Differences

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--- equipment:vacuum:fittings [2013/11/23 05:12] – mcmaster
+++ equipment:vacuum:fittings [2025/08/04 21:23] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 Various male fittings used in vacuum applications.  Upper left: Swagelok tube fitting, upper right: NPT, lower left: VCR, lower right, VCO
+====== Connector comparison ======
+Swagelok tubing postfix codes [Vacuum Tubing Products]
+^ End Connection(s) ^ Designator ^
+| VCR female one end only | FR |
+| VCR female both ends | DFR |
+| VCR female one end, VCR male other end  | FMR |
+| VCR female one end, XBA adapter other end  | FRB |
+| VCR male one end only  | MR |
+| VCR male both ends | DMR |
+| VCR male one end, XBA adapter other end | MRB |
+| VCO female one end only | FO |
+| VCO female both ends | DFO |
+| VCO female one end, VCO male other end  | FMO |
+| VCO female one end, XBA adapter other end  | FOB |
+| VCO male one end only | MO |
+| VCO male both ends | DMO |
+| XBA adapter one end only | -B1 |
+| XBA adapter both ends | -B2 |
+===== Installation =====
+Tube fittings require simple hand tools as do VCR fittings.  VCO are probably just as easy if not easier than VCR
+===== Seal =====
+My guess is that VCR fittings seal best.  Tube fittings probably seal pretty good the first time used but may lose their seal if not carefully re-installed.
+VCO likely doesn't seal as well as VCR but probably worse than a properly installed tube fitting as well.
+===== Reusability =====
+VCR gaskets should be used fresh for each install but you can probalby get away with reusing the same gasket a few times for most applications.  Swagelok tube fittings can be re-installed to the same location as long as they are installed in the same orientation.  However, to get a proper tube fitting seal on a new surface with used fittings I imagine you'd have to replace the ferrule which is probably more expensive and labor intensive than replacing a simple VCR gasket.
+VCO gaskets/fittings can be reused many times.  Gaskets are inexpensive to replace if damaged.
+===== Pressure =====
+Didn't see ratings specific to particular connector types.  However, [Vacuum Tubing Products]:
+  * "1/4 in. outside diameter tube—ultrahigh vacuum (10 –9 torr) to 100 psig (6.8 bar)
+  * 3/8 in. through 1 1/2 in. outside diameter tube—ultrahigh vacuum (10 –9 torr) to 25 psig (1.7 bar)"
+===== Temperature =====
+[Vacuum Tubing Products]:
+  * "VCR end connections—70 to 1000°F (20 to 537°C)
+  * VCO end connections—70 to 400°F (20 to 204°C), based on standard fluorocarbon FKM O-ring material
+  * XBA end connections—70 to 1000°F (20 to 537°C)
+    * When used with Ultra-Torr fittings—70 to 400°F (20 to 204°C)"
+===== Custom builds =====
+Tube fittings are relatively easy to cut and crimp on new fittings.
+Unfortuntaley, because VCR glands are special ends larger than the tube itself, they must be TIG welded in place as needed.  TIG welding requires equipment and a reasonable amount of skill.  I'm guessing that pro shops use orbital welders
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 Because of the gland nature it would seem hard to convert the more readily availble Swagelok tube adapters to VCR fittings without using a separate tube fitting to VCR adapter
+Naming seems to follow MAT-OD-X-LENPFX
+  * MAT: 321 for 321 stainless steel
+  * OD: outer diamter of tubing as 16ths of an inch (4/16 = 1/4)
+  * X: flexible convoluted tubing?
+  * LEN: length in inches (which part exactly?)
+  * PFX: postfix
+Naming  examples:
+  * 321-4-X-2FR: 321 SS, 1/4" OD tubing,  with VCR female on one end
+  * 321-4-X-2DFR for convoluted tubing with VCR female on both ends
@@ Line 158: / Line 235: @@
   * Installing a VCR Metal Gasket Face Seal Fitting (Installing VCR): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z_ZRt51sqo
   * VCR fittings: http://www.swagelok.com/downloads/webcatalogs/EN/MS-01-24.PDF
+  * Swagelok flexible tubing: http://www.fiting.sk/catalog/pdf_en/0131.pdf