Ferrofluid Feedthroughs- The Best Choice for Rotary Motion in Vacuum
Cross Reference Chart to Other Brands
Rotary Seal Vacuum Feedthrough Standard Specification:
Leak rate: 1 x 10‐9 std. cc/sec, He
Vacuum range: 8 x 10‐7 Torr
Max. operation pressure: 28 psi
Bearing lubrication: Fomblin / Krytox
Specification for CF flange
Leak rate: 1x10‐11 std cc/sec, He Vacuum range: 5x10‐10 Torr
Standard ferrofluid
Base oil: Hydrocarbon
Max. operation temperature: 0‐80 °C
Reactive gas ferrofluid
Base oil: Perfluorinated Polyether
Key Features & Performance
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Vacuum Compatibility: High vacuum to ultra-high vacuum
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Seal Technology: Magnetically retained ferrofluid
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Rotation: Continuous, smooth rotary motion
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Low Leakage Rates: Ideal for sensitive vacuum processes
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Clean Design: Supports contamination-sensitive environments
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Bakeable Designs: Model-dependent for UHV applications
Flange & Configuration Options
Apex Vacuum ferrofluid feedthroughs are available in a variety of standard vacuum interfaces to ensure easy system integration:
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CF (ConFlat®) flanges for UHV systems
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KF / NW flanges for compact installations
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ISO flanges for larger vacuum chambers
Custom shaft lengths, torque ratings, and mounting options may be available to match specific application requirements.
Typical Applications
Apex Vacuum ferrofluid feedthroughs are widely used in:
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Semiconductor processing equipment
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Thin-film deposition and sputtering systems
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Vacuum coating and evaporation chambers
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Research and laboratory vacuum systems
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Motion control in load locks and transfer chambers
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Optical, materials science, and surface analysis tools
Advantages Over Mechanical Seals
Compared to traditional rotary shaft seals, ferrofluid feedthroughs offer:
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No dynamic O-ring wear
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Significantly reduced leak paths
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Lower maintenance costs
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Improved vacuum stability over long run time
Get Help Selecting the Right Apex Vacuum Ferrofluid Feedthrough
Proper selection depends on vacuum level, rotational speed, torque requirements, bakeout temperature, and flange type. Our technical specialists can help you configure the ideal Apex Vacuum ferrofluid feedthrough for your system.
Magnetic Rotary Feedthroughs - High-Reliability Vacuum Motion
Apex Vacuum ferrofluid feedthroughs provide leak-tight rotary motion transfer into vacuum chambers without dynamic shaft seals. Using advanced ferrofluid magnetic sealing technology, these feedthroughs deliver exceptional vacuum integrity, long service life, and smooth rotation, making them ideal for high vacuum (HV) and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) applications.
What Is a Ferrofluid Feedthrough?
A ferrofluid feedthrough uses a magnetically retained ferrofluid seal to transmit rotational motion across a vacuum boundary while maintaining a hermetic seal. This design eliminates traditional O-ring wear and significantly reduces leakage, particle generation, and maintenance.
Why Choose Apex Vacuum Ferrofluid Feedthroughs?
Apex Vacuum is recognized for precision-engineered motion feedthroughs designed for demanding vacuum environments.
Key benefits include:
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Hermetic, leak-tight rotary motion transfer
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Excellent performance in HV and UHV systems
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Low outgassing and particle generation
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Long operational life with minimal maintenance
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Smooth, stable torque characteristics
