What Hsr Ag does

HSR AG is a privately held, family-owned manufacturer of cryogenic pumps (cryopumps) and oil diffusion pumps, headquartered in Balzers, Liechtenstein. Founded in 2001 by Marcel Kohler and Herbert Vogt, the company designs and produces high-vacuum and ultra-high vacuum systems spanning VCP compact cryopumps (DN 100-200), VELCO large-capacity cryopumps (DN 250-1250) including specialized Xenon and Hydrogen variants, standard and ECO energy-saving oil diffusion pumps (DN 40-1000), HVT and VAP high-vacuum angle valves, BFC and HSB baffles, an HCC controller family with proprietary H-Bus communication protocol, and SINCO and custom cryostats. The product portfolio is complemented by accessories, operating fluids, spare parts for HSR, Pfeiffer-compatible, and former Balzers AG equipment, plus service offerings including cryopump revisions and helium leak detection.

The company serves three primary verticals: industrial coating and vacuum processing (PVD thin-film coating, vacuum heat treatment, vacuum distillation), research and science (particle accelerators, nuclear fusion test reactors, space simulation chambers, nuclear medicine isotope production), and aerospace. Customers operate in extreme conditions including temperatures above 350°C, gas pressures exceeding 1,200 sccm, strong magnetic fields, and ionizing radiation. HSR distributes globally through direct sales from Liechtenstein, its wholly-owned German subsidiary HSR Vakuum GmbH (founded 2008 in Oestrich-Winkel), and a worldwide representative and partner network spanning 16 countries, with spare parts typically dispatched within 24 hours. The business model is enterprise direct sales with quote-based pricing across hardware, recurring spare parts, and revision service revenue streams.

Name

Hsr Ag

Legal name

HSR AG

Website

https://hsr.li

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

HSR AG is a Liechtenstein-based family-owned manufacturer of cryogenic and oil diffusion vacuum pumps serving industrial coating, scientific research, and aerospace customers across 16 countries, with complementary valves, baffles, controllers, spare parts, and revision services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Vacuum Equipment

NAICS

Pump and Compressor Manufacturing (33391), Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing (333912)

SIC

Pumps & Pumping Equipment (3561), Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)

akta.pro primary industry

Vacuum Pumps & Systems (IMAHANAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Gas & Air Separation Equipment (ASU, PSA, Cryogenic Systems) (IMAHAEAI), Pump & Compressor Packages (Skids, Booster Sets) (IMAHANAG)

Keywords

• Cryogenic pumps
• Oil diffusion pumps
• High vacuum equipment
• Vacuum valves
• Cryostat systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Balzers

HQ country

Liechtenstein

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Cryopump Sales: Global manufacturer selling cryopumps in various sizes (DN 100 to DN 1250) for high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum applications. Products are sold globally with spare parts dispatch within 24 hours.
2. Oil Diffusion Pump Sales: Oil diffusion pumps sold in sizes DN 40 to DN 1000, including ECO energy-saving versions, standard versions, and associated operating materials.
3. Valves, Baffles, and Controllers: High vacuum valves (HVT, VAP series), baffles (BFC, HSB series), and control systems (HCC, CBO, CBR, PUR, TPM, PWF series) sold as separate product lines and as integrated systems.
4. Cryostat Sales: SINCO cryostats and customized refrigerator cryostats sold for specialized cooling applications in aerospace, low-temperature physics, superconducting technology, and cryopumping.
5. Spare Parts: Spare parts for cryopumps, diffusion pumps, and legacy Balzers AG products. Worn parts can be ordered even years later and are typically dispatched within 24 hours. Exchange/refurbished sets also available.
6. Cryopump Revision Services: Complete revision services including cold head revision (after 15,000 operating hours), compressor revision with adsorber replacement (after 30,000 operating hours), including cleaning, testing, and performance verification. Loan pumps available during revision periods.
7. Helium Leak Detection Services: Precision helium leak detection using mass spectrometry. Services offered at HSR workshop or at customer location for components, pump units, and pressurized containers.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

HSR AG manufactures cryogenic pumps and oil diffusion pumps used to generate high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum (10⁻² to 10⁻¹¹ mbar). The company offers the complete range of cryogenic (VCP and VELCO series) and diffusion pumps (Standard and ECO), along with high vacuum valves, baffles, controllers with proprietary H-Bus, cryostats, accessories, operating fluids, spare parts, refurbished equipment, and services including cryopump revisions and helium leak detection.

Product overview

HSR AG is a global manufacturer of cryogenic pumps and oil diffusion pumps headquartered in Balzers, Liechtenstein. The product portfolio centers on high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum technology, encompassing VCP cryopumps (DN 100-200), VELCO cryopumps (DN 250-1250) including Xe and H2 specialized variants, Standard and ECO oil diffusion pumps (DN 40-1000), HVT and VAP high vacuum valves, BFC and HSB baffle systems, HCC/CBO/PUR controller systems with proprietary H-Bus communication, SINCO cryostats and customized cryostats, along with comprehensive accessories, spare parts, operating materials, refurbished products, and services including cryopump revisions and helium leak detection. The products are used in PVD thin-film coating, space simulation, nuclear fusion research, particle accelerators, and other high-vacuum applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VCP Cryopumps Compact cryopumps in a 90-degree design covering DN 100 to DN 200 sizes, featuring increased second-stage pumping capacity relative to inlet area. Designed for high vacuum applications with limited space, with regeneration via heating jackets and purge gas. Sold globally to industrial and scientific customers.
• VELCO Cryopumps Large-capacity cryopumps in sizes DN 250 to DN 1250 with optimized internal components and powerful cooling systems. Available in Standard, Xe (Xenon) and H2 (Hydrogen) variants for specialized gases. Withstands thermal radiation up to 350°C and high gas loads. Pumping speeds up to 177,500 l/s for the largest standard model, up to 65,800 l/s for xenon, and continuous H2 throughput up to 600 sccm.
• Standard Oil Diffusion Pumps Standard oil diffusion pumps manufactured in sizes DN 40 to DN 1000, including compact air-cooled PDB models (DN 40), water-cooled PDI models (DN 63-250) with pumping speeds 150-1,750 l/s, and large water-cooled PDA models (DN 320-1000) with pumping speeds 3,800-50,000 l/s. Compatible with mineral oils, silicone oils, or pentaphenyl ether. Available with Cold Cap or Baffle Cap.
• ECO Energy-Saving Diffusion Pumps Energy-efficient diffusion pump variants delivering up to 45% energy cost savings in sizes DN 320 to DN 1000, available in PDA ECO (with Cold Cap) and PDB ECO (with Baffle Cap, DN 400-1000). Features standby function turning off individual heating plates for overnight operation, reducing heat radiation to ambient air to 5% of rated power (vs 25% for standard pumps).
• HVT Angle Valves High vacuum angle valves featuring a patented valve mechanism where the valve plate is slightly lifted and then tilted laterally by 90 degrees, reducing required stroke and overall height by at least 30% while maintaining maximum conductance. Available in sizes ISO-K DN 320 to DN 1000 with electropneumatic actuation, diaphragm bellows sealing (hydrocarbon- and lubricant-free vacuum side), optional throttle position, housing cooling, and black interior coating.
• VAP Angle Valves High vacuum angle valves sized ISO-K DN 250 with electropneumatic drive, suitable for use between vacuum chamber and cryopump or turbopump. Includes optical and electrical position indication.
• BFC Baffles Standard baffles for diffusion pumps that shield vacuum chambers from propellant backstreaming, with special coating serving as propellant barrier. Available in sizes DN 160 to DN 1000 with various cooling options including liquid nitrogen, Polycold, refrigeration unit, and water. Largest model offers water vapor pumping capacity up to 110,000 l/s.
• HSB Protective Baffles Protective baffles for turbomolecular pumps in sizes DN 100 to DN 320 that condense harmful gases before pump entry, protecting pumps from vapor deposition and metallic deposits and extending turbopump service life.
• HCC 200/220 Controllers and Controller System Main control units (HCC 200/220) with touchscreen operation and menu-guided configuration, featuring automatic cooling and regeneration sequences and proprietary H-Bus communication. Supports up to 12 temperature sensors and up to 15 compressors per controller. Includes companion CBO 200/201 connection boxes, CBO 050 standalone PID controller, PUR 250 DC power supply, CBR 200 rack controller, TPM 200/210 transducer modules, and PWF 200 signal converter for Sumitomo helium compressors. Up to 8 SINCO cryopumps can be operated from a single interface.
• SINCO Cryostats Condensation pumps consisting of cooling head, heating system, and condensation plate designed to bind gas on both sides for high gas capacities. Available as SINCO 250 in P50 (500mm plate) and P70 (700mm plate) variants, enabling cost-effective increase of pumping speed for specific defined gases. Used in aerospace, low-temperature physics, superconducting technology, and cryopumping.
• Customized Cryostats Application-optimized, customized refrigerator cryostats developed and built to customer specifications for specialized cooling requirements in research and industrial applications.
• Cryopump Spare Parts Replacement parts for cryopumps including cold heads, 20K panels, 80K shields, 80K baffles, oil adsorbers, indium sets, and temperature sensors. Exchange sets available for revision intervals at 15,000 and 30,000 operating hours. Spare parts typically dispatched within 24 hours of order receipt globally.
• Diffusion Pump Spare Parts Spare parts for all diffusion pump models including seal sets, jet systems, heating plates, temperature switches, and temperature protection switches. Also supplies spare parts for Pfeiffer and former Balzers AG pumps upon identification via nameplate photo.
• Balzers AG Legacy Spare Parts Spare parts for products from the former Balzers AG including plate valves (PVA type), diffusion pump components (jet systems, heater plates, sight glasses), and compressor adsorbers. Ensures longevity and continued availability for legacy Balzers AG equipment installed globally.
• Second-hand and Refurbished Vacuum Products New and refurbished products from reputable manufacturers including cryopumps, oil diffusion pumps, and baffles. All components are practically as-new or fully refurbished and functional.
• Cryopump Revision Services Complete cryopump maintenance services including cold head revision after 15,000 operating hours and compressor revision with adsorber replacement after 30,000 operating hours. Workshop revision includes cleaning, seal replacement, helium leak testing, and performance verification. Loan pumps available during revision periods.
• Helium Leak Detection Services Precision helium leak detection using mass spectrometry technology. Testing available at HSR workshop or on customer location for components, pump units, and pressurized containers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Energy savings of up to 45% with ECO diffusion pumps compared to standard models
• +4 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• HOSTSTAR – Multimedia Networks AGminorOthersExternal hosting provider for HSR AG's website. Located at Kirchgasse 30, CH-3312 Fraubrunnen, Switzerland. HSR AG has concluded a data processing agreement with HOSTSTAR for GDPR-compliant processing of personal data collected on the website.
• Balzers AG (Former)coreTechnology or IntegrationHSR AG acquired the well-known and proven diffusion pump technology from the former Balzers AG and has optimized and further developed the products. HSR continues to supply spare parts for various Balzers AG products including plate valves (type PVA), diffusion pumps, and compressors. Customers benefit from the longevity of these robust pumps, availability of original Balzers AG spare parts, and highest process stability.
• DVG (Deutsche Vakuumgesellschaft e.V.)minorOthersHSR Vakuum GmbH, the German subsidiary, is a member of DVG (Deutsche Vakuumgesellschaft e.V.), the German Vacuum Society. This membership connects HSR to the broader vacuum technology professional community.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• ULVAC: Japanese broad-line vacuum equipment manufacturer offering cryopumps, diffusion pumps, turbomolecular pumps, and complete vacuum process systems for semiconductor, display, and industrial customers. Broader incumbent with wider portfolio than HSR, competing especially in Asia-Pacific research and process markets.
• Shimadzu (Vacuum Division): Japanese manufacturer with a vacuum equipment line (turbo molecular pumps, cryopumps, and analytical instruments). Broader incumbent competing in high-vacuum systems for research and analytical applications, particularly in Asian markets where HSR only has partner-based reach.
• Agilent Vacuum Technologies: Division of Agilent Technologies (formerly Varian Vacuum) producing diffusion pumps, turbomolecular pumps, and vacuum components for research and industrial markets. Broader incumbent serving similar analytical and research customers as HSR, with deeper instrumentation cross-sell.

Direct peers

• Pfeiffer Vacuum: Global manufacturer of vacuum pumps (including diffusion and turbomolecular), valves, and leak detection systems serving semiconductor, analytics, and R&D markets. Most direct peer — HSR explicitly supplies compatible spare parts for Pfeiffer diffusion pumps and competes head-to-head in cryopump and high-vacuum valve categories.
• Cryostar (Air Liquide): Cryogenic equipment and cryopump manufacturer (within Air Liquide group) producing cryogenic pumps, cryostats, and helium liquefaction equipment. Direct peer in cryogenic pumping technology, particularly for hydrogen, helium, and LNG-related applications overlapping with HSR's VELCO H2 and SINCO cryostat lines.
• Leybold (Atlas Copco): German-headquartered vacuum technology specialist (now part of Atlas Copco) offering cryopumps, diffusion pumps, turbomolecular pumps, valves, and complete vacuum systems across industrial coating, research, and process industries. Direct competitor in HSR's core product categories with much larger scale and global service network.
• Edwards Vacuum (Atlas Copco): UK-based vacuum pump manufacturer (Atlas Copco group) specializing in cryopumps, dry pumps, turbomolecular pumps, and integrated vacuum systems for semiconductor and research customers. Direct peer competing in cryopump and vacuum-system categories, particularly in European research and industrial markets.
• VAT Group: Swiss manufacturer of high-vacuum valves, including angle valves used in semiconductor and vacuum-process applications. Direct peer to HSR's HVT and VAP angle valve lines, with much larger scale and dominant market position in vacuum isolation valves.
• Sumitomo Heavy Industries (Cryogenics Division): Manufacturer of cryocooler/cryopump systems (including F-70 and F-20 helium compressors that HSR's PWF 200 signal converter integrates with). Direct competitor in cryogenic vacuum pumping technology, particularly for high-end research and semiconductor applications.

Emerging players

• KYKY Technology: Chinese manufacturer of vacuum pumps and components including turbomolecular, ion, and cryopumps for research and industrial applications. Emerging competitor in the same high-vacuum equipment space, particularly relevant for price-sensitive research and industrial customers in Asia.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hsr-ag

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 Hsr Ag