System and method for creating a vacuum in an x-ray tube

A method of creating a vacuum within an X-ray tube insert comprising:

• attaching a first end of a vacuum tube to a socket;
• attaching the socket to a support plate of the X-ray tube insert;
• attaching an adapter to a second end of the vacuum tube;
• using a vacuum pump coupled to the adapter to create a vacuum environment in the X-ray tube insert;
• and
• pinching off the vacuum tube between the socket and the adapter to seal the vacuum environment.

An X-ray tube comprising:

• an X-ray tube enclosure;
• an X-ray tube insert positioned within the X-ray tube enclosure, the X-ray tube insert including a cathode assembly and an anode assembly;
• a support plate coupled between the cathode assembly and the anode assembly;
• a vacuum tube coupled to the support plate of the X-ray tube insert, wherein the X-ray tube insert includes a vacuum environment, and wherein the vacuum tube is pinched or cold pressed to seal the vacuum environment within the X-ray tube insert.