In a Vacuum Oven, the thermal processes occur in an airtight chamber where a desired level of vacuum has been applied using an external vacuum pump (not included). With a vacuum oven the entire application can take place under vacuum or a controlled atmosphere can be created through the introduction of an inert gas. Vacuum ovens can help in the prevention of surface reactions (such as oxidation), decontaminating samples (removing lubricants for example) as well as for speeding up the out gassing process.