Course Objectives

• Learn about elastomers used in O-rings and their behavior.
• Know the design of O-ring grooves.
• Learn about metal seals and metal sealing concepts.
• Learn about assembly by welding.
• Learn about elementary brazing.

Course Description

This course covers, from a practical viewpoint, demountable and permanent joining techniques used in the assembly of vacuum equipment.

Considerable time is allotted to a discussion of elastomer seals, including material selection, material properties, and the design of O-ring grooves. The portion on metal seals covers the importance of stored energy, its location in a seal component, seal metals, and surface finishes. The portion on permanent joining considers TIG welding, the design of weld preps, and weld problem analysis.

Topics covered in less detail include brazing, diffusion bonding, and seals, including materials such as glass, ceramics, and epoxies.

Course Materials

Course Notes