The SPINAL project concerns the installation of a ultra-high vacuum cluster tool for studying surfaces, thin films and nanostructures. The system consists of a scanning probe microscope, to study surfaces and nanostructures with atomic level resolution, and a vacuum transfer line (the “SPINAL cord” of the tool), which allows for transferring samples between deposition and characterization chambers under ultra-high vacuum conditions. Avoiding air exposure is crucial for fundamental research in the field of surface science and nanotechnology.