Mechanical Feedthroughs
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Mechanical feedthroughs are devices designed to transmit mechanical motion through the walls of a vacuum system. They can handle both linear and rotary motions, and some models combine both types with separate drives for each. These feedthroughs are essential for maintaining the integrity of the vacuum environment while allowing mechanical operations to occur within it.
Working Principle
Mechanical feedthroughs operate by allowing mechanical motion to pass through a sealed barrier, such as the wall of a vacuum chamber, without compromising the vacuum. They achieve this by using specialized seals and materials that can withstand the pressure differential and maintain the vacuum integrity. The usefulness of mechanical feedthroughs lies in their ability to facilitate mechanical operations in environments where maintaining a vacuum is crucial, such as in scientific research and industrial processes.
Applications
Mechanical feedthroughs are used in various applications where mechanical motion needs to be transmitted into a vacuum environment. Specific examples include their use in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, where precise motion control is required within a vacuum chamber, and in scientific research setups, such as particle accelerators, where components need to be manipulated without breaking the vacuum seal.
Advantages over other Feedthroughs
Mechanical feedthroughs offer distinct advantages over other types of feedthroughs, such as optical or fluid feedthroughs. For instance, they can handle both linear and rotary motions, making them versatile for different mechanical tasks. Unlike optical feedthroughs, which are limited to transmitting light, mechanical feedthroughs can transmit physical motion, which is essential for applications requiring mechanical manipulation within a vacuum.
Limitations
One limitation of mechanical feedthroughs is their complexity and the potential for mechanical wear over time, which can affect their performance and the integrity of the vacuum seal. Additionally, they may have limitations in terms of the maximum vacuum level they can maintain, which could restrict their use in ultra-high vacuum applications.
Considerations
When selecting mechanical feedthroughs, several considerations should be taken into account. Initial costs can vary depending on the complexity and specifications of the feedthrough. Operating expenses may include maintenance and potential replacement of worn components. Durability is a critical factor, as the feedthrough must withstand repeated mechanical motion without degrading. Accuracy is also important, particularly in applications requiring precise motion control. Replacement and maintenance costs should be considered, as these can impact the long-term cost-effectiveness of the feedthrough.
from Rigaku Corporation
Rigaku has been a world leader in the manufacturing of Magnetic Fluid Rotary Motion Feedthroughs since 1985. For nearly a quarter of a century Rigaku products have consistently shown to be of extremely high quality at competitive prices. All of our highly skilled people are committed to producing... [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Feedthrough Mount: Baseplate Mount
from BellowsTech, an MW Industries company
Edge welded bellows act as a flexible seal when designed as a mechanical feedthrough, allowing movement of a tool within a sealed environment under vacuum or positive pressure. Linear and angular motion for “wobble stick ” applications is also available. Metal bellows are also used... [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Feedthrough Mount: Flange (optional feature)
from Nor-Cal Products, Inc. - The Vacuum Experts
Linear rotary feedthroughs are offered in magnetically coupled, bellows sealed and differentially pumped, o-ring sealed versions. These feedthroughs are normally manually actuated. Typically these feedthroughs are used for sample introduction or manipulation. [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 9.91E-11
- Mounting Diameter: 2.75
- Temperature Range: 200
from Rigaku Corporation
Rigaku has been a world leader in the manufacturing of Magnetic Fluid Rotary Motion Feedthroughs since 1985. For nearly a quarter of a century Rigaku products have consistently shown to be of extremely high quality at competitive prices. All of our highly skilled people are committed to producing... [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Feedthrough Mount: Cartridge Mount
from Nor-Cal Products, Inc. - The Vacuum Experts
Linear rotary feedthroughs are offered in magnetically coupled, bellows sealed and differentially pumped, o-ring sealed versions. These feedthroughs are normally manually actuated. Typically these feedthroughs are used for sample introduction or manipulation. [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 1.00E-5
- Mounting Diameter: 2.75
- Temperature Range: -20 to 150
from Rigaku Corporation
Rigaku has been a world leader in the manufacturing of Magnetic Fluid Rotary Motion Feedthroughs since 1985. For nearly a quarter of a century Rigaku products have consistently shown to be of extremely high quality at competitive prices. All of our highly skilled people are committed to producing... [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Feedthrough Mount: Flange
from Nor-Cal Products, Inc. - The Vacuum Experts
Linear motion feedthroughs are standard positioning devices used when no rotational movement is required. These feedthroughs are actuated pneumatically, push-pull or rotationally. [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 9.91E-11
- Mounting Diameter: 2.75
- Temperature Range: -20 to 250
from Rigaku Corporation
Rigaku has been a world leader in the manufacturing of Magnetic Fluid Rotary Motion Feedthroughs since 1985. For nearly a quarter of a century Rigaku products have consistently shown to be of extremely high quality at competitive prices. All of our highly skilled people are committed to producing... [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Temperature Range: 100
- Vacuum Rating: 1900
- Feedthrough Mount: Flange
from Nor-Cal Products, Inc. - The Vacuum Experts
Linear motion feedthroughs are standard positioning devices used when no rotational movement is required. These feedthroughs are actuated pneumatically, push-pull or rotationally. [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 9.91E-11
- Mounting Diameter: 2.75
- Temperature Range: 200
from Rigaku Corporation
Rigaku has been a world leader in the manufacturing of Magnetic Fluid Rotary Motion Feedthroughs since 1985. For nearly a quarter of a century Rigaku products have consistently shown to be of extremely high quality at competitive prices. All of our highly skilled people are committed to producing... [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Feedthrough Mount: Flange
- Temperature Range: 0.0 to 80
from Nor-Cal Products, Inc. - The Vacuum Experts
Linear rotary feedthroughs are offered in magnetically coupled, bellows sealed and differentially pumped, o-ring sealed versions. These feedthroughs are normally manually actuated. Typically these feedthroughs are used for sample introduction or manipulation. [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 9.91E-11
- Mounting Diameter: 2.75
- Temperature Range: 200
from Nor-Cal Products, Inc. - The Vacuum Experts
Nor-Cal rotary motion feedthroughs are frequently bolted to XYZ manipulators. They are used for applications such as shutter actuation, or in cases where precise angular orientation is required. Construction methods include magnetically or edge welded bellows coupling. [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 9.91E-11
- Mounting Diameter: 2.75
- Temperature Range: 200
from Nor-Cal Products, Inc. - The Vacuum Experts
Linear motion feedthroughs are standard positioning devices used when no rotational movement is required. These feedthroughs are actuated pneumatically, push-pull or rotationally. [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 9.91E-11
- Mounting Diameter: 2.75
- Temperature Range: 200
from Nor-Cal Products, Inc. - The Vacuum Experts
Linear rotary feedthroughs are offered in magnetically coupled, bellows sealed and differentially pumped, o-ring sealed versions. These feedthroughs are normally manually actuated. Typically these feedthroughs are used for sample introduction or manipulation. [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 1.00E-8
- Mounting Diameter: 2.75
- Temperature Range: 200
from Nor-Cal Products, Inc. - The Vacuum Experts
Nor-Cal rotary motion feedthroughs are frequently bolted to XYZ manipulators. They are used for applications such as shutter actuation, or in cases where precise angular orientation is required. Construction methods include magnetically or edge welded bellows coupling. [See More]
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 9.91E-11
- Mounting Diameter: 2.75
- Temperature Range: -20 to 150