What VST does

VST (Vacuum Ltd.) is an Israeli custom-vacuum engineering firm founded in 1982 and headquartered at 19 Imber St., Petah Tikva, with approximately 25 mechanical, electrical, control, process, assembly, and sales professionals working from a single facility whose production floor was doubled to 98 m³ in 2023. The company designs, manufactures, installs, and supports bespoke high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum systems for thin-film deposition (sputtering, e-beam evaporation, ALD, PLD), materials processing (vacuum ovens, arc-melting furnaces up to 3,400 °C, crystal growth), and environmental testing (TVAC altitude simulators) — covering pressures down to 10⁻⁹ Torr for superconducting-circuit and quantum-sensing applications.

The technology stack comprises eleven in-house product lines, including the TFDS PVD cluster family, EVAP-X e-beam/thermal evaporation platforms with Telemark 861 controllers, ALD-330/340/350 atomic-layer deposition systems, HVF high-vacuum furnaces to 1,200 °C, TCH vacuum process ovens, GB-series gloveboxes, AM-133 arc melters, ITDS-9000 inline sputtering, and TCH-447 TVAC chambers used by ISRO. All systems run on NanoForge, VST's proprietary PLC-synced control and data platform with a multi-year SQL Server historian, tag-based architecture, and audit-grade traceability. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified for design, manufacturing, installation, and service.

VST generates revenue through three streams: custom system sales (engineered to customer specifications rather than catalog), full-lab integration projects where VST scopes and commissions end-to-end labs under a single NanoForge stack (the Khalifa University Abu Dhabi 2023–2024 build is the reference installation), and Israeli distribution of complementary products from ATEQ leak testers, J.A. Woollam ellipsometers, and Prevac HV/UHV systems. Go-to-market is engineering-driven enterprise field sales — direct in Israel and internationally, augmented by regional distributors in the UAE, USA, South Africa/Europe, and Singapore — with no self-serve or marketplace channels. Customer base spans quantum and semiconductor research (Bar-Ilan, Technion, Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, Ben-Gurion, Weizmann, Stanford, CNRS, Warsaw ITE, Vilnius University), aerospace and defense (ISRO, IAI, Rafael, Elbit, Rotem, ELTA), and industrial production (Medtronic, GE Healthcare, Sanmina, CPI, SCD, Shamir Optics).

Name

VST

Legal name

Vacuum Ltd.

Website

https://vacuumltd.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

VST (Vacuum Ltd.) is an Israeli engineering firm that designs and manufactures custom high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum systems for thin-film deposition, materials processing, and environmental testing, serving research labs, aerospace and defense agencies, and industrial manufacturers across four continents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vacuum Engineering Systems

NAICS

Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing (333242), Industrial Process Furnace and Oven Manufacturing (333994)

SIC

Industrial Process Furnaces & Ovens (3567)

akta.pro primary industry

Deposition Equipment (CVD/PVD/ALD/Epitaxy) (HDAHAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Etch & Strip Equipment (Dry/Wet/Ashing) (HDAHAEAC)

Keywords

• Vacuum engineering systems
• Thin-film deposition equipment
• Ultra-high vacuum technology
• PVD sputtering systems
• Vacuum process ovens

Headquarters

HQ city

Petah Tiqva

HQ country

Israel

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Custom vacuum system design, manufacturing, and support: VST designs, engineers, builds, and supports custom high-vacuum and UHV systems — from single-chamber R&D tools to multi-chamber production clusters. Revenue is generated from equipment sales, installation, and ongoing service/support contracts. Every system is engineered to customer specifications (specifications, components, and integration are decided with the customer, not pulled from a catalog).
2. Full-lab build and integration services: VST scopes, builds, and integrates entire labs — including chained gloveboxes, PVD and ALD systems, vacuum ovens, ellipsometry, and plasma cleaning — integrated and commissioned from a single control stack. Revenue from large-scale project-based integration (e.g., Khalifa University Abu Dhabi full-lab build).
3. Distributed branded products (ATEQ, J.A. Woollam, Prevac): VST acts as Israeli distribution and integration partner for ATEQ leak testers, J.A. Woollam ellipsometers, and Prevac HV/UHV systems — generating revenue through product distribution alongside its own systems.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

VST designs, engineers, builds, and supports custom high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum systems for thin-film deposition (PVD sputtering, e-beam evaporation, ALD), materials processing (vacuum ovens, arc-melting), and environmental testing (TVAC, altitude simulation). Every system is custom-configured to customer specifications — from single-chamber R&D tools to multi-chamber production clusters — and ships with VST's proprietary NanoForge control and data platform. The company also provides full-lab build and integration services and acts as the Israeli distributor for ATEQ, J.A. Woollam, and Prevac.

Product overview

VST offers a comprehensive portfolio of custom vacuum engineering systems and solutions, comprising 11 product lines plus 4 distributed brands. The core offering centers on thin-film deposition technologies including PVD systems (TFDS series with DC/RF/Pulsed-DC/HiPIMS sputtering), e-beam evaporation (EVAP-X series), and ALD atomic layer deposition (ALD-330/340/350). Supporting product lines include vacuum process ovens (TCH series), high-vacuum furnaces (HVF series), thermal vacuum test chambers (TVAC series), inert-atmosphere gloveboxes (GB series), arc melting furnaces (AM-133 series), crystal growth systems, and leak-testing stations (LTS series). All systems ship with VST's proprietary NanoForge control and data platform. VST also provides full-lab integration services and distributes complementary products from ATEQ (leak testers), J.A. Woollam (ellipsometers), and Prevac (HV/UHV systems).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TFDS Thin-Film PVD Systems Complete physical vapor deposition (PVD) thin-film deposition systems for metals, dielectrics, and organic materials — including single-chamber, compact, multi-chamber cluster, and dedicated Josephson junction configurations. Supports DC/RF/Pulsed-DC/HiPIMS sputtering for wafers up to 8 inches, with multi-chamber automated robotic handling, cassette-to-cassette transfer, and integration with inert glovebox environments. For semiconductor/MEMS research, advanced materials labs, and quantum/photonic device fabrication.
• EVAP-X E-beam Evaporation Systems Electron-beam and thermal evaporation platforms (EVAP-4X/6X/8X for 4"/6"/8" wafers and the EVAP-10X flagship) with Telemark E-beam source + 861 controller, 6 kW, 0–10 kV, up to 4 thermal sources for hybrid metal/dielectric stacks, and active substrate cooling for lift-off processing. Featuring water-cooled chambers, planetary substrate rotation, spherical domes, and adjustable-angle wafer holders for optimized step coverage. For precision optical coatings, micro-optics, and research thin-film stacks.
• ALD Atomic Layer Deposition Systems Atomic layer deposition systems (ALD-330 Multifunction with thermal + plasma; ALD-340 Multi-chamber Thermal; ALD-350 for powders) supporting 4"–8" wafers, 350°C, 2–6 precursors, and substrate or powder reactors. Applications include NV-diamond surface oxides, MEMS, solar cells, and display panels. For advanced materials research and pilot production.
• SuperSput Magnetron Sputtering Systems Benchtop and research-grade magnetron sputtering units (SuperSput, TFDS-842) plus SuperSput-UHV Series for ultra-high-vacuum operation at 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁹ Torr, featuring strict low-ferromagnetic contamination standards for quantum computing and Josephson junction fabrication. For university, quantum research, and thin-film R&D labs.
• ITDS-9000 Inline Sputtering Platform High-yield inline sputtering platform designed strictly for batch production, featuring high-vacuum load-locks, automated robotic handling, and cassette-to-cassette transfer for minimal cycle times and exceptional repeatability. For industrial production PVD customers including pilot lines and small-batch manufacturing.
• TCH Series Vacuum Process Ovens High-vacuum thermal treatment and processing chambers (TCH-340/340T/400/500/550D/700/864 Yael) capable of up to 400°C and 5×10⁻⁷ Torr. Designed for outgassing, baking, lithium-battery solvent removal (NMP), and JEDEC J-STD-033B moisture-sensitive device processing. ISO 7 cleanroom-compatible. For semiconductor, defense, aerospace, and battery research users.
• TVAC Thermal Vacuum Test Chambers Aerospace and environmental test chambers including TCH-447 TVAC (sea-level to space, <4×10⁻⁸ Torr, capable of 1-year continuous tests), TCH-499 mid-altitude (to 70,000 ft), and TCH-495 medical altitude (IEC 60601-1) variants, plus TVAC-500/510/520 Series altitude simulators. Trusted by ISRO, IAI, Rafael, and Elbit since 1982. For satellite agencies, defense contractors, and medical device manufacturers requiring altitude and thermal-vacuum qualification.
• HVF Series High-Vacuum Furnaces High-vacuum furnaces (HVF-1000/1004/1006) operating at up to 1200°C or 950°C at 2×10⁻⁷ Torr with multi-zone PID control and programmable gas flow. Designed for annealing, sintering, diffusion bonding, and quantum-grade post-processing. For materials science labs, advanced battery research, and quantum device fabrication.
• GB Series Inert-Atmosphere Gloveboxes Inert-atmosphere gloveboxes (GB-200/300/400 standalone with 2/3/4 gloves; GB-450 integrated with vacuum ovens; TFDS-870 integrated with PVD) achieving sub-ppm O₂/H₂O levels. Support chained-glovebox lab configurations. For battery research (lithium, solid-state, sodium-ion) and any oxygen-/moisture-sensitive thin-film or processing workflow.
• AM-133 Arc Melting Furnaces Arc melting furnaces including AM-133 compact, AM-133C with vacuum suction casting (rod casting up to 30g+), and AM-133H with secondary pumping to 10⁻⁴ Torr. Operating temperatures up to 3400°C for buttons, densification, refractory alloys, and nuclear/fuel research. For materials science, alloy development, and nuclear research labs.
• Crystal Growth Systems Crystal growth systems supporting Bridgman, Czochralski, and Solid-Solution Methods for infrared materials, oxide materials, and lithium-battery research. Fully automated all-in-one PC/PLC design with cleanroom-compatible compact-to-scalable configurations. For materials science and battery research laboratories.
• Vacuum Components Custom vacuum chambers, feedthroughs, valves, viewports, and fittings manufactured to CF/KF/ISO standards. Designed for OEMs and laboratories building their own vacuum systems.
• LTS Leak-Testing Stations VST-branded leak-testing stations: LTS-100 Mini (small components) and LTS-200 Compact (medium devices), built on the ATEQ F620 platform with 128 programs, IP67/IP68 rating, 0.1–5 bar, 1 Pa sensitivity, and customized chambers per customer drawings. For medical device manufacturing, aerospace component testing, and packaging quality control.
• Yael865 Reel Drying System Automated drying system (Yael865) for continuous processing of flexible diagnostic strips and biosensors, part of VST's medical devices and life sciences offering.
• Full-Lab Integration Solutions End-to-end lab engineering from concept to working solution — chained gloveboxes, PVD and ALD systems, vacuum ovens, ellipsometry, and plasma cleaning integrated, commissioned, and operated from a single control stack. For universities, R&D centers, and organizations commissioning turnkey thin-film laboratories at scale.
• ATEQ Leak Testers (Distributed) ATEQ leak testing instruments (F620, D620, F28+, F670LV, G620, CDF7000, TLC600, WINATEQ 300 software) distributed by VST as the Israeli distribution and integration partner. World #1 in leak testing since 1975 with 150,000+ testers installed across 5,000+ customers in 40+ countries. For Israeli aerospace, medical device, and industrial customers requiring leak-testing hardware.
• J.A. Woollam Ellipsometers (Distributed) J.A. Woollam spectroscopic ellipsometers (M-2000 series) distributed by VST for real-time film thickness, optical constants, and stack analysis. Industry-reference instruments with applications support included. For Israeli semiconductor, optics, and thin-film R&D customers.
• Prevac HV/UHV Systems (Distributed) High and ultra-high vacuum systems for scientific and industrial use from Prevac (Poland), distributed by VST in Israel. Product catalog available from VST.

Quantifiable outcome

• No reported failures on daily-use installations across multiple customer sites (CNRS, Hebrew University, Israeli universities).
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers27 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and regional.

• ATEQcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVST is the Israeli distribution and integration partner for ATEQ leak testers. ATEQ is the world #1 in leak testing since 1975, with 150,000+ testers installed across 5,000+ customers in 40+ countries. VST integrates ATEQ F620, D620, F28+, F670LV, G620, CDF7000, TLC600, and WINATEQ 300 software into its systems for automated, highly accurate testing cycles across aerospace, medical, and packaging applications.
• J.A. WoollamcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVST distributes J.A. Woollam spectroscopic ellipsometers (M-2000 series) for thin-film thickness, optical constants, and stack analysis. Authorized integration with VST systems across semiconductor, optics, and R&D applications. Applications support included.
• Prevac (Poland)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVST distributes Prevac HV/UHV (high and ultra-high vacuum) systems for scientific and industrial use in Israel. Prevac is a Polish manufacturer of vacuum technology. Product catalog from Prevac distributed by VST.
• Al-Fahim (UAE)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for VST products in the United Arab Emirates.
• Kemp Industries (USA)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for VST products in the United States.
• Lubbe LLC (USA + international)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for VST products in the United States and internationally.
• ARGMAX (South Africa + Europe)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for VST products in South Africa and Europe.
• Precision Technologies (Singapore)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for VST products in Singapore.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ULVAC: Japan-based global vacuum and deposition equipment manufacturer with broad product portfolio spanning PVD, CVD, sputter, and etch systems. Highly comparable to VST in vacuum deposition but operates at vastly larger scale across semiconductor, display, and industrial markets.
• Edwards Vacuum (Atlas Copco): UK-based global vacuum pump and integrated vacuum solutions provider. Comparable in vacuum technology and end-market exposure, but at vastly larger scale. Note: VST's domestic sales lead Koby Leist is former CEO of Edwards Israel.
• Veeco Instruments: US semiconductor equipment maker specializing in deposition (MOCVD, PVD, IBD), advanced packaging lithography, and laser annealing. Broad incumbent operating far above VST's scale; comparable in deposition category.

Direct peers

• PVD Products: US supplier of thin-film deposition systems (PVD, PLD, sputter, e-beam) for research and production. Directly competes with VST's TFDS and e-beam evaporation product lines.
• Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology: UK-based supplier of thin-film deposition and etch equipment (ALD, PVD, ICP) for research and production. Comparable in target customer and product mix for quantum/semiconductor R&D segments.
• Prevac: Polish manufacturer of HV and UHV systems for scientific and industrial applications. VST distributes Prevac products in Israel but they also directly compete in the same R&D thin-film deposition market globally.
• AJA International: US manufacturer of magnetron sputtering and thin-film deposition systems for research and small-scale production. Highly comparable R&D-segment product line to VST's SuperSput and TFDS series.
• Angstrom Engineering: Canada-based designer/manufacturer of high-vacuum thin-film deposition systems for R&D and pilot production. Closely comparable niche — custom PVD/evaporation/sputter systems for research labs and quantum/RF/microelectronics customers.
• Kurt J. Lesker Company: US manufacturer/distributor of vacuum components, deposition systems, and thin-film tools. Comparable in targeting R&D/academic/industrial customers with mix of catalog hardware and custom systems.

Regional players

• HEF (formerly HEF/Ionics): France-based surface engineering and thin-film coatings specialist with deposition equipment and services. Comparable in PVD/sputtering technology and EMEA research-customer exposure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/30622248

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about VST