MDC Wire Seal Flanges – High Integrity UHV Sealing for Large Vacuum applications

MDC Wire Seal Flanges provide a highly effective and convenient metal sealing solution for large-diameter ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers. Designed specifically for tube sizes ranging from 10 to 24 inches ( 254 mm to 610 mm), these flanges are available in a nonrotatable geometry.

Each flange is constructed from high-quality 304 stainless steel (304ss) and utilizes a 0.080-inch (2.03 mm) cross-section OFE copper wire gasket to form the seal. The sealing action is achieved through a precise interface between mating male and female beveled surfaces, which guides the deformation of the copper gasket and enables it to fill in surface imperfections, such as minor scratches and nicks. This ensures a reliable, vacuum-tight metal seal at pressures down to 1 × 10⁻¹³ Torr.

For added flexibility, MDC Wire Seal Flanges can also accommodate FKM elastomer gaskets where metal sealing is not required. Due to their size and mass, blank wire seal flanges can be supplied in a dished-head design, significantly reducing overall weight while maintaining strength and vacuum integrity.

Applications

MDC Wire Seal Flanges are widely used across industries that demand precise, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) performance and robust sealing solutions. These flanges are ideal for large vacuum enclosures in applications such as vacuum furnaces, bell jars, bakeout chambers, and other high-temperature processing systems. They are commonly found in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace and defense systems, photovoltaic equipment, nuclear research, and particle physics laboratories—where large-diameter, leak-tight seals are essential. Their compatibility with both OFE copper and elastomer gaskets, along with their ability to handle high temperatures and extreme vacuum levels, makes them a versatile and dependable choice for advanced vacuum environments.