MDC Conflat(CF) Tube Fittings: Industry-Leading Vacuum Components for UHV Systems

MDC’s CF tube fittings are precision-engineered components designed to provide maximum flexibility and performance in constructing and expanding high and ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) systems. Fabricated from 304 stainless steel drawn and welded vacuum tubing, each fitting is built to ensure leak-tight integrity, thermal durability, and long-term stability under the most demanding conditions. These fittings are UHV rated to 1×10⁻¹³ Torr (1.3×10⁻¹¹ Pa) and can withstand bakeout temperatures up to 450°C (842°F), making them ideal for scientific research, semiconductor manufacturing, and space simulation applications.

To simplify system alignment and assembly, most configurations feature a combination of rotatable and nonrotatable CF flanges. Elbows are supplied with two rotatable flanges for versatile installation, while reducers, tees, and crosses accommodate transitions between different flange sizes or directions. The flanges are fully Conflat® compatible, using precision-machined knife-edge seals designed to work with OFE copper gaskets or optional Viton® elastomer gaskets for added sealing flexibility.

MDC offers the industry’s most comprehensive selection of CF tube fittings, including nipples, half nipples, reducer nipples, flexible nipples, and elbows in both 45° and 90° configurations. The range also includes standard and reducing tees, crosses with four-, five-, and six-way formats, six-way cubes, and multiport flange assemblies. Each component is manufactured with a standard matte finish for a clean, professional appearance and is equipped with clearance bolt holes to ensure easy mounting in complex assemblies.

For systems requiring compact connections, zero-length reducers offer a minimal footprint. Nipple reducers feature straight or conical tube sections between flanges, adding flexibility to system layout. Reducing tees and crosses combine a primary flange with a smaller branch flange, facilitating multi-directional vacuum routing in mixed-diameter lines.

If a standard component does not meet your system requirements, MDC also offers custom CF fittings upon request. Whether you’re building a new vacuum chamber or expanding an existing UHV system, MDC’s CF fittings provide the durability, sealing integrity, and modularity required for high-performance vacuum environments.