A multi-beam charged particle system includes: a vacuum enclosure having an opening covered by a door; a particle source configured to generate charged particles, wherein the particle source is arranged within the vacuum enclosure; at least one multi-aperture plate module including at least one multi-aperture plate and a base; and a transfer box having an opening covered by a door. The at least one multi-aperture plate includes a plurality of apertures. The base is configured to hold the at least one multi-aperture plate. The base is configured to be fixed relative to the vacuum enclosure such that the multi-aperture plate module is arranged in an interior of the vacuum enclosure such that, during operation of the particle beam system, particles traverse the plural multi-aperture plates through the apertures of the plates.