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KF (QF) HV Blank Stubs (304L SS)

KF (QF) HV Blank Stubs (304L SS): Rugged Port Sealing for Demanding High-Vacuum Applications

KF (QF) HV Blank Stubs (304L SS) are heavy-duty sealing components designed to isolate and cap unused ports in high-vacuum (HV) systems. Built with durability and system integrity in mind, these blank stubs are fully compliant with ISO-standard KF (Klein Flansche) fittings and are ideal for foreline and through-line vacuum plumbing as well as chamber port sealing in harsh or chemically active environments.

Each KF (QF) HV Blank Stub (304L SS) features a standard KF flange on one end and a sealed tube end on the other. The flange is machined to precise tolerances, ensuring reliable mating with other KF components using standard elastomeric o-rings and centering rings. When secured with a circumferential clamp—whether via wing-nut, thumbscrew, or lever lock—the connection supports vacuum levels as low as 10⁻⁸ Torr, making it suitable for most laboratory and industrial HV operations.

Manufactured from 304L stainless steel, these blank stubs provide superior corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and weld compatibility. 304L is specifically recommended for vacuum systems exposed to corrosive gases, high temperatures, or reactive chemicals, where aluminum or brass fittings may fail or degrade over time. Its low carbon content minimizes the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding or long-term thermal cycling, ensuring long-lasting reliability even in the most demanding UHV environments.

The use of elastomeric o-rings in KF connections is critical, as they determine the sealing temperature range—typically from 0 °C to 120–180 °C—and the ultimate vacuum achievable. These o-rings sit in a centering ring that both aligns and compresses during flange mating, maintaining vacuum integrity even under repeated installation cycles.

KF (QF) HV Blank Stubs (304L SS) are commonly used in semiconductor tools, research vacuum chambers, deposition systems, and analytical instruments where sealing unused ports is necessary for cleanliness, safety, or modularity. Their rugged all-metal construction also makes them suitable for systems that undergo frequent venting, bakeouts, or mechanical repositioning.

TFM offers these blank stubs in all standard KF sizes, including KF16, KF25, KF40, and KF50, with each unit manufactured to vacuum-grade specifications. Custom options such as vent holes, extended lengths, or electropolished finishes are available to meet specialized application needs.

In summary, KF (QF) HV Blank Stubs (304L SS) provide a high-strength, vacuum-compatible solution for capping unused KF ports in systems requiring maximum material performance. Their resistance to corrosion, mechanical wear, and thermal stress makes them a preferred choice in advanced vacuum system designs across research, aerospace, and semiconductor sectors.

Ordering Table

Flange Size/OD Type Flange Material Drawing Overall Length VacuCADSM Part Number
KF10 (1.18" OD) Stub, Blank 304L SS Tooltip 0.75 (please log in) QF10-050-US
KF16 (1.18" OD) Stub, Blank 304L SS Tooltip 0.75 (please log in) QF16-075-US
KF25 (1.57" OD) Stub, Blank 304L SS Tooltip 0.75 (please log in) QF25-100-US
KF40 (2.16" OD) Stub, Blank 304L SS Tooltip 1.00 (please log in) QF40-150-US
KF50 (2.95" OD) Stub, Blank 304L SS Tooltip 1.00 (please log in) QF50-200-US

Accessories Table

Description For Per Package Part Number
Cast Clamps (SS) KF10, KF16 Flanges 1 QF16-075-CS
Cast Clamps (SS) KF25 Flanges 1 QF25-100-CS
Cast Clamps (SS) KF40 Flanges 1 QF40-150-CS
Cast Clamps (SS) KF50 Flanges 1 QF50-200-CS
Cast Clamps (Aluminum) KF10, KF16 Flanges 1 QF16-075-C
Cast Clamps (Aluminum) KF25 Flanges 1 QF25-100-C
Cast Clamps (Aluminum) KF40 Flanges 1 QF40-150-C
Cast Clamps (Aluminum) KF50 Flanges 1 QF50-200-C
Lever Clamps (Aluminum) KF10, KF16 Flanges 1 QF16-075-CHA
Lever Clamps (Aluminum) KF25 Flanges 1 QF25-100-CHA
Lever Clamps (Aluminum) KF40 Flanges 1 QF40-150-CHA
Centering Ring (SS with Fluorocarbon O-Ring) KF10 Flanges 1 QF10-050-SRV
Centering Ring (SS with Fluorocarbon O-Ring) KF16 Flanges 1 QF16-075-SRV
Centering Ring (SS with Fluorocarbon O-Ring) KF25 Flanges 1 QF25-100-SRV
Centering Ring (SS with Fluorocarbon O-Ring) KF40 Flanges 1 QF40-150-SRV
Centering Ring (SS with Fluorocarbon O-Ring) KF50 Flanges 1 QF50-200-SRV

FAQ

Tube fittings are designed for tubes (measured by outside diameter and wall thickness) used in high-pressure and instrumentation applications, whereas pipe fittings are for pipes (identified by nominal pipe size) primarily used in fluid transport.

 

Common valve types include ball valves, gate valves, check valves, butterfly valves, and globe valves. Each serves a specific function—from quick shutoff (ball/gate valves) to flow regulation (globe valves).

 
  • For tubing, measure the outside diameter; for pipes, refer to the nominal pipe size (using conversion charts if needed). Always match the valve or fitting size to your pipe’s dimensions and flow requirements.

  • Frequently used thread types include NPT (National Pipe Tapered), BSP (British Standard Pipe), and UNC, along with slip-fit options that rely on compression or fusion rather than threads.

Interchangeability depends on manufacturer specifications and certification. Always verify compatibility via manufacturer guides or certified interchangeability charts.

 
  • A coupling is a short, straight fitting used to join two pipes or tubes. It provides a secure, leak-tight connection and can sometimes serve to extend or repair piping runs.

Consider valve type, pressure and temperature ratings, material compatibility with your fluid, actuation method (manual or automatic), and maintenance requirements.

 
  • Valves regulate flow by opening, closing, or partially obstructing the pathway. Their mechanisms (such as the rotation of a ball or the linear movement of a gate) determine the speed and precision of flow control.

  • A flange is a flat, circular component used to connect pipes, valves, or other equipment. Bolted together with gaskets, flanges provide a secure, leak-proof joint that facilitates both assembly and maintenance.

  • Manual valves require physical operation via handles or levers, whereas actuated valves use mechanisms—pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic—to open and close automatically or remotely.

  • Issues include leaks caused by improper installation, over-tightening, degraded seals, material incompatibility, and fatigue from repeated cycling. Regular inspection and proper installation practices help mitigate these problems.

Regular maintenance involves periodic inspections, cleaning or replacing worn seals, ensuring proper torque during installation, and adhering to manufacturer guidelines and local plumbing codes to preserve system integrity.

 

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