Collection: Vacuum Chambers

The MediVac® Range of Medical Vacuum Chambers from Hawo

The MediVac® range of medical vacuum chambers from Hawo stands out as a market leader in the vacuum chamber industry. Choosing the right chamber material is crucial, and metals are the most common choice for constructing vacuum chambers.

These chambers are meticulously designed to meet the stringent requirements of medical and pharmaceutical packaging, ensuring that sensitive products are preserved and protected. The MediVac® chambers feature a robust stainless steel body, which provides durability and resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for long-term use in demanding environments.

One of the key advantages of the MediVac® range is its ability to achieve a high level of vacuum pressure, ensuring that air and contaminants are effectively removed from the packaging. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and shelf life of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the MediVac® chambers are equipped with an internal vacuum pump, eliminating the need for an external air supply and simplifying the setup process.

These chambers are not only compliant with GMP packaging standards but also conform to EN ISO 11607-2:2019, ensuring that they meet the highest quality and safety standards. Whether you are packaging surgical instruments, diagnostic devices, or pharmaceutical products, the MediVac® range offers a reliable and efficient solution for your vacuum packaging needs.

The MediVac® range of medical vacuum chambers from Hawo is a market leading vacuum chamber platform

Vacuum chambers are an excellent way to package sensitive industrial, medical and pharmaceutical devices. The MediVac® range is a rigid enclosure designed to remove air and gases to create a low-pressure environment, making it versatile and suitable for general vacuum applications in fields such as medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.

Using air and/or gas extraction followed by heat sealing this approach is perfect for valuable products that may require preservation and shelf life extension in order to reach the end user defect free.

The Hawo MediVac vacuum chamber sealer is a ‘best in class’ platform that guarantees fully compliant GMP packaging.

Vacuum chamber machines features:

• A high level of attainable vacuum (99% +), with MediVac® chambers capable of reaching a maximum vacuum of 29.921 inches of mercury (Hg) at sea level, ensuring precise vacuum levels for optimal performance.
• Size of the packaging limited by the degassing chamber size. Max 400 x 500 mm (15.6 x 19.7 inch).
• Sealing width 8 mm ± 1 mm (0.3 inch ± 0.04 inch).
• Horizontal, table-top configuration only.
• Increased cycle time. The air from the chamber is evacuated, not just the packaging.
• Contains internal vacuum pump, no external air supply required.
• Conforms in full to EN ISO 11607-2:2019.

Vacuum Sealers feature:

• Medium level of vacuum attainable (70%+).
• Packaging only restricted by length of the sealing bar. Max 1270 mm.
• Sealing width 8 mm.
• Can be configured both horizontally and vertically with a V2A stainless steel support stand.
• Fast seal cycle time. Only packaging is evacuated/flushed.
• External compressed air supply required. Min 6 bar.
• Conforms in full to EN ISO 11607-2:2019 / ISO 14644 cleanroom standards.
• Effective when dealing with disinfectants such as isopropyl alcohol, emphasizing the importance of material properties in specific manufacturing and research environments.

Types of Vacuum Chambers

Vacuum chambers are essential tools in various fields, including medical, pharmaceutical, industrial, and scientific research. Each type of vacuum chamber is designed to meet specific requirements and applications, making them versatile and indispensable in many industries. Integrating vacuum chambers into a broader vacuum system is crucial for achieving optimal performance.

Vertical High Vacuum Chambers

Vertical high vacuum chambers are engineered to achieve exceptionally high vacuum pressure, typically ranging from 10^-3 to 10^-6 Torr. These chambers are crucial in applications where maintaining a high vacuum environment is essential, such as in the production of semiconductors and the testing of spacecraft components. The vertical design allows for efficient space utilisation and is particularly suited for processes that require a high degree of precision and control.

Horizontal High Vacuum Chambers

Horizontal high vacuum chambers share many characteristics with their vertical counterparts but are designed to provide a horizontal vacuum environment. These chambers are ideal for applications that involve processing large surface areas, such as the production of flat panel displays and solar panels. The horizontal configuration allows for uniform treatment of materials, ensuring consistent quality and performance.

Industrial Vacuum Chambers

Industrial vacuum chambers are built to offer a rugged and reliable vacuum environment for a wide range of industrial applications. These chambers are commonly used in material processing, surface treatment, and testing, where durability and performance are paramount. The robust construction of industrial vacuum chambers, often featuring a stainless steel body, ensures they can withstand harsh conditions and provide consistent results over time. Whether you are conducting thermal testing, degassing, or coating processes, industrial vacuum chambers deliver the reliability and efficiency needed for demanding industrial applications. The importance of the vacuum system in achieving optimal performance and customisability for various industrial applications cannot be overstated.

Vacuum Chamber Materials

Stainless Steel Body

Stainless steel is a popular material for vacuum chamber construction due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. A stainless steel body provides a durable and long-lasting enclosure for creating a vacuum environment. The material’s low outgassing properties also minimise the risk of contamination within the chamber. Additionally, stainless steel is resistant to many chemicals, including isopropyl alcohol, making it an ideal choice for applications involving harsh cleaning agents.

Other Materials (e.g., acrylic, glass)

Other materials, such as acrylic and glass, are also used in vacuum chamber construction. Acrylic chambers are often used for general vacuum applications, offering a cost-effective and transparent solution for observing processes within the chamber. Glass chambers, on the other hand, provide excellent optical clarity and are commonly used in applications requiring high-precision optics. However, these materials may not offer the same level of durability and chemical resistance as stainless steel.

Vacuum Chamber Features

Multi-pin Feedthrough

A multi-pin feedthrough is an essential feature for vacuum chambers, enabling the connection of multiple instruments or devices to the chamber. This feature is particularly valuable in applications where monitoring various conditions such as temperature, pressure, or humidity is crucial. The multi-pin feedthrough ensures a secure and reliable connection, maintaining the integrity of the vacuum environment while allowing for comprehensive data collection and control. This capability is indispensable in complex experimental setups and industrial processes where precise monitoring and control are required.

Coaxial SMA Feedthrough

The coaxial SMA feedthrough is designed to facilitate the connection of small electronics within the vacuum chamber. This feature is especially useful in scenarios where electronic components need to operate under vacuum conditions, such as in the testing of electronic devices or the development of new technologies. The coaxial SMA feedthrough provides a robust and reliable connection, ensuring that the electronics are well-protected from the external environment. This feature enhances the versatility of the vacuum chamber, making it suitable for a wide range of high-tech applications.

Precision Vacuum Gauge and Needle Valves

Precision vacuum gauges and needle valves are critical features for achieving and maintaining precise vacuum pressure within the chamber. These components are particularly important in applications that require exact control over the vacuum environment, such as the testing of sensitive materials or the development of advanced technologies. The precision vacuum gauge offers accurate readings of the vacuum pressure, allowing for meticulous monitoring. Meanwhile, the needle valves enable precise regulation of gas flow into or out of the chamber, ensuring optimal conditions for various processes. Together, these features enhance the functionality and reliability of the vacuum chamber, making it a vital tool in high-precision applications.

Vacuum Chamber Sizes

Standard Sizes (e.g., 8” x 10”, 12” x 12”)

Vacuum chambers are available in a variety of standard sizes to accommodate different applications. Common sizes include 8” x 10”, 12” x 12”, and 18” x 20”, each suited for a range of general vacuum applications, high vacuum applications, and industrial uses. The choice of chamber size depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as the dimensions of the materials or components being tested, the desired vacuum levels, and the type of instruments or devices involved.

In addition to these standard sizes, vacuum chambers can be custom-made to meet unique application needs. Customisation options include larger or smaller dimensions, as well as specialised shapes and designs tailored to specific requirements. Custom-made chambers can be engineered to achieve high vacuum levels, precise temperature control, or accommodate specialised instrumentation.

When selecting a vacuum chamber, it is crucial to consider the specific needs of the application. Factors such as the size of the materials or components, the required vacuum levels, and the type of instruments or devices being used will significantly influence the performance and effectiveness of the vacuum system. By carefully choosing the appropriate size and design, users can ensure optimal results and efficiency in their vacuum applications.

Vacuum Chamber Applications

Labs

Vacuum chambers are widely used in laboratory settings for various applications, including material testing, chemical processing, and scientific research. In labs, vacuum chambers provide a controlled environment for experiments, allowing researchers to manipulate temperature, pressure, and humidity levels to simulate specific conditions. The chambers’ ability to maintain a high vacuum environment enables precise control over the experimental conditions, ensuring accurate and reliable results. Additionally, vacuum chambers can be customised to meet specific laboratory requirements, making them an essential tool for many scientific applications.