METAL CERAMIC JOINT CONSTRUCTION

WELDING

All welds are made using the Tungsten Inert Gas method with high purity argon/hydrogen shielding to exclude atmospheric gasses and prevent the formation of oxides and nitrides in the weld, thereby allowing the molten metals to run together without employing any flux. After welding all welds are carefully checked for pits, cracks and virtual leaks. Filler materials are not normally employed in any of our welds. All parts exposed to vacuum are polished or electro-polished to produce optimum surface cleanliness, degreased and passivated to eliminate outgassing.

LEAK DETECTION

Helium detection mass spectrometers are used for leak detection. These are sensitive and accurate instruments capable of indicating extremely small leak rates (better than 1x10^-9 mbar litre sec^-1). Helium detection is a non-destructive test which is capable of quickly determining the integrity of a seal.