Vacuum component market continues to grow

Paul Boughton

At a value of almost $5bn, the vacuum component market grew 12 per cent in 2007, despite a turndown in the semiconductor vacuum market in the final quarter, reports the working group of the International Statistics on Vacuum Technology (ISVT). 

“This year we saw the acceleration of demand for vacuum components in the manufacture of solar cells, so called ‘photovoltaics’, as well as some recovery of their use in the flat panel sector. The overall level of activity in Asia has held up well, particularly in Japan.” commented Dr Stephen Ormrod, spokesman for the ISVT working group, and chairman of the EVTA.

The statistics are based on a world-wide data collection programme, run by regional vacuum associations since 2002 and independently collated by external auditors. The working group believes that the data represents about 85 per cent of the total vacuum components market. The ISVT is developing links with other Asian trade associations so that full data for these regions can be included in the statistics.

The vacuum components market includes pumps and pumping packages, instrumentation, hardware including valves and couplings, and aftersales including spare parts and service. 

The ISVT Working Group represents members of regional vacuum associations; AVEM (Association of Vacuum Equipment Manufacturers International), EVTA (European Vacuum Technology Association) and JVIA (Japan Vacuum Industry Association) in co-operation with SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International).

For more information, visit www.vdma.org