About AML

 
AML Company Video

UHV measurement and motion systems specialists.

We are a leading global manufacturer of Bayard-Alpert Ion Gauges, gauge controllers and UHV stepper motors for industrial, scientific and R&D applications.

Over 40 years in the industry.

Established in 1981, AML is privately owned and based in West Sussex, England; serving customers worldwide.

Proven quality, used in various market sectors.

Our ion gauges and stepper motors are assembled and tested in an ISO Class 7 clean room to reduce contaminants.

  • Surface Analysis
  • Microscopy
  • Space Technology
  • Particle Physics
  • Semiconductor Manufacturing
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Company History

Discover our milestones and achievements throughout our journey in the UHV measurement and motion systems industry.

D28.1 UHV Stepper Motor Released
2025
D28.1 UHV Stepper Motor Released

AML’s D-series UHV stepper motor lineup was expanded with the release of the D28.1. This is a NEMA 11 UHV compatible stepper motor ideal for applications with limited space.
Construction Completed of Dedicated UHV Stage Building Cleanroom
2024
Construction Completed of Dedicated UHV Stage Building Cleanroom

With the growing demand for AML’s UHV compatible stages, this new cleanroom is dedicated to stage building and testing, enhancing our stage production capacity and capabilities.
SMD4 Released
2024
SMD4 Released

The SMD4 is a single-axis bipolar stepper motor drive that is engineered to drive vacuum-compatible stepper motors with maximum performance and minimal heat. It is optimised for use with AML UHV-compatible motors.
Release of VSM17 series of stages
2022
Release of VSM17 series of stages

Designed as a modular series of stages for ease of creating multi-axis systems, the VSM17 range includes linear, vertical, rotation, and goniometer type stages.
SMD3 Released
2020
SMD3 Released

This is a completely re-designed single-channel stepper motor drive, bringing forward the high performance and reliability of the SMD210, while introducing many new transformative features.
NGC3 Released
2020
NGC3 Released

Following on from the success of our NGC2D Ion Gauge Controller, we worked to improve upon the NGC2D platform and released the NGC3.
Change of premises
2017
Change of premises

As the business continued to grow, we relocated to a larger facility in Pulborough, West Sussex, providing increased manufacturing capacity and office space.

New AML logos and branding introduced
2015
New AML logos and branding introduced
LTV series of UHV stages released
2012
LTV series of UHV stages released

The LTV and LTX linear stages superseded the LPV range. They were designed to incorporate the newly released D35.1 stepper motor.

D-series motors released
2012
D-series motors released

The D-series of AML UHV stepper motors were released after significant design improvements and production developments were made on the previous generation of AML stepper motor.

First ISO Class 7 certified cleanroom commissioned
2012
First ISO Class 7 certified cleanroom commissioned
New AML logos and branding introduced
2010
New AML logos and branding introduced
The Phoenix Mars Lander landed on May 25th
2008
The Phoenix Mars Lander landed on May 25th

AML motors successfully completed their mission and the lander completed all planned science experiments and observations.

Company acquired by Philip Brooker
2007
Company acquired by Philip Brooker
AML motors sent to Mars
2007
AML motors sent to Mars

Our UHV stepper motors were used in part of the Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer instrument on NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander, to transport samples to be inspected by the microscopes.

NGC2 replaces PGC1 and PGC2
2004
NGC2 replaces PGC1 and PGC2

With advancements in microprocessor technology, we designed a replacement instrument that enhances its performance and incorporates users' suggestions. The NGC2 could be used as a direct plug-compatible replacement.

Release of our C-series stepper motors
2003
Release of our C-series stepper motors

The C-series of AML UHV stepper motors were released after significant design improvements and production developments were made on the previous generation of AML stepper motor.

SMD1 released
1996
SMD1 released

The SMD1 was released to compliment the SMD2, as a self-contained drive for UHV stepper motors. Although intended and equipped with thermal management functions required for use with vacuum motors, it was economical when used with conventional motors.

LPV stage supersedes LST and LSC stage
1996
LPV stage supersedes LST and LSC stage

The LPV transporter range was designed to replace both LST and LSC in most applications. They were lower in height and less expensive than equivalent types of the older designs and opened up new application areas.

Release of our Titanium-Sublimation Pump Controller
1995
Release of our Titanium-Sublimation Pump Controller

We released a low-cost, simple and reliable controller that is compatible with a wide range of cartridges with up to 4 filaments.

Bayard-Alpert gauge released
1993
Bayard-Alpert gauge released

To complement our pressure gauge controllers, we began manufacturing our own Bayard-Alpert gaugeheads.

PGC1 and PGC2 Ion Gauge Controller released
1992
PGC1 and PGC2 Ion Gauge Controller released

AML’s first generation of ion gauge controller released.

SMD2 stepper motor drive released
1992
SMD2 stepper motor drive released

To facilitate motor operation within a vacuum while offering over-temperature protection, we released the SMD2. It also offered a bake-out function. Two motors could be driven sequentially either under host computer control, by an internally stored program, from the front panel or a hand-held joystick.

New range of linear sample transporters released (LST and LSC)
1992
New range of linear sample transporters released (LST and LSC)

After having designed numerous bespoke stages, we released a range of standard motorised stages.

Production of B-series UHV-compatible stepper motors started
1992
Production of B-series UHV-compatible stepper motors started

After several years of receiving feedback from our customers and as we refined the manufacturing process, we started to roll out the B-series VCSMs. These motors brought better outgassing performance and the ability to offer a radiation-hard option.

Production of A-series UHV-compatible stepper motors started
1986
Production of A-series UHV-compatible stepper motors started

To fulfil a gap in the market and to compliment our UHV mechanisms, we started manufacturing stepper motors using only UHV-compatible materials.

Name changed to Arun Microelectronics Limited
1982
Name changed to Arun Microelectronics Limited

To align with the prevalence of microelectronic-related designs being produced by the company, it was renamed. "Arun" was referenced as at the time, our premises were located alongside the River Arun in West Sussex.

Incorporated
1981
Incorporated

The company was incorporated as a design firm, with the name Donatel Limited.

Meet our team

Philip Brooker

Managing Director

Alex Mayger

Sales and Marketing Manager

Craig Hardwick

General Manager

Ross Burling

Design Manager

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