Hermetic Feedthroughs for High-Reliability Sealing

Posted by admin on

What Are Hermetic Feedthroughs?

Hermetic feedthroughs are essential components that allow electrical signals, power, or data to pass through sealed enclosures without allowing any external elements—such as gas, fluid, vapor, or contaminants—to enter. These components are vital in aerospace avionics, semiconductor fabrication, medical implants, power systems, defense platforms, and industrial vacuum equipment. When systems are exposed to high pressure, vacuum, radiation, corrosive chemicals, or temperature fluctuations, hermetic feedthroughs act as the primary barrier protecting internal electronics and maintaining long-term operational stability.

How Hermetic Feedthroughs Maintain Airtight Integrity

A high-performance hermetic feedthrough is created through glass-to-metal or ceramic-to-metal sealing, a process in which insulating materials bond molecularly with the metal shell and internal pins. By carefully matching the coefficient of thermal expansion between materials, Complete Hermetics ensures the seal remains tight even under vibration, pressure cycling, and thermal shock. This engineering precision prevents micro-cracks, corrosion pathways, and seal degradation—factors that can cause catastrophic system failure.

Advanced Materials for Maximum Performance

Hermetic feedthroughs are constructed using specialized alloys such as Kovar, stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium, each chosen for its thermal stability and mechanical resilience. High-purity ceramics offer exceptional dielectric strength, while plating finishes—gold, silver, or nickel—enhance conductivity and corrosion resistance. These materials allow feedthroughs to survive extremely harsh operating environments, from deep-space vacuum to high-pressure oceanic applications.

Applications Across Industries

Hermetic feedthroughs are indispensable in:

  • Satellite propulsion and orbital control systems
  • Semiconductor vacuum etching and deposition chambers
  • Medical imaging, diagnostics, and implantable electronics
  • High-temperature industrial furnaces
  • Defense communication & targeting systems
  • Cryogenic and high-voltage environments

Custom Engineering Expertise

Every environment demands unique electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics. Complete Hermetics provides fully customized feedthrough solutions—with tailored pin counts, geometries, voltage ratings, sealing materials, and mounting styles. Engineers collaborate with customers throughout design, prototyping, and qualification to ensure maximum performance.

Contact Complete Hermetics:

For high-performance hermetic feedthroughs engineered for mission-critical applications, partner with Complete Hermetics—your trusted leader in precision hermetic sealing.