O-rings are used in just about every industry and typically to block the flow of liquids, gasses, or other materials. Their actual makeup and function is a bit unique, however. Why? In order to function properly the O-ring must deform. Basically, O-rings are doughnut shaped parts that are installed in cavities known as glands and
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Plating is a centuries-old process that permanently joins a metal covering to a conductive surface. Platings affect not only how a metal fastener looks, but also its hardness, electrical conductivity, coefficient of friction, and how it will withstand corrosion or wear resistance. Basically to plate a fastener a thin layer of metal that is bonded
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Reposted with permission from UC Components, Inc. View the original post on their site here: https://www.uccomponents.com/the-advantages-of-buying-pre-cleaned-and-packaged-fasteners-o-rings/ Manufacturing fasteners and O-rings is a dirty job. The machining process leaves behind metal shavings, dust, and debris. Lubricants and coolants used to reduce friction and heat during machining leave a residue on the fasteners. An unprocessed, or “raw”,
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Reposted with permission from UC Components, Inc. View the original post on their site here: https://www.uccomponents.com/vacuum-permeation-in-o-ring-polymers/ Permeation, or the permeability coefficient, of a polymer refers to the volumetric flow of gasses, under controlled conditions, through the material’s surface. Permeability does not equal leakage! Leakage refers to gasses that flow around the seal. Permeation is a
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Reposted with permission from UC Components, Inc. View the original post on their site here: https://www.uccomponents.com/unseen-complications-outgassing-and-the-role-of-vented-fasteners-and-o-rings/ Outgassing is often an underestimated concern in vacuum systems, cleanrooms, and high-performance assemblies, especially when using fasteners and sealing materials not engineered explicitly for such environments. Outgassing is the release of trapped or absorbed gases from materials when exposed to a
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Reposted with permission from UC Components, Inc. View the original post on their site here: https://www.uccomponents.com/the-critical-art-of-leak-detection-in-a-vacuum-system/ With the critical need to properly maintain and achieve a vacuum system, the “art” of leak detection is a skill that requires precise tools and training. It is considered an “art” due to the complexity, experience required, and variations
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Reposted with permission from UC Components, Inc. View the original post on their site here: https://www.uccomponents.com/your-vacuum-systems-fasteners-may-be-a-problem-why/ Vacuum chambers must remain clean and free of contaminants and volatile materials that would lead to contamination of the entire system. Assembly for critical applications requires a wide variety of fasteners and their effectiveness is the key to the
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Reposted with permission from UC Components, Inc. View the original post on their site here: https://www.uccomponents.com/material-considerations-for-o-rings-used-in-vacuum-and-clean-critical-environments/ O-rings are most often the primary source of contamination in any vacuum system. Selecting the proper O-ring design and material are essential to maintaining the seal and overall system integrity. Unfortunately, you cannot simply rely on the property values
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Reposted with permission from UC Components, Inc. View the original post on their site here: https://www.uccomponents.com/the-importance-of-product-packaging-for-clean-critical-applications/ Product packaging is both an art and a science – designed to look attractive while properly storing, containing, and protecting the products inside. We all know that packaging performs a pretty basic function and it may seem like a
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I am pleased to share that UC Components, Inc. will once again serve as a Gold Sponsor for the 2026 NCCAVS Annual Equipment Exhibition and Symposium. This event is one of the most concentrated gatherings of vacuum technology professionals, thin film engineers, and process developers in North America. The NCCAVS environment provides direct interaction with
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