1. KF Flanges

• Stainless steel (304/316L) or aluminum.
• Beveled edge for centering the O-ring and centering ring.

2. O-Ring

• Provides the vacuum seal.
• Common materials include:
  • Viton: Best for high temperatures and chemical resistance.
  • Nitrile (NBR): General purpose, lower cost.
  • EPDM: Good for low temperatures and ozone resistance.

3. Centering Ring

• Ensures the O-ring stays in place during assembly.
• Types:
  • Standard Centering Ring: For general vacuum use.
  • Screened Centering Ring: Includes a mesh to block particulates.
  • Aluminum Centering Ring: Lightweight and cost-effective.

4. Clamps

• Used to secure two KF flanges together.
• Types:
  • Wing-Nut Clamp: Quick and tool-free assembly.
  • Bolt Clamp: Provides extra strength for higher pressure conditions.

Common KF Fittings

1. KF Elbows :
   • 90° and 45° elbows for changing the direction of vacuum lines.
2. KF Tees :
   • Allows a branch-off connection in vacuum lines.
3. KF Crosses :
   • Connects four vacuum lines at right angles.
4. KF Adapters :
   • Connect KF flanges to other vacuum flange types, such as CF or ISO
5. KF Flexible Hoses :
   • Corrugated stainless steel hoses for vibration isolation or flexibility.
6. KF Blank Flanges :
   • Used to seal off unused ports in a vacuum system.
7. KF Reducers :
   • Transition between different KF flange sizes (e.g., KF40 to KF25).

Advantages of KF Flanges & Fittings

1. Quick Assembly: Tool-free installation using quick-release clamps.
2. Modularity: Compatible with a variety of fittings and components.
3. Reusable Components: Flanges, clamps, and centering rings can often be reused.
4. Cost-Effective: Lower cost compared to UHV systems with CF flanges.
5. Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of vacuum applications.

Vacuum Applications

• Rough to high vacuum systems: ~Atmosphere to 10⁻⁸ mbar.
• Backing lines for turbomolecular or diffusion pumps.
• Vacuum ovens and drying systems.
• Vacuum distillation setups.
• Gas handling and transfer lines.
• Laboratory experiments in universities and research institutions.
• Semiconductor processing and industrial vacuum processes.