it's quite costly, but it can be always done.
here are some processes that increase the cost:
- Electro polishing for reducing friction and particles
- Kolsterising for preventing galling
- Cleanroom packaging for minimizing contamination
- Rerolled thread Ag or Au plating on request
In the semiconductor industry, printing and etching processes require cleanness and lubricant is not acceptable but other processes done in normal air like testing and handling can accept our fasteners.
In the food industry, we are aiming to applications under the pass-line that do not touch the food directly.
We have made custom fasteners with a special vacuum lubricant for some semiconductor customers, but the quantity should be big. (project investment of 25000-50000 euro)
Are your fasteners for vacuum environments?
Regarding your question about our fastener for vacuum environments. We are sorry but our standard
fasteners are not intended for use under the condition of vacuum environment
and we have not test result.
For some of our products we use a lithium grease as a lubricant, and it is not be suitable
in vacuum environment (a special grease product which can be used in vacuum
environment is needed).
Our fasteners in stainless steel such as 304 and 316 are the ones that can be used
in vacuum environment. But some of our stainless steel fastener are made of
303.
Please also note that our stainless steel faster is also using a lithium grease as a a
lubricant.
Austenitic stainless steels are the most common choice for high vacuum and ultra-high
vacuum systems. Not all alloys are suitable; e.g. the free-machining 303 steel
contains sulfur, which tends to outgas. Alloys with good weldability under
argon arc welding are usually chosen.
Fasteners in Titanium are good option.
It would be much appreciated if you could test our product under your
responsibility.
Vacuum products can be manufactured. it would be possible to make a stud
in 304, or in other suitable material for high vacuum conditions.
What is the level of Ultra-High Vacuum?
Please find in the table below, the practical vaccum levels in the vacuum range characterized by
pressures.
|
Classification |
Vacuum Level |
|
|
|
Pa |
Torr |
|
Low “rough” vacuum |
133.3 – 1.33 x 10-1 |
1 – 1 x 10-3 |
|
Medium “intermediate” vacuum |
<1.33 x 10-1 – 1.33 x 10-3 |
< 1 x 10-3 – 10 -5 |
|
High “HV” vacuum |
<1.33 x 10-3 – 1.33 x 10-6 |
< 1 x 10-5 – 10 -8 |
|
Ultrahigh “UHV” vacuum |
<1 x 10 -7 – 1 x 10 -8 |
7.5 x 10-10 – 7.5 x 10 -11 |
|
Extreme ultrahigh “EUV” vacuum |
<1 x 10 -10 |
< 7.5 x 10-13 |
|
Interstellar space |
10 -17 |
7.5 x 10-20 |
Critical clean
Our products need to be specially cleaned and baked to minimize outgassing under vacuum. Thus our standard
products are not designed for High Vacuum
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