Introduction
ConFlat® (CF) UHV Half Nipples are precision-engineered vacuum components designed for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems requiring reliable, leak-tight connections. Featuring knife-edge sealing surfaces compatible with copper gaskets, CF half nipples provide permanent or semi-permanent tube-to-flange transitions in high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum environments.
These components are widely used in semiconductor processing equipment, surface science systems, particle accelerators, and research vacuum chambers where integrity, cleanliness, and thermal stability are essential.
Detailed Description
CF UHV Half Nipples consist of a ConFlat® flange on one end and a short tube stub on the other. The tube end is typically designed for orbital welding, TIG welding, or vacuum-compatible brazing into stainless steel tubing assemblies.
The CF flange utilizes a knife-edge sealing mechanism that plastically deforms a soft oxygen-free copper gasket when bolted, creating a metal-to-metal seal capable of achieving leak rates below 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ mbar·L/s. This design ensures:
Exceptional vacuum tightness
Compatibility with bake-out temperatures up to 450°C (depending on materials)
Long-term mechanical reliability
Resistance to outgassing
Standard materials include:
304L or 316L stainless steel (vacuum grade)
Optional electropolished finish for reduced surface roughness
OFHC copper gaskets (sold separately)
Common tube configurations include:
Standard wall or thin wall tubing
Metric or inch-based tube diameters
Custom lengths for system integration
All CF half nipples are manufactured with precise dimensional tolerances to ensure flange flatness, concentricity, and reliable sealing performance under UHV conditions.
Applications
ConFlat® (CF) UHV Half Nipples are used in:
Ultra-High Vacuum Chambers – Permanent tube-to-flange connections
Semiconductor Fabrication Systems – Process gas and vacuum lines
Surface Science Equipment – Research-grade vacuum setups
Accelerator and Beamline Systems – UHV-compatible structural components
Thin Film Deposition Systems – Sputtering and evaporation chambers
Vacuum Furnace Systems – High-temperature vacuum environments
They are particularly suitable for welded assemblies requiring structural rigidity and vacuum integrity.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Typical Value / Range | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Flange Type | CF (ConFlat®) Standard Sizes (e.g., CF16 – CF250) | Ensures UHV compatibility |
| Material | 304L / 316L Stainless Steel | Vacuum-grade corrosion resistance |
| Seal Type | Knife-edge with OFHC Copper Gasket | Metal-to-metal UHV seal |
| Leak Rate | ≤ 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ mbar·L/s | Critical for UHV systems |
| Bake-out Temperature | Up to 450°C (material dependent) | Supports high-temperature conditioning |
| Surface Finish | Machined or Electropolished (optional) | Reduces outgassing |
Comparison with Related Vacuum Fittings
| Component | Key Advantage | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| CF UHV Half Nipples | Permanent welded tube transition | UHV chamber integration |
| CF Full Nipples | Flange-to-flange extension | Vacuum line spacing |
| ISO-K Flanges | Quick clamp assembly | High vacuum systems |
| KF (ISO-KF) Fittings | Fast assembly and modularity | Roughing and HV lines |
Compared to KF fittings, CF components are designed specifically for ultra-high vacuum applications requiring bake-out capability and metal gasket sealing.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are CF half nipples reusable? | The flange itself is reusable, but the copper gasket must be replaced after each sealing cycle. |
| Can custom tube lengths be manufactured? | Yes, custom tube diameters and lengths are available upon request. |
| Are electropolished options available? | Yes, electropolished finishes can be supplied for reduced surface roughness and outgassing. |
| What gasket is required? | OFHC copper gaskets matching the CF flange size are recommended. |
| Which industries use CF half nipples most? | Semiconductor manufacturing, research laboratories, accelerator facilities, and vacuum equipment production. |
Packaging
Our ConFlat® (CF) UHV Half Nipples are meticulously tagged and labeled externally to ensure efficient identification and maintain high standards of quality control. We take great care to prevent any potential damage during storage and transportation, ensuring the components arrive in perfect condition.
Conclusion
ConFlat® (CF) UHV Half Nipples provide a robust and vacuum-tight solution for tube-to-flange integration in ultra-high vacuum systems. Manufactured from vacuum-grade stainless steel with precision knife-edge sealing surfaces, these components ensure long-term reliability in demanding UHV applications.
For detailed specifications and a quotation, please contact us at sales@thinfilmmaterials.com.
Ordering Table
| Flange Size/OD | Type | Part Number |
| DN16CF (1.33" OD) | Fixed | HN-0133 |
| DN16CF (1.33" OD) | Rotatable | HN-0133R |
| DN16CF (1.33" OD) | Rotatable Tapped | HN-0133RT |
| DN16CF (1.33" OD) | Fixed Tapped | HN-0133T |
| DN25CF (2.13" OD) | Fixed | HN-0212 |
| DN25CF (2.13" OD) | Rotatable | HN-0212R |
| DN25CF (2.13" OD) | Rotatable Tapped | HN-0212RT |
| DN25CF (2.13" OD) | Fixed Tapped | HN-0212T |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Fixed | HN-0275 |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Rotatable | HN-0275R |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Rotatable Tapped | HN-0275RT |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Fixed | HN-0275S |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Rotatable | HN-0275SR |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Rotatable Tapped | HN-0275SRT |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Fixed | HN-0275SS |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Rotatable | HN-0275SSR |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Fixed Tapped | HN-0275SST |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Fixed Tapped | HN-0275ST |
| DN35CF-DN40CF (2.75" OD) | Fixed Tapped | HN-0275T |
| DN50CF (3.38" OD) | Fixed | HN-0337 |
| DN50CF (3.38" OD) | Rotatable | HN-0337R |
| DN50CF (3.38" OD) | Fixed Tapped | HN-0337T |
| DN63CF (4.50" OD) | Fixed | HN-0450 |
| DN63CF (4.50" OD) | Rotatable | HN-0450R |
| DN63CF (4.50" OD) | Rotatable Tapped | HN-0450RT |
| DN63CF (4.50" OD) | Fixed Tapped | HN-0450T |
| DN75CF (4.63" OD) | Fixed | HN-0462 |
| DN75CF (4.63" OD) | Rotatable | HN-0462R |
| DN75CF (4.63" OD) | Fixed Tapped | HN-0462T |
| DN100CF (6.00" OD) | Fixed | HN-0600 |
| DN100CF (6.00" OD) | Rotatable | HN-0600R |
| DN100CF (6.00" OD) | Rotatable Tapped | HN-0600RT |
| DN100CF (6.00" OD) | Fixed Tapped | HN-0600T |
| DN125CF (6.75" OD) | Fixed | HN-0675 |
| DN125CF (6.75" OD) | Rotatable | HN-0675R |
| DN160CF (8.00" OD) | Fixed | HN-0800 |
| DN160CF (8.00" OD) | Fixed Tapped | HN-0800T |
| DN200CF (10.00" OD) | Fixed | HN-1000 |
| DN200CF (10.00" OD) | Rotatable | HN-1000R |
| DN275CF (13.25" OD) | Fixed | HN-1325 |
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