CF Knife-edge Flange Gas Sealed Connectors

Features and Advantages

1. The defining feature is the knife-edge sealing mechanism, where a sharp, precision-machined edge on the flange bites into a soft, ductile metal gasket (typically copper or aluminum) to form an extremely reliable, helium-leak-tight metal seal.

2. This design offers the critical advantages of superior sealing performance, the ability to withstand bake-out temperatures exceeding 150°C for UHV applications, and excellent reusability over many cycles.

3. The receptacle housing is crafted from high-grade stainless steel, typically 304 or 316L**, providing excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and compatibility with the shell sealing requirements of connected components.

4. The system's versatility is enhanced by support for various plug configurations, including single-ended plugs, double-ended plugs, and double-ended wiring forms, allowing for flexible system design. A significant additional advantage is the capacity for customization of both standard and non-standard vacuum flange structures and dimensions to meet unique application requirements.

Application

These CF flanges are fundamental components in any application requiring reliable high or ultra-high vacuum. Key sectors include:

● Scientific Research:Particle accelerators, synchrotrons, surface science analysis chambers (e.g., XPS, AES), and fusion research devices.

● Semiconductor Manufacturing:Critical for plasma etching, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) systems.

● Space Simulation:Used to construct thermal vacuum chambers for testing satellites and spacecraft components.

● Advanced Analytical Instrumentation:Mass spectrometers, electron microscopes, and other high-vacuum analytical tools.