Northeastern University Installs VPI SD-650MHT Dual-Target High-Vacuum Sputtering System to Advance Materials Science Research

Northeastern University Installs VPI SD-650MHT Dual-Target High-Vacuum Sputtering System to Advance Materials Science Research

In November 2025, VPI (Vision Precision Instruments) successfully delivered and commissioned a high-vacuum SD-650MHT magnetron sputtering system at a materials research facility within Northeastern University. The installation not only enhanced the laboratory’s thin film deposition capabilities, but also marked another successful example of VPI’s commitment to academia–industry collaboration.

Northeastern University is one of China’s top-tier institutions, directly administered by the Ministry of Education. As part of the prestigious “211 Project,” “985 Project,” and the national “Double First-Class” initiative, the university has long excelled in disciplines such as materials science, metallurgy, automation, and information technology. It has contributed significantly to national talent development by training a large number of high-level engineering professionals.

A Versatile Platform for Multidisciplinary Research

As a mid-to-high-end deposition system designed for materials science applications, the SD-650MHT is well-suited for research in metal surface engineering, functional oxide films, and emerging electronic materials. The system supports both DC and RF sputtering, enabling the deposition of high-quality thin films on a variety of substrates including metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and insulators. It provides critical support for research projects involving conductive layers, dielectric films, and multilayer structures.

“The system operates with great stability, produces uniform films, and features a user-friendly interface that meets the needs of scientific research.” This feedback from university users reflects the SD-650MHT’s strong performance. Its robust vacuum system ensures reproducible deposition processes, while the intuitive touchscreen interface allows researchers to easily adjust parameters and streamline workflows. Experimental data show that the films produced are dense, uniform, and of excellent quality, already playing a key role in multiple research projects.

Long-Term Service and Brand Commitment

Following the delivery, VPI engineers provided comprehensive training and operational guidance to ensure that the system could be brought online quickly. Over the years, VPI has established partnerships with more than 2,000 universities and research institutions across China, delivering over 3,000 vacuum coating systems covering a wide range of disciplines including materials science, physics, electronics, and chemistry. With its philosophy of “service-centered, cooperation-driven,” VPI offers fully integrated support from delivery and installation to commissioning and long-term maintenance.

The collaboration with Northeastern University once again underscores VPI’s professional service in supporting scientific research, while demonstrating the reliability and recognition of domestically developed scientific instruments on top-tier academic platforms. Looking ahead, VPI will continue to build on its technical strength and service commitment, working closely with research teams to drive progress in materials science and vacuum technology worldwide.