KF originates from the German term “Klein Flansche”, which means “small flanges”. They are a type of flange system designed to be assembled and disassembled without needing specials tools. An O-ring and centering ring seal is sandwiched by two KF flanges, and is fastened with a quick release clamp without tools.
KF Flange
KF flanges are commonly used in industries such as laboratories and research facilities, semiconductor manufacturing, and analytical instruments such as mass spectrometers and electron microscopes.
What makes a KF Union:
KF Clamp
To fasten the union by tightening the wingnut.
KF Flange
To be welded to tubes.
KF O Ring
Acts as a seal to prevent leakages.
KF Centering Ring
Acts as a frame for the O Ring.
KF Blank Flange
Acts as a cover to to block flow.
ISO Flange
ISO Flanges work almost the same way. Instead of being fastened by clamp rings, the flanges, centering ring and o ring are secured by claw clamps. For sizes above 2", KF Flanges are no longer available, and we rely on ISO Flanges instead.
What makes an ISO Union:
ISO Claw Clamp
To fasten the union by tightening the bolt.
ISO Flange
To be welded to tubes.
ISO O Ring
Acts as a seal to prevent leakages.
ISO Centering Ring
Acts as a frame for the O Ring.
ISO Blank Flange
Acts as a cover to block flow.
KF flanges and ISO flanges are ubiquitous today due to its ease of use, the tool-free assembly is user friendly and saves time during the setup and maintenance of vacuum systems. The availability of various sizes allows for flexibility in system design. They are also known to be reliable in creating and maintaining vacuum conditions.
NKE Flow is an importer and supplier of KF Flanges, as well as ISO Flanges.
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