KF Feedthroughs | NW / QF Feedthroughs | Douglas Electrical Components

A KF (Klein Flange) flange is a type of flange that is used to create a vacuum-tight seal between two surfaces. KF flanges use a clamping mechanism to create a hermetic seal around the electrical feedthrough, which helps to prevent leaks and maintain a stable vacuum environment. The tapered circular C-clamp creates the correct sealing torque between the mating interfaces to hermetically seal the feedthrough. The two mating surfaces have a flared edge that are clamped together with a center ring between them.

KF flanges are referred to under other names including NW, QF, and DIN flanges.

KF feedthroughs are commonly found in vacuum systems, semiconductor manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, and other industries where maintaining a hermetic seal is of utmost importance. KF Hermetic Feedthroughs can handle a variety of demanding environments. Using a hermetic epoxy, Douglas offers the utmost design flexibility to combine various electrical connections within a single flange. This can increase your density of electrical connection types as well as reduce the total number of feedthroughs required for the system.

From cryogenic temperatures to high-pressure applications, these feedthroughs are engineered to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining a hermetic seal. This adaptability makes them an ideal choice for industries where consistent performance is vital.

Performance Capabilities

< 1×10^-8 cc Helium per second standard; others available upon request
Operating temperatures range from 4 K (LHe) through high temperatures of 200°C
Standard tooling and LEAN operational set up to keep your footprint smaller and overhead down, while maintaining quality

Electrical Connection Types

Connectors
Wires
Cables
Optical Fibers
Circuits
Pins
Studs

Common Connector Types

MIL-spec connectors including MIL-DTL-38999, MIL-DTL-5015, MIL-DTL-26482, MIL-DTL-24308, and MIL-DTL-83513
D-sub hermetic connectors for vacuum applications
Micro-D hermetic connectors
Regular and standard density (HDM)
High density (HDD)
Nano-D
Coaxial connectors (SMA, BNC, Triax, SHV, and more)
Thermocouple
Convenience power cables with integral connectors
USB including Type A and C
RJ-45 Ethernet connectors
And more!

Advantages

Various standard interfaces
Hermetic ratings / low leakage rates
Equipment commonly pre-designed with interfaces
Excellent for cryogenic applications

USB Series

56456 Hermetic USB-C Vacuum Feedthrough

USB Series

57353 KF40 USB Hermetic Feedthrough

Coaxial Series

57915 Hermetic BNC Feedthrough

Convenience Feedthrough

47503 KF40 Vacuum Convenience Feedthrough

What is a KF electrical feedthrough?

A KF feedthrough is a popular mechanical interface used to create a hermetic seal in vacuum systems. It comprises a flange, a gasket, and a feedthrough assembly. This design ensures that no unwanted particles or gases compromise the vacuum system’s integrity. KF feedthroughs are widely employed in various industries, from research labs and pharmaceutical manufacturing to aerospace and even semiconductor fabrication.

Are KF feedthroughs compatible with different vacuum systems?

One of the many advantages of KF feedthroughs is their compatibility with a wide range of vacuum systems. They can be seamlessly integrated into both high-vacuum and low-vacuum applications. So, regardless of your specific setup, KF feedthroughs are likely to be a suitable option for your project.

What are the key advantages of using KF feedthroughs?

KF feedthroughs offer several notable advantages. Firstly, their quick-release clamp system allows for easy installation and maintenance. Secondly, their compatibility with a wide range of vacuum systems makes them a versatile choice for many applications. Many chambers are already equipped with the KF/QF interface, simplifying installation. Additionally, the installation is typically considered simpler than CF feedthroughs and lower cost if replaced (as CF feedthroughs have costly gaskets). Lastly, KF feedthroughs are cost-effective compared to some other feedthrough options, making them a budget-friendly choice without compromising performance.

Images

Dual USB Hermetic Feedthrough with KF flange

Hermetic USB feedthrough with two USB-A connectors in KF type flange

Hermetic Coaxial Feedthrough with QF50 Flange

Hermetic coaxial feedthrough with QF50 flange and four BNC connections

Glovebox Convenience Cable Feedthrough

Glovebox Convenience Cable Feedthrough creates a wired connection to power equipment in Glove boxes and test setups. The cable allows for flexibility to reach the equipment in the glovebox without added extension cords or compromising space.

USB-C PotCon Hermetic Connector

USB-C hermetic connector in compact flange clamp mount design

KF Hermetic Fiber Optic Feedthru

Custom KF feedthrough with optical fibers

High Density Fiber Feedthru

Hermetic fiber optic cable seals designed into a high-density flange assembly. This design combines multimode and single-mode fibers in a CF flange.

fiber optic duplex threaded hermetic feedthrough

Fiber Optic Duplex Feedthru

Threaded hermetic feedthrough for optical signal transmission with integral connectors

KF Series KF Feedthroughs

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