SubscribeHermetic connector and glass-to-metal seal specialist, Martec, is using Dsei as the launch pad for its new one-stop-shop design and manufacturing service.
With the recent introduction of pure ceramic material and processing technology, the company has closed the material loop and can now offer designers a full range of hermetic connector and glass-to-metal seal solutions under one roof. Martec’s ability to process glass, hybrid glass/ceramic and pure ceramic, means it can meet the needs of most industries and applications.
With design teams responsible for innovative developments in industries ranging from defence and aerospace to subsea and industrial, Martec’s Kent, UK based design and production facility offers excellent road, rail and air links to UK and European markets.
Martec’s managing director, Dan Harnett, explained the benefits of the new one-stop-shop service.
Dan explained: “With the thermal performance of our glass, hybrid glass/ceramic and pure ceramic material technologies offering 260, 750 and 1,200oC respectively, designers can specify connectors and glass-to-metal seals knowing we can offer cost effective solutions for less demanding applications and the ultimate performance for harsh environments.”
Regarding the new pure ceramic technology, designers can now combine thermal performance, mechanical stability/strength, electrical insulation and vacuum performance in one product.
Unlike glass-to-metal seals, which rely on the glass melting to form the seal around the connector’s power and signal pins, ceramic based connectors rely on a brazing process. Thus, the seal’s performance (and the range of materials that can be joined) can be tailored via the brazing alloy. This adds much greater choice and optimisation during the design process.
Regarding strength, ceramic can be handled and applied like any structural engineering material. The sintered base material can be machined using diamond tools to form the finished part. On the subject of sealing performance, Martec quotes its ceramic technology as offering 10-12 cc/s. In addition to high temperature applications, ceramic can also be used for cryogenics, all the way down to zero Kelvin.
For companies seeking detailed design support, Martec’s facilities include CAD and 3D solid modelling. Customised designs can be supplied to meet designers’ specific, value-added, requirements. The ISO 9001:2000 qualified company offers a managed process from prototyping to after-sales support.
With many applications governed by international standards, Martec’s quality programmes include mechanical and electrical testing to, for example, DIN 50987, ASTM B568 and ISO 3497. Leak testing (100%) can be carried out for failsafe hermetic sealing. From an industry perspective, hermetic connectors are designed and manufactured to military standards including MIL-C-5015, MIL-C-26482, MIL-C-83723, MIL-C-38999 and ESC10.
