KF (QF) HV Stainless Steel Weld Ring Flanges: Vacuum-Rated Weldable KF Interfaces for Demanding Environments
KF (QF) HV Stainless Steel Weld Ring Flanges are foundational components in high-vacuum (HV) system design, offering a robust, permanent solution for integrating stainless steel piping and chamber walls into KF-standard vacuum hardware. Engineered for precision and durability, these flanges support both structural strength and vacuum integrity in foreline plumbing, chamber ports, and custom vacuum assemblies.
Each KF (QF) HV Stainless Steel Weld Ring Flange consists of a standard KF flange ring designed for welding directly onto stainless steel vacuum tubing, plates, or chamber walls. Unlike traditional nipple-based components, these ring flanges lack a welded neck or tubing extension—providing flexibility in how they are used and where they are positioned within the system. This makes them particularly useful in OEM fabrication, retrofit applications, or vacuum chamber flange panel construction.
TFM manufactures these KF (QF) HV Stainless Steel Weld Ring Flanges using high-purity 304L or 316L stainless steel. The 304L variant offers excellent mechanical and corrosion resistance for general HV systems, while 316L is preferred in chemically aggressive or high-moisture environments due to its superior resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Both materials are fully compatible with TIG or orbital welding and suitable for applications requiring long-term performance in high-temperature or chemically active vacuum environments.
The KF (QF) flange design is sexless, ensuring fast, alignment-free assembly between mating flanges. These flanges seal using an elastomeric o-ring housed in a centering ring, compressed between the chamfered rear surfaces of two opposing flanges. This design enables a secure, repeatable vacuum seal while supporting operational pressures down to 10⁻⁸ torr, with temperature limits ranging from 0 °C to approximately 120–180 °C, depending on the o-ring material.
Assembly is completed using a circumferential clamp, which can be secured via wing-nut, thumbscrew, bolt, or over-center lever—allowing for tool-free installation and system flexibility. Because KF (QF) HV Stainless Steel Weld Ring Flanges can be welded into any desired position and orientation, they are often used to build custom vacuum panels, backplates, pump ports, or instrument interfaces in both R&D and industrial settings.
To accommodate a wide range of system architectures, TFM offers KF (QF) HV Stainless Steel Weld Ring Flanges in standard flange sizes—KF16, KF25, KF40, and KF50—all machined to tight tolerances and finished to vacuum-compatible standards. We also provide custom fabrication options, including specialty dimensions, electropolished finishes, and vacuum-baked versions for UHV systems.
In summary, KF (QF) HV Stainless Steel Weld Ring Flanges provide a versatile, weldable solution for integrating KF vacuum standards into stainless steel vacuum chambers, pipelines, and equipment housings. Their durability, ease of welding, and precise flange geometry make them essential components in the construction of high-performance vacuum systems.
Ordering Table
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 |
Description | For | Per Package | Part Number |
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