Connector system for use in ultra-high vacuum systems

A method of making a connector for use in an ultra-high vacuum system comprising the following steps in order:

• a. providing a metal conduit section with a first hardness that has a first faying surface and a metal fitting with a second hardness greater than the first hardness that has a second faying surface coated with a reaction-inhibiting barrier material;
• and
• b. mechanically disrupting an oxide on the first faying surface and bonding the first faying surface to the reaction-inhibiting barrier by rolling the fitting coated with the reaction-inhibiting barrier against the first faying surface, thereby sealingly attaching the fitting to the conduit section with the reaction-inhibiting barrier positioned between the fitting and the conduit section;
• wherein the reaction-inhibiting barrier inhibits metallic and chemical interaction between the conduit section and the fitting at least to an extent that the connector is suitable for use under ultra-high vacuum, temperature cycling, mechanical stress, and reactive chemical conditions;
• and
• wherein rolling the fitting coated with the reaction-inhibiting barrier against the first faying surface mechanically disrupts the oxide by stretching the conduit section.

A method of making a connector for use in an ultra-high vacuum system comprising the following steps in order:

• a. providing a metal conduit section with a first hardness that has a first faying surface and a metal fitting with a second hardness greater than the first hardness that has a second faying surface coated with a reaction-inhibiting barrier material;
• b. removing an oxide formed on the first faying surface;
• c. treating the first faying surface with an oxide inhibitor to prevent oxide re-formation on the faying surface;
• and
• d. bonding the first faying surface of the conduit section to the reaction-inhibiting barrier by pressing or rolling the fitting coated with the reaction-inhibiting barrier against the first faying surface of the conduit section, thereby sealingly attaching the fitting to the conduit section with the reaction-inhibiting barrier positioned between the fitting and the conduit section;
• wherein the reaction-inhibiting barrier inhibits metallic and chemical interaction between the conduit section and the fitting at least to an extent that the connector is suitable for use under ultra-high vacuum, temperature cycling, mechanical stress, and reactive chemical conditions.