10 Vacuum Tube Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for vacuum tubes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 vacuum tube manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked vacuum tube companies as of April, 2024: 1.FIPA, 2.Superflex, Ltd., 3.Nihon Pisco Co., Ltd..
Table of Contents
What Is a Vacuum Tube?
Vacuum Tubes are special tubes used in high vacuum environments.
In vacuum applications, the tubing must operate with little or no gas in the tube or be completely evacuated. This eliminates the effects of gases and allows for a variety of advanced scientific research and industrial applications.
Applications for Vacuum Tubes
1. Semiconductor Manufacturing
Vacuum Tubes are an essential element in the semiconductor industry. The semiconductor manufacturing process requires a highly vacuumed environment, and Vacuum Tubes are used in processes such as etching and deposition. Vacuum tubes are used in processes such as etching and deposition, which enable the manufacture of high-precision semiconductor devices.
2. Space Exploration
Vacuum Tubes are used in space exploration equipment and satellites because of the extremely low-pressure vacuum conditions in space. Vacuum Tubes support reliable operation of these devices, which require reliability and durability under high vacuum conditions.
3. Precision Measurement Equipment
In scientific research and industry, there are times when minute measurements and evaluations are required. Vacuum Tubes are ideal for precision measuring devices and test equipment to eliminate the effects of gases and ensure high precision measurements.
4. Vacuum Refrigeration Vacuum Cooling
Vacuum Tubes can also be used for refrigeration and cooling processes. In a vacuum environment, the conduction of heat is reduced and the cooling effect of the material or sample is improved. Vacuum Tubes can be used for more efficient cooling.
5. Mass Spectrometry
The mass spectrometer is an important device used to determine the composition and composition of materials. Vacuum Tubes are used to hold the sample in a vacuum to ensure accurate mass spectrometry.
6. Laser System
In laser systems, light amplification and induced emission take place under vacuum conditions. Vacuum Tubes assist in the propagation of light in laser systems and improve the performance of lasers.
Principle of Vacuum Tube
1. Exclusion of Gases
Vacuum Tubes are important to achieve a high vacuum environment by eliminating gases from the inside of the Vacuum Tube. Vacuum Tubes are usually equipped with a special pump inside which gases are sucked out to create a vacuum. The elimination of gases results in a very low pressure inside the Vacuum Tube, creating a vacuum.
2. Leakage Prevention
Vacuum Tubes must be extremely airtight, so it is important to prevent leaks. The entire structure of the tubing, including joints and packings, must be airtight. Leaks make it difficult to maintain a vacuum and prevent accurate operation of the equipment.
3. Reduced Heat Transfer
Vacuum Tubes have the characteristic of reduced heat conduction in a high vacuum environment. Under normal atmospheric pressure, heat is transferred through air, but in a high vacuum condition, there is less gas present, so heat conduction is suppressed.
This changes the thermal properties of the object or sample inside the Vacuum Tube, enabling efficient control of heat.
4. Heating and Evaporation
Some Vacuum Tubes operate on the principle of heating and evaporation. An internally installed heater heats the sample or material, thereby producing gas or vapor.
This process makes it possible to control the pressure and composition of the Vacuum Tube.
5. Gas Introduction
In some experiments or processes, it is necessary to introduce certain gases into the Vacuum Tube. In this case, a controlled gas introduction device is used.
By introducing specific gases in precise amounts, it is possible to observe the reactions and behavior of the sample and to advance the research or manufacturing process.
Types of Vacuum Tubes
1. Ejector Tube
An ejector tube is a type of tube that uses a high-speed air stream to generate a vacuum. There is a nozzle inside, and compressed air or vapor is discharged at high speed by the nozzle, sucking in the surrounding gas and forming a vacuum.
The structure is simple and does not require electric power for operation, thus energy-saving vacuum generation is possible. It is mainly used in exhaust systems and air pumps.
2. Diffusion Pump
A diffusion pump is a type of tube that uses molecular diffusion to eliminate gas. There is a heater and cooler inside, and gas molecules collide with each other and adsorb and desorb on the wall, thereby eliminating the gas.
It is used in high vacuum areas and is suitable for achieving high vacuum levels. This type is mainly used in semiconductor manufacturing and vacuum plating.
3. Turbo Molecular Pump
Turbo molecular pumps are a type of tube that uses high-speed rotating turbo molecules to eliminate gases. Molecules are eliminated by the rotation of the turbo molecules to form a high vacuum area.
Because they can achieve extremely high vacuum levels, they are used for advanced experiments and processing. These products play a particularly important role in semiconductor manufacturing and the aerospace industry.
4. Ion Pump
Ion pumps are a type of tube in which ionized gas is excluded by an electric field. Ion pumps have electrodes inside, and ionized gas is attracted by the electric field and ejected from the tube.
In addition to achieving a high degree of vacuum, it is also effective in removing rare gases and water vapor. It is mainly used in vacuum refrigerators and electron microscopes.
List of 10 Vacuum Tube Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Denmark
- Germany
- Japan
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Superflex, Ltd.
Vacuum Hose
Manufacturer Overview
Superflex, Ltd., founded in 1981 and headquartered in Elizabeth, New Jersey, is a manufacturer of flexible spiral-reinforced hoses and electrical conduits. The company specializes in creating products for the automotive and electrical industries. Its main products include connectors and conduits, weatherproof devices, industrial hoses, pool hoses, boats, and R.V. hoses. These technologies find applications in marine craft, aquatic, pond, spa, electrical conduit, and agriculture. The company's products are approved by Underwriter Laboratories, Canadian Standard Association, International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials, and U.S.D.A. for meat & poultry industries
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Specialty Hose Corp.
Vacuum Hose
Manufacturer Overview
Specialty Hose Corporation is a manufacturer of custom hose products and accessories, established in 1977 and headquartered in North Canton, United States of America. The company manufactures metal hoses, expansion joints, compressed gas hoses, and cryogenic hoses. It also provides pump connectors, tube fittings, chlorine hoses, and heated hoses. The applications of the products include wastewater treatment, glass manufacturing, aircraft ground support, high-purity lasers, and compressed gas. It is an ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified company, showcasing its superiority in the quality management system.
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SMC Corporation.
Fittings and Tubing
Manufacturer Overview
SMC corporation was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. SMC Corporation manufactures and sells automatic control equipment and filtration equipment. SMC has production facilities in 30 countries, technical development centers in Japan, the United States, Europe, and China, and sales offices, globally. SMC product lines divided by them include filter replacements, condensation prevention, heat resistance, thermos-chilling, and others. SMC provides a video library as well as product selection guide to assist customers in finding solutions and optimizing product efficiency.
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FIPA
Vacuum Tubing
Manufacturer Overview
FIPA, established in 1985 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a manufacturer of vacuum technology and end-of-arm tooling solutions. The company offers products connected with all aspects of material flow systems. It provides vacuum technology products like peripheral hardware for the generation and control of vacuums, hoses, fittings, lifting technology for lifting and conveying loads and end-of-arm tooling like gripper systems for the handling of workpieces. It also offers tailored solutions for special requirements. The company's products are mainly for plastics, sheet metal, packaging and general industries. It also offers training courses and seminars, equipment rental and installation services.
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Nihon Pisco Co., Ltd.
Vacuum Tubes
Manufacturer Overview
Nihon Pisco Co. Ltd., founded in 1976 and based in Nagano, Japan, is a manufacturer and distributor of pneumatic equipment and is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. The company stocks various products like valves, actuators, and vacuum accessories used in several industries, including semiconductor, medicine, and rechargeable battery. The company started selling push-in fitting for pneumatic piping in 1977 and launched the industry’s first push-in fitting built-in type speed controller in 1981. In 1993, it launched a few products, including a quick exhaust valve, a digital pressure sensor, and a vacuum generator with a digital pressure sensor.
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Nitta Corporation
Hose and tube products
Company Overview
Nitta Corporation is an Osaka-based manufacturer and distributor of various industrial products founded in 1885. The company offers power transmission and mechatronic products, as well as intermediate components like tubings and fittings. These are used in conveyor machines, hydraulic systems, and medical devices. The company also produces industrial parts, such as molded rubber products like gaskets or diaphragms, as well as air filters and monitoring equipment like particle counters or decontamination devices. Nitta Corporation maintains a network of manufacturing facilities and sales locations in 22 countries across four continents.
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Swagelok
Flexible Tubing
Company Overview
Swagelok is a manufacturer and supplier of fluid system parts and components that was established in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, in 1947. The company’s product lineup includes various industrial valves for controlling fluid direction or pressure, tube fittings and adaptors for stable connectivity in systems or assemblies, and filters for separating contaminants. It also offers back-pressure, dome-loaded, and spring-loaded regulators for maintaining consistency in fluid system performance. The company operates internationally, with authorized service centers and sales locations in over 70 countries. Its products are typically used in oil and gas, biopharmaceutical, and chemical refining operations.
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Vacuum Tube Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FIPA |
33.3%
|
| 2 | Superflex, Ltd. |
33.3%
|
| 3 | Nihon Pisco Co., Ltd. |
33.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the vacuum tube page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Nitta Corporation: 2,971
- Nihon Pisco Co., Ltd.: 520
Newly Established Company
- FIPA: 1985 (39 years ago)
- Specialty Hose Corp.: 1977 (47 years ago)
- Nihon Pisco Co., Ltd.: 1976 (48 years ago)
Company with a History
- Nitta Corporation: 1885 (139 years ago)
- SMC Corporation.: 1959 (65 years ago)
- Nihon Pisco Co., Ltd.: 1976 (48 years ago)
Vacuum Tube Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Vacuum Tube Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
3 | 33.3% |
Japan
|
3 | 33.3% |
Germany
|
1 | 11.1% |
China
|
1 | 11.1% |
Denmark
|
1 | 11.1% |
