CF Vacuum Flanges - General Description

CF Flange System

I. General Introduction

A&N Corporation manufacturers a complete line of metal sealed knife-edge type CF flanges, fittings and accessories. These components are made to industry standards, are completely interchangeable with all other Conflat®-type flanges, and are designed to offer superior, leak-free performance in all high and ultra-high vacuum applications.

These flanges are manufactured on state-of-the-art CNC (computer controlled) lathes to insure consistently close dimensional tolerances, and extremely fine surface finishes. The flanges are carefully protected during the manufacturing process to prevent any damage to the knife-edge, and are cleaned and packaged to insure a perfect flange, ready for immediate use in any application.

II. Operation and Applications

A&N CF flanges offer superior leak-free performance on all vacuum applications, and will function perfectly to pressures of 1x10-13 torr in temperature ranges from -196° to +500°C. Each flange face is identical and contains a knife edge. When bolts tighten these flanges together with a copper gasket between them, the knife edge is forced into the copper. This action generates an annular groove in the gasket capable of withstanding high pressures or temperatures, fills all voids and defects and produces an extremely reliable leak tight seal. Suitable for all vacuum applications, CF flanges are especially suited to conditions requiring ultra-high vacuum, very clean environments, high temperatures or the containment of toxic, corrosive or radioactive gasses.

A&N CF flanges are available in sizes ranging from the mini (1.33 O.D.) flange up to 16 1/2" O.D. flanges, and accommodate tubing from 1/4" thru 14". These flanges are available in both rotatable and non-rotatable versions, and both types are offered with thru bolt holes or tapped holes. This wide array of flanges facilitates easy design, assembly and system flexibility. All fittings have at least one rotatable flange for alignment purposes.

Flanges up through 4 1/2" diameter are made from 304-L stainless steel - a low carbon grade stainless steel noted for high purity and hardness. Low carbon levels mean less inclusions, fewer microscopic leak paths and results in flanges which aid in rapid pumpdown times in UHV applications. Flanges 4 5/8" - 16 1/2" are manufactured from cross-forged 304 stainless steel plate. The orientation of the grain of the material in plate is perpendicular to the flange face, which reduces the possibility of leakage from atmosphere to the vacuum side of the flange. The hardness of all material used is constantly monitored to insure hard, durable knife edges that will not "roll over", and can be used repeatedly.

Conflat® is a registrered trademark of Varian Associates.

CF Vacuum Flange Components

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