Latest TMP pump from Edwards offers 32% reduction in energy consumption at high gas flows

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Edwards has launched the STP-iXR1606 series of magnetically-levitated turbo-molecular pumps (TMP) with a fully-integrated onboard controller. Edwards’ new TMP incorporates a new rotary design that delivers approximately 40% improvement in throughput at high gas flow rates and an increase of nearly 90% in maximum gas flow, compared to existing products.

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The reduction of energy consumption and footprint of PV manufacturing equipment and support facilities is a key focus in reducing overall cost of ownership. Providing high-uptime components reduces CoO and improves throughput and productivity.

Solution

Edwards’ new pump features a fully-integrated controller that eliminates the connection cable and rack conventionally required with a non-integrated controller. This helps reduce footprint, saving valuable fab real estate, as well as installation time and cost. In addition, the onboard controller incorporates a small power supply, which compared to existing products, delivers approximately 32% reduction in energy consumption at high gas flows. The STP-iXR1606 matches the peak pumping speed of Edwards highest performing pump in the 8-inch TMP class, but with significant improvements in throughput performance and maximum allowable gas flow. Being magnetically-levitated the TMP requires no maintenance.

Applications

Viewed as an all-in-one TMP solution for all applications, with reduced footprint, simplified installation and reduced energy costs for PV manufacturing equipment requiring vacuum functions. Specific applications may apply.

Platform

The STP-iXR1606 series delivers high reliability in dirty environments with equivalent IP54 protection against dust and humidity. It has I/O remote, RS232C, RS485 and STP-link standard communication ports, with Profibus and DeviceNet available as options.

Availability

April 2012 onwards. 

Read Next

May 25, 2026
Mining giant Fortescue has begun construction on the 690MW Turner River solar PV power plant in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
May 25, 2026
Australia's CIS Tender 7 has seen 19 successful projects, which will deliver 7.8GW of renewable energy generation across the NEM.
Premium
May 22, 2026
As trade dynamics shift, could the EU become the next big market for Indian solar suppliers? PV Tech Premium explores the outlook with Wood Mackenzie’s Yana Hryshko and IEEFA’s Charith Konda.
Premium
May 22, 2026
PV Talk: Frank Oudheusden explains how robotics could create a paradigm shift and improvements in PV system optimisation for extreme weather.
May 22, 2026
The planned merger of US utilities NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy should be met with “caution” by state lawmakers, according to a number of US clean energy and political non-profit groups.
May 22, 2026
Polar Racking has launched a Solar Asset Management Division to support operations and maintenance (O&M) activities across utility-scale and commercial solar projects in North America and the Caribbean. 

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 2, 2026
Johannesburg, South Africa
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA