, and recycled.
Welding
ANCORP uses tungsten inert gas (TIG/ GTAW) welding techniques with high purity argon as the backfill/purge gas. Both manual and automated orbital welding machines are employed.
In accordance with good UHV fabrication practices, non-filler material, internal fusion weld joints are utilized wherever possible. In those instances where geometries preclude internal welds, 100% full penetration welds are provided. To minimize sources of virtual leaks, external welds are only used when required for structural reinforcement and are limited to stitch, skip, span, or spot weld configurations.
Surface Finishes
The following finishing techniques are available: Glass Bead Blasted, Machine Polished, and Electropolished. Flanges and machined components (faced, turned or bored) come standard with a 32-microinch surface finish and a 16-microinch sealing surface. For a machined finish better than 32 micro-inch, speak to one of our design engineers.
Water-Cooling
We offer tailored water-cooling solutions for various chamber types. Our methods cater to both flat and cylindrical chambers and are continually refined to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Quality Control
ANCORP certifies all weld joints and sealing surfaces with state-of-the-art helium mass spectrometer leak detectors to a maximum rate of 1×10-9 std. cc helium. Our leak testing process consists of a spraying method. This method begins with evacuating the air from the component or chamber and applying helium onto the external surface using a probe. This technique draws the helium through potential leak paths, allowing our detectors to measure the gas flow through the leak channels. Additionally, we perform helium gas bag tests as required to meet unique testing needs.
Our on-site XRF spectrometer testing delivers precise reports of the elemental composition of our metals upon request. We conduct these tests using a handheld analyzer, which relies on X-rays to determine material composition.
We also offer hydrostatic leak testing for vacuum components. This process consists of filling the component with deionized water and compressed air, then evacuating the air and elevating the hydrostatic pressure. The part is then monitored over a predetermined period to confirm it sustains this pressure and remains leak-free. We issue a certification with components that successfully pass a hydrostatic leak test as required, affirming reliability and integrity.
We confirm dimensional checks for most standard components with a bridge Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) probe machine, which delivers high-quality measuring results and rapid processing. For more complex chambers and components, we utilize a wireless Wide Area CMM. This advanced system employs a handheld sensor synchronized with a camera that continuously tracks the sensor’s movements. The system displays results in an augmented reality (AR) interface on a connected PC, enabling our quality control team to perform detailed measurements accurately. These technologies guarantee that every component shipped from our facility meets the highest precision standards. CMM certifications are available upon request.
Cleaning and Packaging
Upon final machining, most components are washed in a heated, ultrasonic, detergent bath followed by multiple ultrasonic, deionized water rinses to remove all residual machining lubricants. After final rinse, parts are blown dry with dry, heated, filtered air and packaged.
After cleaning and testing, flanges and small components are hermetically sealed in vacuum board packaging and are ready for UHV installation. Larger flanges are covered with a layer of foil and protective plastic shields. Weldments and assemblies are then bagged, bubble-wrapped, and inserted into a shipping container surrounded by void filling “pillow” wrap. Custom crating is available.
