Oxford Cryosystems

What Oxford Cryosystems does

Oxford Cryosystems (trading as OxCryo) is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of cryogenic temperature-control systems for scientific research, headquartered in Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire, and operating since 1985. The company builds three principal product families: open-flow coolers (Cryostream 1000, Cobra, N-Helix) that deliver calibrated gas streams for single-crystal and powder diffraction; closed-cycle cryostats (Phenix and Phenix Front Loader) that integrate with vertical goniometers for fast sample swapping; and proprietary Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers (single-stage and two-stage variants such as Coolstar 0/12, 0/40, 2/9, 6/30) paired with the K450 helium compressor for radio-astronomy and superconducting-magnet applications. Its technology is differentiated by 40 years of accumulated cryogenic engineering know-how, a wholly-owned precision-metalwork subsidiary (Gatehouse Engineering), and bespoke customization demonstrated in ruggedized deployments for MeerKAT and SKA-Mid. CryoConnector software and the Oxford Connect cloud platform provide remote monitoring and device-data logging.

The company serves academic, government, and industrial research customers globally, with over 80% of production exported and deployments at Diamond Light Source, ANSTO, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, the Natural History Museum, the SKA Observatory, SARAO/MeerKAT, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and leading universities including Oxford and Leeds. Its business model combines capital-equipment sales (quote-based pricing) with a recurring service-contract stream (Gold, Platinum, Parts, and Extended Warranty tiers up to five years) and an e-commerce parts store; sales are executed through a direct, consultative enterprise-sales motion supplemented by content marketing, scientific publications, and conference presence. Oxford Cryosystems has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Judges Scientific plc, a London Stock Exchange-listed acquirer of scientific instrument companies, since July 2017.

Name

Oxford Cryosystems

Legal name

Oxford Cryosystems Ltd.

Website

https://oxcryo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Oxford Cryosystems designs and manufactures cryogenic cooling systems — open-flow coolers, closed-cycle cryostats, and Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers — for academic, government, and industrial research institutions worldwide, with recurring service-contract revenue and a connected-device cloud platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Cryogenic Equipment

SIC

Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)

akta.pro primary industry

Cryogenic Systems & Cryostats (HDAGABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cryocoolers & Refrigeration Units (HDAGABAB), Sample Preparation, Storage & Cryogenics (Freezers, Cryovials, Cryostats) (HLAGAIAJ)

Keywords

• Cryogenic cooling systems
• Scientific research instruments
• Open-flow coolers
• Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers
• X-ray diffraction equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Oxford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Cryogenic Equipment Sales: Sale of scientific cryogenic equipment including Cryostream, Cobra, N-Helix, Phenix, and GM Cryocoolers. Products are sold directly to research institutions, universities, and industrial manufacturers.
2. Service Contracts: Pre-paid service contracts including Gold (annual service parts + on-site maintenance up to 5 years), Platinum (includes repairs and shipping coverage), and Parts (economy option with remote support).
3. Extended Warranties: Extended warranty options covering devices up to maximum of 5 years total, providing peace of mind for customers.
4. Service Kits and Parts: E-commerce store selling service kits and maintenance parts to help keep cryogenic systems operating at peak performance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Oxford Cryosystems designs and manufactures cryogenic cooling systems and instruments for advanced scientific research, including open-flow coolers (Cryostream, Cobra, N-Helix), closed-cycle cryostats (Phenix), and Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers with associated helium compressors. The company serves single crystal diffraction, powder diffraction, radio astronomy, fusion diagnostics, and materials science applications, complemented by proprietary CryoConnector software and the Oxford Connect cloud platform for remote monitoring.

Product overview

Oxford Cryosystems is a cryogenic engineering company offering a comprehensive portfolio of temperature control solutions for scientific research. The product line consists of three main categories: Open-Flow Coolers (Cryostream 1000, Cobra, and N-Helix) providing precise temperature control for single crystal and powder diffraction; Closed-Cycle Cryostats (Phenix and Phenix Front Loader) enabling fast sample swapping for powder diffraction; and GM Cryocoolers (Single-Stage and Two-Stage models) with associated K450 helium compressor for versatile cooling applications. The portfolio is supported by proprietary software (CryoConnector) and cloud platform (Oxford Connect) for device monitoring, control, and data logging. Products serve diverse applications including X-ray diffraction, radio astronomy, fusion research, and materials science, with customisation capabilities for specialised scientific requirements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cryostream 1000 The cornerstone open-flow cooler for diffraction analysis, providing stable and effective cooling for single crystal and powder diffraction. Features liquid nitrogen cooling with temperature stability of +/- 0.1 K and a temperature range of 80-400 K (Standard) or 80-500 K (Plus). Used by universities, synchrotrons, and research institutions.
• Cobra A mechanically refrigerated open-flow system serving as a liquid-free alternative to the Cryostream, eliminating the cost and safety concerns of liquid nitrogen. Offers 24/7 run time with a temperature range of 80-500 K (Plus). Used in crystallography and diffraction research.
• N-Helix A helium-based open-flow cooler enabling charge density investigations with phase transitions down to 28 K. Features DualFlow Technology with Nitrogen mode (100-300 K) and Helium mode (28-100 K), offering stability of +/- 0.3 K. Used for advanced materials and crystallography research.
• Phenix A compact closed-cycle cryostat integrating with vertical goniometers for rapid sample swapping in flat plate powder diffraction experiments. Features base temperature of 12-290 K, fast cooldown (20 K in 40 mins, 12 K in 60 mins), fast warm-up (12 K to room temperature in 45 mins), and stability of 0.1 K. Used by research institutions.
• Phenix Front Loader (FL) Front-loading variant of the Phenix prioritising ultra-fast sample swapping at 40 K. Ideal for sensitive and reactive materials with base temperature of 40-315 K, front load capability at 40 K, sample swap time of approximately 5 seconds, and stability of +/- 0.1 K. Used at neutron scattering facilities.
• Single-Stage GM Cryocoolers (Coolstar 0/12, Coolstar 0/40) Efficient and versatile closed-cycle cooling solutions with rapid cool-down, adjustable motor speed, and compact footprint. The Coolstar 0/12 provides 17 W cooling at 77 K; the Coolstar 0/40 provides 57 W cooling at 77 K. Ideal for high-temperature superconducting magnets and radio astronomy LNA cooling.
• Two-Stage GM Cryocoolers (Coolstar 2/9, Coolstar 6/30) Two-stage Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers for reaching lower temperatures. The Coolstar 2/9 provides 2.4 W at 20 K and 11 W at 77 K; the Coolstar 6/30 provides 7 W at 20 K and 30 W at 77 K. Base temperature of 10 K unloaded. Used for superconducting magnets and low-noise amplifiers.
• K450 Helium Compressor Helium compressor designed to power up to two cryocoolers with fast cooldown and minimal maintenance. Operates at 200-240 V (50 Hz) or 208-230 V (60 Hz), with operating power of 3.4-3.6 kW. Features robust multidrive capability for advanced engineering and scientific research applications.
• CryoConnector Proprietary software linking cryogenic coolers with computers for monitoring and control via USB, Ethernet, or serial connection. Can be configured to link to an Oxford Connect account for web-based control. Automatically stores logs of system performance on PC and exchanges data via XML files for third-party integration. Used by researchers and lab managers.
• Oxford Connect Web-based platform enabling remote monitoring and control of Oxford Cryosystems devices. Allows users to register devices using unique Device ID, monitor device status over the web, and access performance logs stored in the cloud. Links with CryoConnector software for enhanced functionality. Used by research institutions to monitor equipment remotely.
• Service Contracts (Gold, Platinum, Parts) Pre-paid service contracts in tiered packages including Gold (annual service parts + on-site maintenance up to 5 years), Platinum (full coverage including repairs and shipping), and Parts Only (economy option for hands-on customers). Includes on-site maintenance visits, technical support, service guides, and how-to videos. Sold to research institutions and universities.
• Extended Warranties Extended warranty options covering devices up to maximum of 5 years total, providing peace of mind for customers beyond the standard 1-2 year warranty. Sold alongside equipment purchases.
• Service Kits and Parts (E-Store) Online e-commerce store selling service kits, maintenance parts, and components to help keep cryogenic systems operating at peak performance, minimising downtime and extending equipment lifespan. Sold to existing Oxford Cryosystems customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 5,400 scientific publications cite Cryostream technology
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• HarwellXPSmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration on cryogenic XPS development. Oxford Cryosystems presented ongoing work to develop new cryogenic capabilities for XPS, aiming to make low-temperature surface analysis more practical and reduce reliance on liquid cryogens.
• Kratos AnalyticalmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026Collaboration on cryogenic XPS development with instrument manufacturer. Project aims to develop new cryogenic capabilities for XPS surface analysis technology.
• United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 March 2025Collaboration on quantum cascade laser (QCL) research for fusion plasma diagnostics. A modified Phenix cryostat was used to investigate feasibility of compact QCLs for continuous plasma density measurements essential for fusion power plant control.
• University of LeedscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 March 2025World leader in QCL development holding world record for highest power output from semiconductor terahertz lasers. Collaboration to develop compact semiconductor lasers for fusion diagnostics, replacing gas laser technology.
• SKA Observatory (SKAO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Inclusion in The Fusion Cluster Directory 2026 and ongoing deployment of cryogenic systems for SKA-Mid telescope, supporting detection of signals from the birth of the universe.
• ANSTO (Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration on wide nozzle customization for open flow coolers, demonstrated in research on alkane activation using Cobra systems.
• Diamond Light SourcemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Synchrotron facility collaboration on wide nozzle customization for open flow coolers, guiding product development for decades.
• EMSS AntennascoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024South African company installing AC3 Helium Compressors onto MeerKAT radio telescopes. Cryocoolers provide signal clarity for observation of distant celestial phenomena.
• SARAO (South African Radio Astronomy Observatory)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024MeerKAT project using EMSS receivers with Oxford Cryosystems' AC3 compressors and 2/9 GM cryocoolers for low-noise amplifiers in radio telescope receivers.
• UTC OxfordshireminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Employer Led Project collaboration where students tackled engineering projects mirroring real-world challenges, providing hands-on experience and connecting academic theory with practical application.
• University of OxfordcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000Long-standing collaboration including C-Band All-Sky Survey (C-BASS) requiring compact cryocoolers, and 2015 development of rugged air-cooled helium compressor for SKA-Mid telescope.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Oxford Instruments: UK-based scientific instrumentation group with a dedicated cryogenics and nano-science portfolio (including cryostats and low-temperature systems). Direct peer because of overlapping product categories (cryogenic systems for research), shared UK Oxfordshire heritage and similar scientific-research customer base.
• Lake Shore Cryotronics: US-based supplier of cryogenic temperature sensors, instrumentation and integrated cryogenic probe stations, having acquired Janis Research. Direct peer for closed-cycle cryostat and laboratory cryogenic measurement systems serving the same academic and government research customers.
• Bluefors: Finnish maker of dilution refrigerators and cryogenic measurement systems primarily for quantum computing and condensed-matter physics. Direct peer in advanced cryogenic platforms serving research customers, particularly where ultra-low-temperature capability (mK range) intersects with Oxford Cryosystems' 10K-class systems.
• Cryomech: US manufacturer of Gifford-McMahon and pulse-tube cryocoolers widely used in research, medical and aerospace applications. Direct peer because Oxford Cryosystems' Coolstar single- and two-stage GM cryocoolers compete head-to-head with Cryomech's PT and GM product lines in research labs.
• Sumitomo Heavy Industries (Cryogenics Division): Japanese manufacturer of GM and pulse-tube cryocoolers (e.g., SRP series) used across research, semiconductor and medical imaging. Direct peer in the cryocooler segment, particularly for radio astronomy and superconducting magnet applications.

Emerging players

• attocube systems: German manufacturer of cryogenic and ultra-low-temperature positioning/microscopy systems, including cryostats for materials research and quantum applications. Emerging peer in advanced research cryogenics, with overlap on low-temperature physics and quantum research customers.
• ICE Oxford: UK-based manufacturer of cryostat systems and cryogenic instruments for materials research, neutron scattering and physics experiments. Direct niche competitor, particularly in neutron and X-ray diffraction cryostats similar to Oxford Cryosystems' Phenix line.

Broad incumbents

• Rigaku: Japanese X-ray diffraction and crystallography instrument maker whose single-crystal and powder diffraction systems are core users of open-flow cryogenic coolers. Broad incumbent in the customer ecosystem, influencing and shaping demand for Oxford Cryosystems' Cryostream-class products.
• Bruker: Large scientific instrument maker whose X-ray diffraction, NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance platforms are typically paired with cryogenic cooling. Broad incumbent that competes indirectly by influencing cryostat specifications and bundling cryogenic options into broader system sales.

Regional players

• Quantum Design: US-based distributor and developer of cryogenic and high-magnetic-field measurement systems (including Physical Property Measurement Systems) for materials research. Peer in laboratory cryogenic instrumentation, particularly for materials characterization customers that overlap with Oxford Cryosystems' end users.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/oxcryo
• Facebookfacebook.com/oxfordcryosystems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oxford-cryosystems

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Oxford Cryosystems