Introduction
Vented Silver Plated Bolts (Metric) are specialized fasteners designed for high-vacuum (HV) and ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) systems where trapped volumes and virtual leaks must be eliminated. The vented design allows gases to escape during pump-down and bakeout, while the silver plating reduces friction, improves torque consistency, and prevents galling—especially critical for stainless steel CF flange assemblies.
Detailed Description
These bolts are manufactured to metric standards and feature a longitudinal vent hole through the shank to prevent gas entrapment in blind threaded holes, a common source of virtual leaks in vacuum systems. The base material is typically vacuum-grade stainless steel, finished with silver plating to enhance lubricity and corrosion resistance under repeated thermal cycles.
Silver plating provides several practical advantages: lower and more repeatable torque-to-load behavior, reduced risk of thread seizure, and reliable performance during bakeouts. The vented geometry ensures efficient outgassing and faster pump-down, helping maintain stringent HV/UHV requirements.
Vented silver plated bolts are commonly paired with ConFlat® (CF) flanges and copper gaskets, and are suitable for repeated assembly/disassembly in clean vacuum environments.
Applications
ConFlat® (CF) UHV flange assemblies
High-vacuum and UHV chambers and beamlines
Semiconductor process tools and surface science instruments
Thin film deposition systems (PVD, sputtering, evaporation)
Research and industrial vacuum equipment
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Typical Value / Range | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Thread Standard | Metric (e.g., M6, M8, M10) | System compatibility |
| Bolt Type | Vented (through-hole) | Eliminates virtual leaks |
| Base Material | Stainless Steel | Strength & corrosion resistance |
| Surface Finish | Silver plated | Anti-galling, stable torque |
| Head Type | Hex / Socket (varies by size) | Installation flexibility |
| Temperature Capability | Suitable for bakeout (UHV use) | Vacuum process readiness |
Comparison with Related Fasteners
| Fastener Type | Key Advantage | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Vented Silver Plated Bolts | No trapped gas, anti-galling | CF UHV flanges |
| Standard Stainless Bolts | Lower cost | Non-critical HV use |
| Unplated Vented Bolts | Venting without plating | Moderate bake cycles |
| Nickel-Plated Bolts | Corrosion resistance | General vacuum hardware |
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why are vented bolts required in UHV systems? | They prevent trapped gas in blind holes, reducing virtual leaks. |
| What is the benefit of silver plating? | It lowers friction, improves torque consistency, and prevents galling. |
| Are these bolts reusable? | Yes, when properly cleaned and inspected. |
| Are matching nuts and washers available? | Yes, compatible vented nuts and washers can be supplied. |
| Can custom lengths be provided? | Yes, custom metric sizes and lengths are available on request. |
Packaging
Our Vented Silver Plated Bolts (Metric) are cleaned for vacuum service, individually counted, and sealed in protective packaging to preserve surface integrity. Export-grade cartons ensure safe storage and international shipment.
Conclusion
Vented Silver Plated Bolts (Metric) are essential fastening solutions for reliable HV and UHV assemblies, combining effective venting with superior anti-galling performance. Their precision design and vacuum-ready finish make them the preferred choice for CF flange connections and other critical vacuum applications.
For detailed specifications and a quotation, please contact us at sales@thinfilmmaterials.com.
Dimensional Drawings
Ordering table
| Reference | Material | Thread Size | Part Number |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M2 X 0.4P | HCHM0204-004S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M2 X 0.4P | HCHM0204-005S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M2 X 0.4P | HCHM0204-006S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M2 X 0.4P | HCHM0204-008S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M3 X 0.5P | HCHM0305-004S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M3 X 0.5P | HCHM0305-005S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M3 X 0.5P | HCHM0305-006S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M3 X 0.5P | HCHM0305-008S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M4 X 0.7P | HCHM0407-005S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M4 X 0.7P | HCHM0407-006S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M4 X 0.7P | HCHM0407-008S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M4 X 0.7P | HCHM0407-010S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M4 X 0.7P | HCHM0407-012S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M4 X 0.7P | HCHM0407-016S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M5 X 0.8P | HCHM0508-006S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M5 X 0.8P | HCHM0508-008S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M5 X 0.8P | HCHM0508-010S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M5 X 0.8P | HCHM0508-012S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M5 X 0.8P | HCHM0508-016S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M5 X 0.8P | HCHM0508-020S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M6 X 1.0P | HCHM0610-008S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M6 X 1.0P | HCHM0610-010S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M6 X 1.0P | HCHM0610-012S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M6 X 1.0P | HCHM0610-016S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M6 X 1.0P | HCHM0610-020S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M6 X 1.0P | HCHM0610-025S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M8 X 1.25P | HCHM0812-010S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M8 X 1.25P | HCHM0812-012S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M8 X 1.25P | HCHM0812-016S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M8 X 1.25P | HCHM0812-020S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M8 X 1.25P | HCHM0812-025S4PV |
| Metric Headbolts | Ag plated | M8 X 1.25P | HCHM0812-030S4PV |
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