MIL-SPEC Hermetic Connectors

Everything You Need to Know About Hermetic Connectors: Top 20 Frequently Asked Questions

Hermetic Connectors: Top 20 Frequently Asked Questions

Hermetic connectors are vital components in high-performance applications where airtight, moisture-resistant, and pressure-proof connections are critical. Whether you’re in aerospace, defense, medical, or industrial manufacturing, understanding these connectors can help you make better design decisions.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about hermetic connectors—answered clearly and concisely.

1. What is a hermetic connector?

A hermetic connector is an electrical connector that features a hermetically sealed interface to prevent the ingress of gases, liquids, and contaminants.

2. How do hermetic connectors work?

They work by using airtight materials—often glass-to-metal or ceramic-to-metal seals—that prevent any leakage across the barrier, maintaining the integrity of the system.

3. What is the difference between hermetic and non-hermetic connectors?

Non-hermetic connectors do not offer gas or moisture sealing, making hermetic connectors the go-to choice for critical, sealed environments.

4. What materials are used in hermetic connectors?

Typical materials include stainless steel, Inconel®, Kovar®, ceramics, and borosilicate glass for their thermal and chemical stability.

5. Are hermetic connectors waterproof or airtight?

Yes, they are designed to be both airtight and moisture-proof, ideal for high-pressure and vacuum environments.

6. What are hermetic connectors used for?

They are commonly used in aerospace, military, medical devices, oil & gas, vacuum chambers, and space technology.

7. Where are hermetic connectors commonly installed?

Applications include sensors, battery systems, vacuum systems, implantable devices, and satellite components.

8. How do you test a hermetic seal on a connector?

Common tests include helium leak detection and pressure testing to ensure airtight performance.

9. What are the temperature and pressure ratings for hermetic connectors?

Many hermetic connectors operate from -65°C to +200°C and withstand high pressures, depending on the design and materials used.

10. Can hermetic connectors be used in high-vacuum environments?

Yes, they are ideal for vacuum chambers, particle accelerators, and space applications due to their gas-tight sealing.

11. What industries use hermetic connectors?

Industries include:

  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Medical & Biomedical
  • Energy (Nuclear & Oil)
  • Industrial Automation
  • Telecommunications

12. Can I get custom hermetic connectors for my application?

Yes, many manufacturers such as Complete Hermetics offer custom hermetic connector solutions tailored to your voltage, current, pressure, and mounting needs.

13. What certifications are required for hermetic connectors in aerospace or medical devices?

MIL-SPEC (e.g., MIL-DTL-38999), ISO 9001, and other industry-specific certifications are often required for regulated environments.

14. What are MIL-SPEC hermetic connectors?

These are hermetic connectors designed and tested to meet U.S. military standards for reliability and performance.

15. Are there hermetic connectors for fiber optics or coaxial cables?

Yes, hermetic feedthroughs are available for fiber optics, RF, and coaxial connections.

16. What is a glass-to-metal hermetic seal?

A glass-to-metal seal uses glass fused to metal at high temperatures to create an airtight, corrosion-resistant seal.

17. What is a ceramic-to-metal seal in hermetic connectors?

Ceramic-to-metal seals are used when higher dielectric strength or temperature resistance is needed.

18. How do I choose the right hermetic connector for my project?

Consider:

  • Electrical specs
  • Environment (temperature, pressure)
  • Mounting configuration
  • Sealing method
  • Material compatibility

19. Can hermetic connectors be reused?

Some are reusable if undamaged, but many applications—especially in aerospace or medical—require new connectors for each use.

20. What are TO headers and how are they related to hermetic connectors?

TO (Transistor Outline) headers are hermetically sealed components used in packaging semiconductors and sensors—often integrated with hermetic connectors.

✅ Need Hermetic Connector Solutions You Can Trust?

Contact Complete Hermetics today to learn more about our custom hermetically-sealed connectors, circular hermetic connectors, rectangular hermetic connectors, and MIL-Spec hermetic connectors. We offer a wide range of standardized sizes and can tailor our designs to meet your most demanding requirements.

MIL-SPEC Hermetic Connectors

Hermetic Connectors for Rugged Environments: Precision You Can Rely On

In demanding industries where absolute reliability is essential, hermetic connectors are a cornerstone of secure and stable interconnect technology. Engineered to perform under extreme pressures, high temperatures, and harsh environmental conditions, these hermetic products ensure the integrity of electronic systems by preventing the ingress of gases or moisture. Whether for aerospace, defense, or industrial use, custom hermetic circular connectors play a pivotal role in mission-critical applications.

Precision Engineering with Custom Hermetic Circular Connectors

Complete Hermetics specializes in manufacturing both glass-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal sealed connectors, delivering unmatched durability and performance. The company produces custom hermetic circular connectors using traditional materials like Stainless Steel and Kovar, along with lightweight alternatives such as Aluminum and Titanium. These materials are ideal for applications requiring reduced weight without sacrificing strength or seal integrity. Their circle hermetic connectors are available for solder-in and laser weld installations, providing flexibility across a range of engineering requirements.

Durability with Hermetic Rectangular Connectors

In addition to circular models, Complete Hermetics manufactures rectangular hermetic connectors designed for robust defense and industrial environments. These Sub D and other hermetically sealed rectangular formats meet the highest standards of durability and are engineered to withstand rugged operational settings. Like their circular counterparts, these are available for both solder and laser weld options, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems.

MIL-Spec Hermetic Connectors for Aerospace and Defense

The company’s most advanced offerings include MIL-Spec hermetic connectors, such as the highly trusted MIL-DTL-38999 circular connectors. These are a preferred solution for aerospace and military applications, offering nine shell sizes, multiple coupling methods, and a variety of contact arrangements. Complete Hermetics’ 38999 models meet full compliance with MIL-DTL-38999 standards, ensuring optimal performance in the field.

Partner with Complete Hermetics for High-Reliability Hermetic Solutions

When it comes to precision, durability, and absolute hermetic sealing, Complete Hermetics delivers superior results across all industries. Whether you need custom hermetic circular connectors, circle hermetic connectors, or rectangular hermetic connectors compliant with MIL-Spec, we’re ready to meet your exacting needs. Contact Complete Hermetics today for expertly engineered hermetic products that perform under pressure.

MIL-SPEC Hermetic Connectors

What Types of Hermetic Connectors Are Available?

Hermetic connectors are crucial components in numerous applications, ensuring reliable operation in environments where air-tight sealing is a must. Complete Hermetics stands out as a leader in producing custom hermetic connectors, designed to meet stringent specifications in various demanding fields. Here’s a closer look at the range of options available and the innovations that set Complete Hermetics apart in the industry.

Innovative Designs and Materials

At the forefront of hermetic connector technology, Complete Hermetics offers an array of designs, including circular hermetic connectors and rectangular hermetic connectors. These connectors are not only versatile but also feature advanced materials like Kovar, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Titanium. The use of lightweight materials such as Aluminum and Titanium is particularly noteworthy, as these contribute to the overall durability and efficiency without compromising on quality.

Types of Hermetic Seals

Complete Hermetics specializes in hermetically glass sealed connectors and hermetically ceramic sealed connectors. These sealing techniques ensure maximum protection against environmental challenges. Glass seals are renowned for their robustness and superior insulation properties, making them ideal for harsh conditions. Ceramic seals, on the other hand, offer excellent thermal stability and resistance to thermal shock, enhancing the connectors’ reliability over a wide range of temperatures.

Applications and Installations

These hermetic connectors are engineered for resilience and longevity, accommodating both solder-in and laser weld installation methods. This flexibility in installation allows Complete Hermetics to cater to a broad spectrum of industries, from aerospace to the military. Their connectors are often specified in applications requiring MIL-Spec hermetic connectors, where adherence to military specifications is critical for performance and safety.

Complete Hermetics: Your Go-To Source for Hermetic Connectors

Whether your needs are for standard or custom hermetic connectors, Complete Hermetics is your trusted provider. With a focus on innovation and quality, their hermetic connectors are designed to perform flawlessly in the most challenging environments. If you’re looking for reliable, high-quality hermetic connectors, look no further than Complete Hermetics. Contact them today to find out how they can assist with your specific connector requirements and elevate the reliability of your critical equipment.

MIL-SPEC Hermetic Connectors

Hermetic Connectors: Your Ultimate Airtight Sealing Solution

Hermetic connectors provide airtight seals, ensuring that no air enters or exits a container or space. The term “hermetic” signifies complete air-tightness. These seals are vital for maintaining sterility by keeping bacteria, moisture, and oxygen at bay within pressurized or vacuum-sealed environments.

Industries That Rely on Hermetic Connectors

A variety of industries depend on hermetic seals and feedthroughs for their critical operations. In offshore drilling, custom hermetic connectors are designed to endure the harsh marine environment. The aerospace and automotive sectors require MIL-Spec hermetic connectors to withstand extreme conditions, while the medical field relies on airtight seals for sterilized equipment and environments. Each application demands unique solutions, which is why custom hermetic products are essential for meeting specific requirements.

Diverse Types of Hermetic Connectors

Hermetic connectors come in multiple configurations to suit different industrial needs. Rectangular hermetic connectors and circle hermetic connectors are two of the most common shapes. These connectors are manufactured using robust materials such as titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, and bronze. Options include glass-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal designs, with finishing choices like gold-plating, silver-plating, and bright tin-plating. This variety ensures durability and compatibility with different environments.

Advantages of Customization

Industries benefit significantly from tailored solutions. A well-designed custom hermetic connector ensures resistance to extreme temperatures and high pressures. Customization enables seamless integration into unique applications, guaranteeing optimal performance and reliability in any operating condition.

Why Choose Complete Hermetics?

Complete Hermetics specializes in designing and manufacturing a wide range of hermetic connectors, including rectangular hermetic connectors, circle hermetic connectors, and hermetic packages. With a commitment to quality and precision, Complete Hermetics offers customized solutions for industries requiring top-tier airtight seals.

Explore the possibilities with Complete Hermetics and ensure the reliability of your systems. Contact us today to learn more about how our products can meet your unique needs and exceed expectations!