Edwards
The iXL 500 (photo) is the first member of the new iXL line of dry vacuum pumps. The iXL 500 is designed primarily for load-lock applications in solar-cell and flat-panel-display manufacturing where high gas throughputs and fast pump-down times are crucial. Compared to its predecessor, the iXL 500 offers up to 60% improvement in cost of ownership, says the manufacturer. The unit has a pumping speed of 1,600 m3/h while consuming only 7 kW of power. Its low-inertia booster shortens load-lock evacuation times with faster, more efficient pumping at higher inlet pressures. — Edwards, Crawley, U.K.