When we talk about vacuum equipment, no discussion is complete without the understanding that the seal between the atmosphere and the vacuum is critical.
In vacuum equipment, a precise and specially tailored surface finish is the difference between excellence and unreliability.
There are many types of vacuum seals, including an O-ring surface finish. When this seal is engaged, the vacuum flange contains an O-ring groove that’s cut into it. The O-ring is pressed into the groove; and in order to work, it must create a dry seal—without any oil, grease or other sealing agent. For this to occur, a special surface finish is required.
With a rounded flange, a nice concentric surface finish is possible at the bottom of the O-ring groove because the groove is machined on a lathe. In other cases, the O-ring groove is rectangular, which requires a milling technique. In a milling operation, the cutter turns in a circular motion, causing swirl marks at the bottom of the groove, which can compromise the seal. That doesn’t happen with us.
With over five decades of experience, GNB Corporation has evolved in our constant search for forward-thinking methods and technologies. As a result, we deliver vacuum excellence, including smooth surface finishes at the bottom of the groove for proper sealing.
Our focus on solutions and technology led to the development of specialized cutters, which achieve proper sealing in the vacuum product or component we design and produce. For instance, our dovetail cutters features unique shapes and angles. The cutters’ versatility makes it possible for it to cut the O-ring groove in a circular pattern and still leave behind a smooth and polished finish for a perfect seal.
In another method, our highly skilled and trained staff expertly detail the O-ring grooves for maximum sealing. O-rings function as designed because we create an excellent surface finish, which includes precise corner radiuses on the edges and a polished surface on the bottom. The optimal surface finish does not occur by accident. We make every effort and pay attention to every detail to always meet our high standard in vacuum sealing. Your company deserves nothing less.
We know that leaks in vacuum equipment are unacceptable and can lead to a range of complications. Tracing the source of a leak can take days and eat away at invaluable production time. It is also expensive to manage. The nightmare scenario is assembling a vacuum product only to discover it is unfit with a leak.
We embrace the challenges and demands of being a leader in specialty vacuum products and components. Our promise to our partners is that they will receive O-rings and other vacuum products that will be free of contaminants and leaks. GNB Corporation specializes in systems and components that are helium-tight – an extremely ambitious standard we constantly achieve.
Our continued success in creating world-class vacuum products is a reflection of our experience, expertise and never-ending pursuit of excellence.