Hastings, UK, 20 May 2001 - VacGen (www.VacGen.com), a leading supplier of vacuum components, have taken a major step into the world of vacuum gate valves. The new "SoftShut" range of valves brings a completely novel, patented design of gate valve to the market. 

The design, based on guided track technology, requires a much lower closing force than other valves. This results in low shock upon closure and vastly increased life times and reliability. The ultra smooth operation also significantly reduces the number of free particles within the vacuum system. All valves are offered in either manual or pneumatic form and are fully bakeable. Due to the unique design features the seal plate area is left clear allowing the addition of a heater, view port or filters as options in the seal plate.

Sizes range from DN63 to DN200 are currently available in both High Vacuum and UHV versions. Sizes up to DN 400 will be available soon. All SoftShut valve flange-to-flange dimensions are compatible with other major gate valve types to facilitate directly replacement within existing vacuum systems. 

Visit our site dedicated to SoftShut at http://www.softshut.com . 

To request a Softshut catalogue please e-mail softshut@vgscienta.com

About VacGen

Thermo VacGen has more than thirty years experience in the design and manufacture of equipment for high and ultra high vacuum applications and has become a market leader in the supply of quality products to meet the exacting standards of the vacuum market. VacGen offers a wide range of standard and non-standard products of the highest quality including Flanges, Fittings, Feedthroughs, Valves, Linear and Rotary Drives, Manipulation, Transfer and Transport devices, Pumps, Traps, Vacuum Chambers and Pressure measurement. With the support of a world wide sales and service network, VacGen offers these products at a quality and price expected from a first class supplier.