O-ring
joints are connections made by two identical parts, each with
an O-ring groove in the face, sealed with an O-ring, and held
together by clamps. The clamps are the same as those used for
ball and socket joints. They do not need grease, and can provide
a good vacuum tight seal. There is some exposure of the O-ring
to the system. O-rings are available in a variety of elastomers,
Viton being the most common. Care must be taken to clamp adequately,
and to avoid torque when connecting flexible tubing; heavy
vacuum tubing can tweak even very strong clamps if it is asked
to bend too sharply.
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