Introduction
Rotatable Blank (Blind) CF flanges are essential components in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, designed to seal unused ports while maintaining stringent vacuum integrity. Manufactured from low-carbon 304L stainless steel, these blind flanges combine excellent corrosion resistance with reliable sealing performance. The rotatable design simplifies alignment during installation, reducing assembly time and minimizing the risk of gasket damage—an important advantage in research and industrial vacuum environments.
Detailed Description
Our Rotatable Blank (Blind) 304L SS Standard ConFlat® (CF) UHV Flanges are precision-machined to meet the dimensional and surface finish requirements of UHV systems. The use of 304L stainless steel ensures low outgassing rates and improved weldability compared with standard 304 stainless steel, making it suitable for high-vacuum and UHV applications.
The rotatable construction allows the bolt holes to rotate independently of the knife-edge sealing surface. This feature is particularly valuable when mating to fixed flanges or when space constraints make bolt alignment challenging. The knife edges are carefully machined to form a reliable metal-to-metal seal with standard oxygen-free copper gaskets, ensuring leak-tight performance down to 10⁻¹⁰ mbar when properly installed.
Available across a full range of CF sizes (DN16CF through DN250CF and above), these blind flanges can be supplied as standard components or customized for specific thickness, surface finish, or cleaning requirements. Each flange is suitable for repeated bake-out cycles, maintaining mechanical stability and sealing integrity at elevated temperatures typical of UHV operation.
Applications
Rotatable Blind CF flanges are widely used in:
Semiconductor processing and fabrication equipment
Surface science and thin-film deposition systems (PVD, CVD, sputtering)
Particle accelerators and beamlines
Vacuum furnaces and analytical instruments
Research laboratories requiring modular UHV setups
They are ideal for temporarily or permanently sealing unused ports while preserving system flexibility for future expansion.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Typical Value / Range | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 304L Stainless Steel | Low carbon content reduces outgassing and improves weldability |
| Flange Standard | ConFlat® (CF) | Ensures compatibility with UHV systems |
| Size Range | DN16CF – DN250CF (custom available) | Fits common vacuum port dimensions |
| Design | Rotatable Blind (Blank) | Simplifies bolt alignment during installation |
| Seal Type | Copper gasket, knife-edge | Provides reliable UHV metal seal |
| Surface Finish | Machined, vacuum-grade | Minimizes virtual leaks and contamination |
Comparison with Related Materials
| Material | Key Advantage | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 304L SS Rotatable Blind CF Flange | Balanced corrosion resistance and cost | General UHV systems |
| 316L SS Blind CF Flange | Enhanced corrosion resistance | Aggressive or humid environments |
| Aluminum CF-style Blank | Lightweight | Non-UHV or special low-mass systems |
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can the flange be customized? | Yes. Size, thickness, surface finish, and cleaning level can be tailored. |
| Is it compatible with standard CF copper gaskets? | Yes, it is designed for standard oxygen-free copper CF gaskets. |
| Can it be used for UHV bake-out? | Yes, 304L SS withstands typical UHV bake-out temperatures. |
| Is cleaning available? | Vacuum cleaning and UHV cleaning can be provided on request. |
Packaging
Our Rotatable Blank (Blind) 304L SS CF Flanges are meticulously tagged and labeled externally to ensure efficient identification and maintain high standards of quality control. Each flange is carefully packaged to prevent surface damage during storage and transportation, ensuring it arrives in perfect condition.
Conclusion
The Rotatable Blank (Blind) 304L SS Standard ConFlat® (CF) UHV Flange offers a dependable solution for sealing unused ports in demanding vacuum systems. With precise machining, UHV-compatible materials, and a user-friendly rotatable design, it delivers long-term reliability and installation convenience.
For detailed specifications and a quotation, please contact us at sales@thinfilmmaterials.com.
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