Why Is Vacuum Needed?

Vacuum is used to create a very CLEAN environment, free of gases that can interfere with a particular manufacturing process. In addition, vacuum provides a more controlled processing environment, generally requires less energy, and, in most applications, is literally pollution free. For example, semiconductor chip production requires extremely clean environments. In one key process, chipmakers lay down very thin films of metal that are less than one micron thick. (A micron is about 1/20th of the width of a human hair). Even the slightest contamination can corrupt this process and make the chip unusable. The reliability and integrity of Varian, Inc. vacuum pumps helps to ensure that a high vacuum environment is maintained and no contamination enters the system.