What HHV Ltd does

HHV Ltd is the UK-incorporated sales, service and engineering subsidiary of HHV Group, an Indian-headquartered manufacturer of vacuum deposition systems and thin film coating equipment with origins dating to 1965. The company designs, manufactures and supplies capital equipment spanning bench-top coating systems (BT 150, BT 300) for electron microscopy sample preparation, universal lab deposition tools (Auto 306, ATS 500), production box coaters (TF 600, TF 800, TF 1400), glove-box-integrated systems for OLED/OPV/perovskite research (Auto 500GB), atomic layer deposition systems (ALD series), ion-beam sputtering, and the ID-Ultra family of forensic Vacuum Metal Deposition systems for police fingermark detection. Underlying process technology covers thermal evaporation, high-power electron-beam evaporation (3kW–20kW+), ion beam sources, magnetron sputtering, atomic layer deposition, and quartz-crystal film-thickness monitoring, supported by PLC/touch-screen recipe-based process control. Production is concentrated in purpose-built, ISO-accredited facilities at Dabaspet, Bangalore, with custom one-off builds including coaters for astronomical telescope mirrors up to 3.7 m diameter, in-line large-area substrate coaters and interior aircraft cockpit canopy coating systems.

The business monetizes primarily through hardware sales of deposition systems (bench-top to full-size production tools), complemented by recurring maintenance, repair and spares/consumables revenue tied to the installed base of Auto 306/500, TF 600 and ScanCoat Six systems, and a Thin Films and Optics division that manufactures precision optical components (dichroic optics, laser and narrow-band interference filters, hybrid microcircuits, periscope prisms, thin-film heaters, infrared optics). Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with multi-year enterprise contracts. Go-to-market combines enterprise field sales through the Crawley UK office, a global sales and support network, and event-driven demand generation at SPIE Photonics West, Laser World of Photonics and SPIE Optifab, supplemented by content marketing, newsletters, and LinkedIn/YouTube channels.

HHV holds exclusive licenses from Edwards Vacuum to manufacture the Auto 306, Auto 500, TF 600, ScanCoat Six, ID500 and ID750 product lines, and from the UK Home Office (since 2008) to build and supply the former Edwards Identicoat forensic VMD systems. Customers include university and industrial research laboratories, production-scale optical and ophthalmic manufacturers, police forensic laboratories, and emerging OLED/OPV/perovskite electronics researchers across the UK, India, the US and Germany. HHV Ltd is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds, M&A activity or public listing.

Name

HHV Ltd

Legal name

HHV Ltd

Website

https://hhvltd.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

HHV Ltd is the UK sales and service subsidiary of HHV Group, designing and manufacturing vacuum deposition systems, thin film coating equipment, and precision optical components for research labs, industrial coaters, police forensic laboratories, and ophthalmic and electronics manufacturers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Thin Film Deposition and Vacuum Coating Equipment

NAICS

Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing (333242), Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (3344)

SIC

Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590), Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821), Electronic Components, Nec (3679)

akta.pro primary industry

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

Keywords

• Thin film deposition
• Vacuum coating equipment
• Optical thin film coatings
• Forensic VMD systems
• PVD systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Crawley

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Thin Film Deposition Equipment Sales: Sale of vacuum coating and thin film deposition systems including bench-top series, TF series, ATS series, glovebox systems, and custom-built equipment for research and industrial applications.
2. Maintenance and Repair Services: Routine maintenance, planned maintenance, and unscheduled repairs for Scancoat Six, Auto306, Auto500, and TF600 deposition systems performed by company engineers or local representatives.
3. Spares and Consumables: Supply of process consumables, spare parts, and accessories including filaments, boats, crucible liners, quartz crystals, and original manufacturer components for deposition systems.
4. Optical Components and Thin Film Coatings: Manufacturing and supply of precision optical components including dichroic coated optics, laser filters, narrow band interference filters, hybrid micro circuits, periscope prisms, thin film heaters, and infrared optics.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

HHV Ltd designs and manufactures vacuum deposition systems and thin film coating equipment for research and industrial applications, including bench-top coaters, box coaters, atomic layer deposition systems, glovebox-integrated deposition systems, ion beam sputtering systems, and forensic Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD) systems. The company also produces precision optical components such as dichroic coated optics, laser filters, narrow band interference filters, hybrid micro circuits, periscope prisms, thin film heaters, and infrared optics, and supplies spares, consumables, and maintenance services for its equipment.

Product overview

HHV Ltd is a manufacturer of thin film deposition systems and vacuum coating equipment. The product portfolio includes bench-top systems (BT 150/300) for electron microscopy sample preparation, the Auto 306 universal lab deposition system, ATS 500 box coaters for research and production, TF series (600/800/1400) for advanced R&D and ophthalmic applications, glove box integration systems for OLED and organic electronics research, ALD series for atomic layer deposition, SAARA series with automated substrate handling, DECORA PVD for decorative coatings, Opticoat for ophthalmic lens coatings, and Ion Beam Sputtering systems for precision optical coatings. The Forensic VMD product line includes ID 300, ID 500, and ID 750 systems for police forensic fingermark detection. The company also offers custom-built systems for special applications including astronomical telescope mirror coaters. A Thin Films and Optics division manufactures precision optical components including dichroic coated optics, laser filters, narrow band interference filters, and infrared optics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ID-Ultra: Vacuum Metal Deposition systems for forensic fingermark development, including ID300 Ultra, ID500 Ultra, and ID750 Ultra models for police forensic laboratories.

Products and services

• BT 150 and BT 300 Bench Top Coating Systems Bench-top vacuum coating systems for SEM and TEM sample preparation and research coating of samples up to 200mm diameter. Features recipe process control with full colour touch screen, turbo pump option, and evaporation, sputtering and etch processes; targeted at research and laboratory customers.
• Auto 306 Deposition System Universal laboratory research deposition tool offering compact, economical and rugged thin film deposition for SEM and TEM sample preparation and general research. Touch screen PLC vacuum control, multiple deposition processes, with glass bell jar or stainless steel chamber options.
• ATS 500 Series 500mm box coater systems for advanced research and production in electronics and optical components. Supports thermal, e-beam or sputtering deposition with touch-screen PC control, lift-off processing, ion source processing, and load lock and handler options.
• Auto 500GB Glove Box Deposition System 500mm deposition system designed for glove box integration, used to deposit electronic materials in organic photovoltaics (OPVs), perovskite solar cell research, and thin film batteries. Features HHV temperature-controlled effusion sources and integrated film thickness monitoring.
• TF 600 Box Coaters 600mm box coater systems for advanced R&D and production in electronics and optical research. Features powerful vacuum systems, full process control, ion-assisted processes, e-beam, RF, DC or pulsed sputtering, with a range of load locks.
• TF 800 and TF 1400 Systems Full-size thin film deposition systems with 800mm or 1400mm wide process chambers for ophthalmic and precision optics production. Fitted with high-capacity domed calotte, segmented, planetary or plane lens holders, high-capacity electron beam sources with ion assistance, and PC process control.
• ID-Ultra Forensic VMD Systems Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD) systems for police forensic laboratories to detect fingermarks on difficult substrates including plastic bags, bottles, sheeting, cartridge cases, and knives. Includes ID 300 Ultra (desktop), ID 500 Ultra (mid-size), and ID 750 Ultra (full-sized) models, manufactured under exclusive license from the UK Home Office.
• ALD Series Atomic Layer Deposition System Fully-automated stand-alone thermal atomic layer deposition system that deposits pin-hole free films with extreme surface conformity. Accommodates wafer sizes up to 6 inches with gas manifold for up to six precursor lines, targeted at research and small-scale production of high-quality ALD films.
• Opticoat Series Coating systems designed for small and mid-size ophthalmic Rx laboratories to produce highly repeatable, high-quality anti-reflection coatings on lacquered CR 39 and polycarbonate lenses. Features touch screen operation with recipe programming.
• DECORA PVD Series PVD system engineered for high-volume decorative and functional coatings using cathodic arc, magnetron sputtering, or hybrid combinations. Features fully automatic process control, SCADA data logging, and flexible loading systems with 13 to 24 rack positions.
• SAARA Series Single block aluminium chamber platform for depositing electronic and optical coatings. Features load-lock chamber, automated substrate transfer mechanism, touch-screen PC with complete process automation, substrate biasing options, and substrate heating up to 800C.
• Ion Beam Sputtering System High-precision dual ion beam sputtering system for advanced optical and dielectric thin-film deposition. Produces dense, low-loss coatings such as AR, HR, laser facet coatings, ITO, and multilayer coatings for research, prototyping, and small-volume production.
• Custom Systems Bespoke custom-built vacuum equipment for special applications, including coating of astronomical telescope mirrors up to 3.7m diameter, in-line coating of large area substrates, and interior coating of aircraft cockpit canopies, designed in collaboration with the customer.
• Thin Film and Optics Services End-to-end optical thin film coating and precision optical component manufacturing services, including optical polishing, high-end metrology, thin film coatings and testing. Manufactures dichroic coated optics, laser filters, narrow band interference filters, hybrid micro circuits, periscope prisms, thin film heaters, and infrared optics for industrial, space, and defense applications.
• Spares, Consumables and Maintenance Services Supply of process consumables, spare parts and accessories (filaments, boats, crucible liners, quartz crystals, original manufacturer components) and routine, planned, and unscheduled maintenance and repair services for Scancoat Six, Auto306, Auto500, TF600 and other deposition systems, performed by HHV engineers or local representatives.
• Effusion Sources for Organics Temperature-controlled OLED evaporation sources designed for HHV glove box deposition systems. Compact sources evaporate organic compounds such as PbI and AlQ3 for development and manufacture of OLEDs and organic photovoltaics with a 50C to 600C temperature range.

Quantifiable outcome

• Astronomical telescope mirror coating capability up to 3.7m diameter

Named customers3 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

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UK Home OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008HHV holds the exclusive license to build and supply the former Edwards Identicoat series systems (ID-series VMD systems) since 2008. The VMD technique was originally developed in the 1960s/70s by the UK Home Office in collaboration with Edwards High Vacuum. The original UK Home Office specification for VMD systems was written around that early work.
• Edwards VacuumcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHHV holds the exclusive license from Edwards Vacuum to manufacture the Auto 306, Auto 500, TF 600, Scan Coat Six, ID500 and ID750 deposition systems. These are built in HHV's purpose-built, modern ISO-accredited facilities at Dabaspet, Bangalore. This is a flagship partnership providing HHV with rights to manufacture and sell Edwards' established product lines globally.
• International Subcontract ManufacturersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHHV partners with a number of international companies for subcontract manufacture of vacuum systems, thin film coatings, vacuum pumps and vacuum products.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SENTECH Instruments: German manufacturer of PECVD, ALD, plasma etching, and ion beam deposition systems for research and semiconductor applications. Comparable to HHV in ALD and plasma-enhanced deposition equipment serving university and industrial R&D.
• Angstrom Engineering: Specialist manufacturer of thin film deposition systems (thermal, e-beam, sputtering, ALD) for research and pilot production. Directly comparable to HHV's ATS, TF, and ALD product families in targeting R&D and small-scale production customers.
• Kurt J. Lesker Company: Supplies vacuum components, deposition sources, and complete thin film deposition systems for research and industrial customers. Comparable to HHV in bench-top and mid-size vacuum deposition systems (Auto, BT series) and in supplying spares, consumables, and effusion sources.
• Bühler Leybold Optics: Bühler's Leybold Optics division supplies large-area PVD and sputter systems for optical, automotive, and architectural coatings. Directly comparable to HHV's TF 800/1400 ophthalmic/precision optics platforms and Opticoat/DECORA lines in batch optical coating equipment.
• Von Ardenne: German maker of PVD, sputtering, and ALD systems for large-area glass, photovoltaic, and architectural glass coatings. Comparable to HHV in providing industrial-scale vacuum deposition platforms, with overlap on magnetron sputtering and in-line optical coating.
• PVD Products: US-based manufacturer of custom and standard sputtering, e-beam, and PLD deposition systems. Comparable to HHV in custom-built vacuum coaters and in targeting research/specialty industrial customers with bespoke deposition tools.

Broad incumbents

• Veeco Instruments: US-based equipment maker specializing in thin film deposition (PVD, CVD, ALD, MBE) for semiconductor, LED, photonics, and data storage applications. Comparable to HHV at the broader deposition-equipment category level, particularly in ALD and ion beam deposition for photonics and electronics.
• Oxford Instruments (Plasma Technology): Supplies ALD, PECVD, etch, and ion beam systems for research and semiconductor applications. Comparable to HHV's ALD Series, SAARA, and ion beam platforms in advanced plasma/ALD-based thin film deposition for research and electronics.
• ULVAC: Large Japanese vacuum equipment maker serving semiconductor, flat-panel, automotive, and research markets with sputtering, ALD, and CVD platforms. Comparable to HHV's broad deposition equipment portfolio at higher volume and broader industrial scale.
• Edwards Vacuum (Atlas Copco): Original licensor of multiple HHV flagship product lines and a leading global supplier of vacuum and deposition equipment for semiconductor, research, and industrial applications. Comparable because it sells overlapping PVD/sputtering/e-beam platforms and shares the same Edwards-Identicoat VMD heritage now exclusive to HHV.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCd9ahv2TorjOpwIHZQt02ZQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hhv-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 HHV Ltd