Capabilities
High and Ultra-High Vacuum Product Manufacturing
Explore the Craftsmanship Behind Components Engineered for Rigorous Vacuum Applications
Made in the USA
At ANCORP, located in the heart of Central Florida, we pride ourselves on being a U.S. manufacturer dedicated to producing high and ultra-high vacuum products with unparalleled expertise. Our facility is the birthplace of every product we manufacture, showcasing our commitment to domestic manufacturing and quality assurance. In the field of vacuum technology, we distinguish our products by a meticulous selection of materials and proven manufacturing processes. Discover more about our capabilities and the techniques behind every product we ship out the door.
Materials
Because of its high corrosion resistance, low outgassing rates, a wide range of applicable temperatures, machinability, weldability, and relative cost, ANCORP’s standard material for most products is 304L stainless steel. ANCORP routinely works with 304L and 316L stainless steel as well as 6061 T6 aluminum and Grade 4 Titanium.
ANCORP specifies a magnetic permeability not to exceed 1.02μ when ordering raw 304 stainless materials. Welding and machining processes may result in heat-affected or cold-worked zones that may increase magnetic permeability in these zones. Minimizing seams, joints, and bends in areas of high magnetic sensitivity should be considered during the design process. For applications that require superior magnetic flux shielding, mumetal can also be supplied.
Flanges
ANCORP’s flanges are made from specially manufactured raw stock that is designed to maximize the vacuum capabilities of 304 and 316LN stainless steel. This choice is strategic, aiming to reduce impurities and inclusions that might otherwise compromise the steel’s vacuum integrity. Grain size, orientation, and density are also engineered to maximize the vacuum performance of the raw stock. The standard range of flanges manufactured by ANCORP includes ConFlat® (CF) flanges, KF and ISO flanges, and ASA flanges.
Fabrication
Machining
State-of-the-art, multi-axis, CNC machine centers are at the heart of ANCORP’s operations. Our work processes are built upon the dual goals of high quality and rapid turnaround. Our machining coolants are sulfur free, biodegradable, and recycled.
Welding
ANCORP uses tungsten inert gas (TIG/ GTAW) welding techniques with high purity argon as the backfill/purge gas. Both manual and automated orbital welding machines are employed.
In accordance with good UHV fabrication practices, non-filler material, internal fusion weld joints are utilized wherever possible. In those instances where geometries preclude internal welds, 100% full penetration welds are provided. To minimize sources of virtual leaks, external welds are only used when required for structural reinforcement and are limited to stitch, skip, span, or spot weld configurations.
Surface Finishes
The following finishing techniques are available: Glass Bead Blasted, Machine Polished, and Electropolished. Flanges and machined components (faced, turned or bored) come standard with a 32-microinch surface finish and a 16-microinch sealing surface. For a machined finish better than 32 micro-inch, speak to one of our design engineers.
Quality Control
All weld joints and sealing surfaces are certified with state-of-the-art helium mass spectrometer leak detectors to a maximum rate of 1×10-9 std. cc helium. Leak testing is typically conducted in an “outside-in” or tracer-probe configuration. Helium (gas) bag tests are conducted as needed.
The highest standards of quality control inform every aspect of our operational practices. We welcome customer audits. Dimensional checks are confirmed with a computer-controlled Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). Material and CMM certifications can be provided upon request.
Cleaning and Packaging
Upon final machining, most components are washed in a heated, ultrasonic, detergent bath followed by multiple ultrasonic, deionized water rinses to remove all residual machining lubricants. After final rinse, parts are blown dry with dry, heated, filtered air and packaged.
After cleaning and testing, flanges and small components are hermetically sealed in vacuum board packaging and are ready for UHV installation. Larger flanges are covered with a layer of foil and protective plastic shields. Weldments and assemblies are then bagged, bubble-wrapped, and inserted into a shipping container surrounded by void filling “pillow” wrap. Custom crating is available.
