West Technology Receives “Innovation in Vacuum Busch Award”

The “Innovation in Vacuum Busch Award” goes to the UK-based company West Technology Systems Ltd. for its groundbreaking portable forensic device VMD 160, enabling rapid on-site development of latent fingerprints.

West Technology Systems Ltd. is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of vacuum metal deposition systems, specializing in advanced forensic equipment for evidence analysis.

With the development of the VMD 160, West Technology Systems Ltd. created the world’s first portable system utilizing vacuum metal deposition (VMD). This advanced technique applies ultra-thin metal layers — typically silver or gold/zinc — under high vacuum conditions to visualize otherwise invisible fingerprints on evidence.

Traditionally limited to laboratory environments, VMD technology is considered one of the most powerful methods for developing latent fingerprints on non-porous surfaces such as plastics, metals, and glass. With the VMD 160, this capability is now available directly at the crime scene. The system’s portability, combined with its robust IP67 rated design — providing complete protection against dust ingress and resistance to temporary water immersion — enables police and military investigators to operate effectively even in challenging environmental conditions.

The VMD 160 delivers results in under 15 minutes, significantly accelerating forensic workflows. At the same time, the process is non-destructive, ensuring that evidence remains suitable for further investigation — including DNA profiling or ballistic examination.

“The West Technology Forensics range is trusted by forensic scientists worldwide, who rely on every system to deliver proven reliability and high-quality results in the field. Our long-term partnership with Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions has been instrumental, providing the vacuum technology that is central to the performance of our systems”, stated Ian Harris, Managing Director of West Technology Forensics.

Vacuum technology is central to the device’s performance. The VMD 160 integrates high precision vacuum solutions, including HiPace 10 turbomolecular vacuum pumps, MVP 010 backing pumps, and Pirani gauges, from the Busch Group.