About Us

Founded in 1990, RBD Instruments (formerly RBD Enterprises) began operations in Eden Prairie, MN, primarily servicing older PHI systems and components. Over the next 18 years, our company has become the world-wide leader in developing and producing upgrade products for older PHI systems. Our model 147 PC upgrade product line supports most older PHI systems and provides improved reliability and a very user friendly and intuitive software interface.

In January 2008, we changed our name to RBD Instruments to better match our expanded mission to bring innovative and affordable products to the surface analysis community. We are excited about this change and look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve you in the coming years!

Our Businesses

Innovative Products for Surface Science

As with all of our previous upgrade products for older PHI systems and components, the new products that we develop will be tools that will be the best value in terms of performance and price. We will focus on small niche areas where the needs are not being met by the other the surface analysis instrumentation companies. We have several new products in the development phase and will keep you posted of their progress via the News section in this website as well as our Newsletter, The Service Detail.

PC Upgrades, repair and parts for PHI (Ulvac) Surface Analysis Systems and Components

We provide the following products and services for PHI (Ulvac) systems and components:

As the world-wide leader in PC upgrades for older PHI systems, we will continue to improve our AugerScan and AugerMap software products well into the future!

Testimonials

RBD has hundreds of loyal customers all over the world. Here are some examples of what they are saying:

“Since joining the Chemistry Department at Johns Hopkins University in 1997 I have used RBD as my sole source of surface analytical equipment. This includes several Phi XPS and AES systems, all of which remain fully operational. Over the years RBD has continued to sell a wide range of high quality, refurbished surface analytical instruments at extremely competitive pricing. This resale capability has been complemented by prompt and efficient instrument repair and troubleshooting capabilities. Their combination of technical and service skills mean that RBD is unique as a company in terms of its ability to help maintain the research productivity of surface scientists working on limited budgets, and I recommend them to colleagues without hesitation.”

Howard Fairbrother (Professor of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University)

"I have gotten first class service from RBD Instruments, the people are friendly , helpful, and very knowledgeable. I have gotten parts overnight when I was down, I have gotten stellar technical help on what to look for or measure when determining what needed to be repaired or replaced. Randy is an encyclopedia of information on always ready to help me keep my system running. I would recommend RBD Instruments without reservation to anyone needing help or parts for their system."

Brian Halawith (Manufacturing Engineering Manager L3 Communications - EOS)

"Thanks so much for the great customer service. This is one of the
best experiences I've ever had with a company's tech support."

Mike Ziemkiewicz ( JILA, University of Colorado at Boulder)

"[RBD's] service is the best in the business - and I have a lot of service providers."

James W. McEwen (Manager, Business Development, LOneida Research Services, Inc.)