Need advice on pinch-off tool for cold cold-weld sealing

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SUMMARY

Rodrigo seeks advice on using a pinch-off tool for cold-weld sealing an annealed copper tube in a vacuum chamber operating between 1x10-4 and 1x10-torr. He has identified a reliable but costly pinch-off tool and is looking for alternatives that can achieve high vacuum levels without leaks. Recommendations include using a handheld swaging press, which can be modified with a custom swage profile, and researching the appropriate pinch profile and force required for effective sealing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of high vacuum systems and their operational ranges
  • Familiarity with cold welding techniques and materials
  • Knowledge of swaging tools and their applications
  • Experience with vacuum sealing methods and leak prevention
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "cold weld pinch-off tool" for specific product recommendations
  • Investigate "swaging tool hydraulic" for affordable options
  • Learn about the "pinch profile" and the necessary force for effective sealing
  • Explore modifications for swaging tools to fit specific tube profiles
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for engineers, researchers, and technicians involved in vacuum technology, particularly those working with cold welding and sealing applications in high vacuum environments.

Rodrigo Bilbeny Y
Hi,

My name is Rodrigo and I need to achieve a permanent seal for a vacuum chamber in the high vacuum range (I’ll be working between 1x10-4 and 1x10-torr). We were thinking of using a cold-weld sealing of an annealed copper tube to separate the chamber from the vacuum pump once the vacuum level is fine.

I´ve already found one supplier of a reliable pinch-off tool that seems to do the job, but due to its high cost I need to find out more to be sure. Have anyone successfully use a pinch-of tool for a similar purpose, achieving high vacuum levels with no leak after pinch-off? I would appreciate very much if you tell me any specific product or tip!

Thanks!
 
I do not think it is magic. If it is for research, rather than quantity production, a hand held swaging press should do the job.
Google 'swaging tool hydraulic' and see units costing US$50 and up.
Modify by grinding a steel tool with the correct swage profile for the tube to fit the jaws of the press you get.

Research the pinch profile used and the force applied. Google 'cold weld pinch off tool'
http://www.chem.info/article/2013/12/choosing-right-tools-cold-welding
 

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