Positron traps have been demonstrated to have the capability for producing high‐quality positron beams and intense positron pulses for a variety of scientific and technological applications including atomic physics experiments and probes for materials science. Techniques for accumulating positrons in traps have now advanced to the point where the development of commercial trap‐based positron beam systems is feasible. Trap‐based beams offer advantages over conventional positron beam systems, including the ability to produce ultra‐cold positron beams, giant positron pulses, and ultra‐short pulses. They also enable high‐efficiency brightness enhancement schemes. The design and performance of a new trap‐based positron beam system is described. © 2003 American Institute of Physics