Vacuum Nipples
Vacuum nipples are straight-fitting solutions used to connect two ports across a linear section of tubing. They are most commonly used to extend system length, create precise spacing between components, or serve as simple junction points within a vacuum assembly.
Nipples are available in fixed-length configurations and may include straight, reducer, or flexible tube sections depending on system requirements. Standard materials include 304 and 304L stainless steel, with additional material options available upon request.
ASA Nipples
ASA nipples provide straight connections for tubing up to 10 inches in outer diameter and are suitable for high vacuum applications. They are offered in both fixed and rotatable bolt-hole patterns to ensure compatibility with existing system layouts.
Available in multiple standard lengths, ASA nipples are commonly used for spacing components, aligning pump connections, and extending vacuum lines where axial alignment is required. Standard ASA nipples are manufactured by ANCORP in 304 stainless steel.
ConFlat (CF) Nipples
ConFlat nipples are designed for ultra-high vacuum environments and are available in straight, reducer, and flexible configurations.
Straight CF nipples connect matching flange sizes while reducer CF nipples allow for transitions between different tube diameters while remaining within the ConFlat flange family.
Flexible CF nipples incorporate accordion-style bent tubing to correct misalignments and provide vibration isolation. These flexible nipples can compress up to 20% or extend up to 15% of their free length and operate across a temperature range of −200 °C to 450 °C. Standard CF nipples are manufactured with 304L stainless steel flanges, while flexible sections are formed from 321 stainless steel bellows.
ISO Nipples
ISO nipples support straight connections and transitions within ISO-compatible flange systems, including KF (QF) and ISO-K (ISO-LF) sealing styles.
Straight ISO nipples feature identical flange sizes on both ends and are intended for use within a single sealing style, either KF or ISO-K. Half nipples have a flange, KF or ISO-K style, on one end and are terminated with a tube cuff on the other end. They are intended for users with in-house welding capabilities, allowing for custom system integration.
Reducer ISO nipples incorporate different flange sizes on each end and are available with either straight or conical tube sections. Conical reducers improve conductance and are preferred where maximizing flow is critical.
Flexible ISO nipples utilize bends in tubing to accommodate misalignment and dampen vibration. KF and ISO-K (ISO-LF) flexible nipples are available across the full range of standard ISO sizes. At longer lengths, these can be found as bellows or metal hosing.
Hybrid Adapters
Hybrid adapters are specialty nipple fittings manufactured with different flange families on opposing ends. These components enable direct transitions between dissimilar sealing methods within a single fitting.
Hybrid nipple configurations are found within the Hybrid Adapters category as flange-to-flange adapters and are available with either straight or conical tubing.