Epoxy Feedthroughs A Better Option Than Glass-to-Metal for Under 200 Deg. C.

Multi-conductor Flanged Epoxy Feedthrough (BCE)

Vacuum and ultra-clean manufacturing applications have continuously challenged designers with the need for versatile and cost effective ways to get power, control signals, fiber optic, and pneumatic lines in and out of a vacuum.

Failures due to contamination, dust, or leaks can be devastatingly costly, in both money and time.

Historically, glass-to-metal (GTM) hermetic seals have been used, but their limited size, shape, pin options, and shielding limitations have frustrated designers. A more accommodating and cost effective feedthrough solution was badly needed.

Enter epoxy potted feedthroughs. While GTM has a distinct advantage in very high temperature applications, in low-to-medium temperature applications newer epoxy resins are quickly gaining ground. Ideally suited for use where continuous temperatures stay under 200 deg. C , the versatility and cost of epoxy feedthroughs make them a clearly better choice. Additionally, in many cases epoxy feedthroughs can be prototyped and small quantities can be provided much more quickly.

Ultimately, epoxy vacuum feedthrough’s greatest advantage is their design versatility and option flexibility. Flanges, threaded connections, circuit board mounts, 120 volt receptacles, thermocouples, pneumatic tubes, Sub D connectors, and fiber optic cables are all examples of options that are easily accommodated. No longer does a designer have to conform their design to a standard glass-to-metal specification. Epoxy vacuum feedthroughs give designers the freedom to have a feedthrough that exactly meets their needs.