Glass-to-Metal Seals for Precision Hermetic Technology

How Glass-to-Metal Seals Work

Glass-to-metal seals are created by heating glass to a molten state and bonding it directly to metal under carefully controlled conditions. As the materials cool, the glass forms a strong, hermetic bond with the metal, creating an airtight and electrically insulating seal. This process allows electrical conductors to pass through metal housings without permitting moisture, gas, or contaminants to enter the sealed environment. Because of their proven reliability, glass-to-metal seals remain one of the most widely used hermetic sealing technologies across multiple industries.

Performance Advantages of Glass Sealing

One of the key advantages of glass-to-metal seals is their ability to maintain hermetic integrity under pressure changes, humidity exposure, and moderate temperature extremes. Glass provides excellent dielectric strength, corrosion resistance, and chemical stability, making it suitable for long-term use in harsh environments. Compared to epoxy or mechanical sealing methods, glass-to-metal seals offer significantly longer service life and more predictable performance over time.

Material Compatibility and Stability

Successful glass-to-metal sealing depends on matching the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the glass and metal components. Materials such as Kovar, Alloy 52, stainless steel, and copper-based alloys are commonly used to achieve this balance. When properly engineered, these seals tolerate thermal cycling and mechanical shock without cracking or leakage, making them suitable for both static and dynamic applications.

Manufacturing Precision and Repeatability

Glass-to-metal sealing requires precise control over glass composition, firing temperature, and cooling rates. This level of control ensures consistent quality and repeatability across production runs. As a result, glass-to-metal seals are ideal for both prototype development and high-volume manufacturing, allowing manufacturers to scale production without sacrificing reliability.

Common Applications

Glass-to-metal seals are widely used in glass-to-metal sealed lids, battery end seals, capacitor end seals, sensors, medical implants, and industrial electronics. They are also commonly found in automotive systems, pressure sensors, and energy storage devices where cost-effective hermetic performance is required.

 

Contact Complete Hermetics

Complete Hermetics is a custom manufacturer of hermetic sealing solutions, specializing in glass-to-metal seals, ceramic-to-metal seals, hermetic connectors, hermetic feedthroughs, hermetic headers, TO headers, vacuum feedthroughs, and battery end seals. The company designs and produces hermetically sealed components and custom hermetic assemblies for aerospace, defense, medical, energy, and telecom applications, delivering reliable performance in extreme environments from prototype development through full-scale production, backed by deep engineering expertise.

Hermetic Seals for High-Pressure and Harsh Environments

What Are Hermetic Seals?

Hermetic seals are engineered to create a completely airtight barrier that prevents moisture, gas, and contaminants from entering sensitive electronic or mechanical systems. These seals are essential in applications where even microscopic leakage can cause performance degradation, safety issues, or catastrophic system failure. Industries such as aerospace, defense, medical devices, energy, and offshore drilling rely on hermetic sealing to protect mission-critical components operating in extreme conditions.

High-Pressure and Corrosion Resistance

Unlike conventional gaskets or epoxy-based sealing methods, hermetic seals prevent gas transmission through pressure boundaries. Glass-to-metal seals and ceramic-to-metal seals are the most widely used hermetic technologies because they offer excellent electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. These seals are specifically designed to withstand high pressure, vibration, thermal cycling, and chemically aggressive environments.

Materials and Sealing Technologies

Hermetic seals are manufactured using materials such as Kovar, stainless steel, Alloy 52, titanium, and aluminum, selected for controlled thermal expansion and long-term structural stability. Glass and ceramic sealing processes are precisely controlled to prevent cracking during temperature changes. These technologies ensure predictable performance across wide temperature ranges and long service lifetimes.

Lifecycle Reliability and Compliance

Hermetic seals also play a critical role in safety, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle cost reduction. Poor sealing can lead to corrosion, insulation breakdown, or electrical failure. Hermetic seals are commonly validated using helium leak detection, thermal shock testing, and pressure cycling to ensure long-term durability in regulated industries.

Applications Across Industries

Hermetic seals are used in medical implants, aerospace avionics, lithium battery assemblies, semiconductor housings, downhole drilling tools, and high-vacuum systems. They are also increasingly used in automotive and electric vehicle electronics, where moisture resistance and long operational life are essential.

Contact Complete Hermetics

Complete Hermetics is a custom manufacturer of glass-to-metal seals, ceramic-to-metal seals, hermetic connectors, hermetic feedthroughs, hermetic headers, and hermetically sealed packages engineered for extreme environments. In addition to precision sealing solutions, the company offers vacuum feedthroughs, battery end seals, TO headers,  and power packages for aerospace, defense, medical, energy, and telecom applications. From prototype development through full-scale production, Complete Hermetics partners closely with customers to deliver precision-engineered hermetic solutions with unmatched reliability.

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Titanium headers

Battery End Seals for High-Reliability Power Systems

Why Battery End Seals Are Critical

Battery end seals ensure airtight, long-term protection in lithium, silver-zinc, and other high-performance battery chemistries. These seals prevent electrolyte leakage, moisture intrusion, internal corrosion, and pressure imbalance—issues that can shorten battery lifespan or cause critical device failures. In aerospace, medical implants, defense equipment, and industrial monitoring systems, battery reliability directly affects user safety and equipment performance. As batteries become smaller and more energy-dense, the importance of robust hermetic sealing continues to increase.

Advanced Glass-to-Metal Technologies for Modern Batteries

Complete Hermetics manufactures glass-to-metal sealed lids and battery end caps designed for high pressure, extreme temperatures, and high-current cycling. Glass-to-metal seals provide strong chemical resistance, electrical insulation, and long-term bonding strength. By pairing controlled-expansion alloys such as Kovar or stainless steel with high-reliability glass, Complete Hermetics ensures a leak-proof interface capable of withstanding decades of use.

Applications Across Mission-Critical Industries

Battery end seals are used in:

  • Implantable medical devices (pacemakers, neurostimulators)
  • Aerospace telemetry and communication modules
  • Military-grade energy storage
  • Extreme-environment sensors & monitoring systems
  • Backup power modules for critical infrastructure

These seals ensure stable electrical output even in the presence of shock, vibration, and rapid thermal cycling.

High-Reliability Testing & Validation

Each battery seal undergoes helium leak testing, electrolyte exposure resistance, temperature cycling, and mechanical stress evaluation. Plating options—such as nickel, gold, or tin—enhance solderability, conductivity, and corrosion protection for long-term reliability.

Contact Complete Hermetics Today

Complete Hermetics delivers safe, durable, and long-lasting battery end seals engineered for high-performance applications. The team also produces advanced battery feedthroughs, glass-to-metal lids, and other reliable custom hermetic products built to withstand demanding environments. With precision manufacturing and proven sealing technologies, every component ensures consistent, long-term reliability.

Medical Hermetic Seals for Life-Critical Electronic Devices

Why Hermetic Seals Are Essential

Medical hermetic seals play a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and biocompatibility of implantable and diagnostic electronics. When devices operate inside the human body or are exposed to sterilization processes, they must withstand moisture, bodily fluids, chemical exposure, and extreme thermal variations. Even the smallest leak can cause internal corrosion, signal failure, or biological contamination. As modern medical devices become smaller yet more capable, the demand for advanced hermetic sealing technologies grows significantly.

Glass-to-Metal & Ceramic-to-Metal Sealing Technologies

Complete Hermetics designs medical-grade seals using glass-to-metal (GTM) and ceramic-to-metal (CTM) sealing methods. Glass seals provide cost-effective, high-strength bonding between metal housings and conductive pins, while ceramic seals are ideal for high-voltage or long-term implants due to their exceptional dielectric strength. Using materials such as titanium, stainless steel, and high-purity alumina ceramics, these seals are engineered to perform reliably in demanding biological environments.

Regulatory-Ready Testing & Biological Safety

Medical hermetic seals must meet FDA, ISO 14708, IEC 60601, and biocompatibility standards. Complete Hermetics performs rigorous testing—including helium leak detection, sterilization simulation, thermal shock, electrical insulation analysis, and X-ray inspection—to ensure every seal meets life-critical reliability requirements. Traceability, cleanliness, and manufacturing consistency are maintained at every step.

Applications in Modern Healthcare

Medical hermetic seals enable secure operation in:

  • Pacemakers & implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
  • Neurostimulation & pain-management implants
  • Implantable batteries & power modules
  • Surgical navigation tools
  • Diagnostic imaging equipment
  • Long-term biosensor implants

Contact Complete Hermetics

For precision-engineered medical hermetic seals that support life-critical technology, trust the expertise of Complete Hermetics.

Hermetic Seals and Feedthroughs for Extreme Environments

Why Hermetic Seals Are Essential

Hermetic seals are critical to protecting sensitive electronics from gas, liquid, and pressure infiltration. Whether in aerospace flight control systems, industrial power assemblies, or medical equipment, the success of an electronic device often depends on the integrity of its hermetic sealing. When systems operate under high stress or environmental fluctuation, a small leak can lead to catastrophic failure.

Complete Hermetics Expertise

Complete Hermetics is a trusted hermetic seal manufacturer with decades of engineering experience. The company designs and fabricates both glass-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal feedthroughs, each tailored to meet precise mechanical, thermal, and electrical requirements. Every product undergoes helium leak detection, electrical insulation testing, and dimensional verification to ensure it exceeds global reliability standards. Their multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with clients to optimize performance, durability, and manufacturability for each application. With a commitment to innovation, Complete Hermetics continues to advance sealing technologies that meet the evolving needs of aerospace, medical, and defense industries.

Glass-to-Metal Seals and Applications

A glass-to-metal seal is formed when molten glass bonds tightly to metal under carefully controlled thermal expansion. The resulting structure creates a gas-tight joint ideal for devices exposed to temperature swings or humidity changes. Common applications include aviation sensors, industrial pumps, high-voltage connectors, and sealed relays. Compression and matched seals are both available depending on the intended use environment.

Ceramic-to-Metal Alternatives

When systems demand higher operating voltages or extreme temperature resistance, ceramic-to-metal seals provide superior dielectric strength and corrosion resistance. Complete Hermetics engineers these seals for medical scanners, power distribution modules, and vacuum enclosures used in aerospace and research.

Customization and Finishing Options

Materials such as stainless steel, Inconel, Kovar, and titanium are combined with custom plating—gold, nickel, or silver—for enhanced conductivity and solderability. Each configuration is designed in collaboration with the customer to meet functional, thermal, and geometric requirements.

Contact Complete Hermetics

For precision-engineered hermetic seals and feedthroughs that perform in the harshest conditions, trust Complete Hermetics —your global partner in dependable sealing solutions.

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Hermetic Seals and Feedthroughs for Reliable Protection

Why Hermetic Seals Are Important

Hermetic seals protect sensitive electronics from moisture, pressure, and gas leaks. In industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and medical, glass-to-metal seals and ceramic-to-metal seals provide airtight reliability where failure is not an option.

Complete Hermetics Seal Solutions

Complete Hermetics is a custom hermetic seal manufacturer specializing in glass-to-metal feedthroughs and ceramic-to-metal feedthroughs. Their engineers create custom prototypes and production-ready components to fit unique requirements across multiple industries.

Applications include:

  • Aerospace and defense electronics
  • High-voltage and vacuum systems
  • Medical devices, batteries, and sensors

Glass-to-Metal Seals

Glass is heated to a molten state and bonded to metal, creating a strong hermetic seal. These seals handle temperature changes, pressure variations, and corrosion resistance. Glass-to-metal feedthroughs are also cost-effective and versatile compared to ceramic alternatives. Options include compression seals for extreme pressure (up to 14,000 PSI) and matched seals for high thermal and mechanical shock resistance.

Ceramic-to-Metal Seals

For high-temperature, high-voltage, or harsh environments, ceramic-to-metal seals offer superior durability. While more labor-intensive to produce, they provide long-lasting performance in vacuum feedthroughs and electrical sealing applications.

Plating and Material Options

Complete Hermetics offers plating choices such as gold, silver, nickel, and tin to improve corrosion resistance and soldering capabilities. Materials include stainless steel, Inconel, Kovar, copper alloys, and high-performance ceramics, depending on application requirements.

Contact Complete Hermetics

As a leader in hermetic seals and feedthroughs, Complete Hermetics provides tailored solutions for both standard and custom designs. Whether you need glass-to-metal seals, ceramic-to-metal seals, or specialized hermetic feedthroughs, we deliver unmatched reliability.

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Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions About Hermetic Seals and Feedthroughs

Hermetic seals and feedthroughs are essential in industries that require airtight, corrosion-resistant, and high-temperature-capable components. From aerospace to medical devices, these components protect critical systems from environmental damage. Below are 15 top FAQs with concise answers to help you understand these vital technologies.

1. What is a hermetic seal?

A hermetic seal is an airtight and moisture-proof seal that prevents gas or fluid leakage between joined components.

2. What is a hermetic feedthrough?

A hermetic feedthrough allows electrical signals or power to pass through a sealed barrier without compromising the seal’s integrity.

3. What are glass-to-metal seals?

These glass-to-metal seals fuse molten glass with metal under controlled thermal expansion to create a strong, durable, and airtight bond.

4. What’s the difference between matched and compression seals?

Matched seals use materials with similar thermal expansion rates; compression seals use mismatched rates for higher strength and pressure resistance.

5. What applications use hermetic feedthroughs?

They are used in aerospace, military, medical implants, vacuum systems, and oil & gas instrumentation.

6. What materials are used in glass-to-metal seals?

Common materials include Kovar, stainless steel, Inconel, and alkali barium glass.

7. What’s the leak rate standard?

Complete Hermetics’ products meet or exceed 1×10⁻⁹ atm cc/sec He for superior hermeticity.

8. Are custom designs available?

Yes. Complete Hermetics offers fully customized solutions tailored to specific dimensions, materials, and electrical specs.

9. What are ceramic-to-metal seals used for?

For high-voltage, high-temperature, and corrosive environments that glass cannot withstand.

10. How do ceramic-doped glass seals differ?

They offer high thermal resistance (up to 600°C) at a lower cost than traditional ceramic-to-metal seals.

11. What plating options are available?

Platings include gold, silver, electroless nickel, and tin for corrosion resistance and solderability.

12. Can hermetic seals be used in medical devices?

Absolutely. Titanium terminals and headers are ideal for batteries, sensors, and diagnostic tools.

13. What electrical specs can be expected?

Typical insulation resistance exceeds 1 GΩ @ 100 VDC; dielectric strength depends on glass type.

14. What shapes and sizes are available?

Circular, rectangular, micro-D and custom headers are available across a wide range of standard and custom sizes.

15. Can feedthroughs handle high pressure?

Yes. Compression seals can withstand pressures up to 14,000 PSI, depending on design.

Why Choose Complete Hermetics?

Complete Hermetics is a leading custom manufacturer of glass-to-metal, ceramic-to-metal, and hermetic feedthroughs and seals. Our expert team designs hermetic connectors, headers, packages, and vacuum viewports to fit your exact requirements. Whether you’re in aerospace, defense, medical, or industrial sectors, we deliver high-performance, leak-proof solutions with precision and reliability.

📞 Phone: 714-265-1238
📧 Email: info@completehermetics.com
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Contact Complete Hermetics today – your partner in precision sealing solutions.

Medical Hermetic Seals for Demanding Environments

Medical hermetic seals play a critical role in protecting sensitive electronic and mechanical components across the healthcare industry. From surgical instruments and implantable devices to diagnostic systems, airtight integrity is vital to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term performance. Complete Hermetics delivers advanced, leak-tight solutions designed to meet the exacting standards of modern medical applications.

Why Hermetic Sealing for Medical Devices Matters

Hermetic sealing for medical systems ensures zero gas or moisture infiltration, preventing malfunctions that could compromise patient safety or diagnostic accuracy. These seals are especially vital in equipment operating under pressure or in harsh conditions, such as sterilization or bodily environments. Complete Hermetics offers decades of experience in sealing technology that meets the rigorous demands of the healthcare sector.

Glass-to-Metal and Ceramic-to-Metal Solutions

Complete Hermetics designs and manufactures a wide variety of glass-to-metal seals and feedthroughs and ceramic-to-metal seals and feedthroughs that deliver unmatched protection. These hermetic interfaces allow for safe and secure passage of power, signals, or fluids through the barrier while maintaining system integrity.

Whether your application requires electrical isolation, thermal resistance, or high-pressure tolerance, their seals are built for extreme precision. These components are used in life-saving devices including pacemakers, defibrillators, infusion pumps, and advanced imaging equipment.

The Value of Hermetic Connectors and Feedthroughs

From bulkhead penetrations to embedded modules, hermetic connectors and hermetic feedthrough solutions provide airtight performance while allowing vital connections to function without disruption. Each feedthrough is engineered to withstand medical sterilization processes, temperature shifts, and vibration—critical for mission-critical applications.

Trusted Hermetic Seals Manufacturer

As a leading hermetic seals manufacturer, Complete Hermetics stands out for its innovative engineering, U.S.-based manufacturing, and global service reach. With capabilities ranging from custom prototyping to full-scale production, they are a trusted partner to OEMs, hospitals, and medical device developers.

Contact Complete Hermetics Today

For robust, high-performance hermetic solutions in the medical industry, turn to Complete Hermetics. Their airtight designs, expert engineering, and commitment to quality make them your premier choice for critical sealing technology.

📧 Email: info@completehermetics.com
📞 Phone: 714-265-1238
🔗 Contact Form: https://www.completehermetics.com/contact-us/
🌐 Website: www.completehermetics.com

Hermetic Seals: Custom Solutions for Harsh Environments

The need for absolute containment, insulation, and durability in high-performance sectors drives the demand for reliable hermetic seals.  These components are critical to maintaining system integrity under extreme conditions such as pressure fluctuations, high temperatures, and corrosive environments. As a trusted hermetic seal manufacturer, Complete Hermetics delivers precision-engineered solutions in both glass-to-metal seals and ceramic-to-metal seals, customized for your specific application.

Glass-to-Metal Hermetic Seals

Glass-to-metal hermetic seals are the industry standard for cost-effective, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant protection. These seals are used in a wide range of hermetic products including electrical feedthroughs, vacuum systems, and RF or microwave applications. Complete Hermetics fabricates both compression and matched seals:

  • Compression Seals: Ideal for high-pressure use, with thermal expansion properties engineered for strength.
  • Matched Seals: Used when the coefficient of thermal expansion is closely aligned between materials, often in microelectronic and medical applications.

Our glass-to-metal hermetic feedthroughs are plated for enhanced corrosion resistance and electrical performance, with finishes like gold, silver, and nickel.

Ceramic-to-Metal Hermetic Feedthroughs

Where higher temperatures or voltages are required, ceramic-to-metal seals outperform their glass counterparts. At Complete Hermetics, we design and manufacture custom ceramic-to-metal feedthroughs and hermetic seals for use in aerospace, medical devices, and industrial power systems.

We also offer ceramic-doped glass seals—an advanced option that supports extreme heat tolerance up to 600°C, providing a lower-cost alternative to traditional ceramic sealing methods while maintaining high reliability.

Your Partner in Custom Hermetic Solutions

Whether your project requires miniaturized electrical feedthroughs or rugged hermetic connectors, Complete Hermetics has the expertise and flexibility to deliver. We specialize in custom hermetic seals and feedthroughs using advanced materials and tight manufacturing tolerances.

Connect with Complete Hermetics Today

If you’re looking for industry-leading performance and reliability, trust Complete Hermetics, your dedicated hermetic seal manufacturer. We provide customized, high-quality hermetic products to meet any challenge. Get in touch today to discuss your specific needs for glass-to-metal or ceramic-to-metal hermetic seals and feedthroughs.

Hermetic Seals for High-Reliability Applications

When it comes to ensuring absolute containment in harsh conditions, hermetic seals are indispensable. These highly specialized components are critical in a range of demanding industries—from aerospace and defense to medical and energy systems. As a leading hermetic seal manufacturer, Complete Hermetics delivers tailored solutions through its extensive line of hermetic products, including glass-to-metal seals, ceramic-to-metal seals, and advanced custom hermetic seals and feedthroughs.

Excellence in Glass-to-Metal Sealing

Glass-to-metal seals are widely used for their exceptional insulation properties, pressure resistance, and cost-efficiency. Using precisely engineered thermal expansion matching techniques, Complete Hermetics fabricates both compression and matched seals, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, rapid pressure changes, and corrosive environments. These seals can achieve hermeticity rates up to 1 x 10⁻⁹ atm cc/sec He and insulation resistance exceeding 1 GΩ @ 100 VDC—ideal for electrical feedthroughs, RF, and microwave applications.

Complete Hermetics also offers a variety of plating options, including gold, silver, electroless nickel, and tin, to enhance corrosion resistance and bonding characteristics.

Advanced Ceramic-to-Metal Seals

For more rugged environments where glass-to-metal seals fall short, Complete Hermetics specializes in ceramic-to-metal seals. These are engineered for high-voltage, high-temperature, and high-pressure applications—such as vacuum chambers, aerospace modules, and diagnostic equipment. Though more labor-intensive, ceramic seals excel in endurance, offering extended reliability in temperatures up to 600°C when using our ceramic-doped glass innovation.

Customized Engineering and Sealing Innovation

Whether you need a hermetic solution for microelectronics, medical devices, or military systems, Complete Hermetics works directly with clients to design custom hermetic seals and feedthroughs that meet exact performance specifications. From titanium terminals for battery systems to high-reliability hermetic connectors, our engineering team delivers unmatched precision.

Engage Complete Hermetics for Your Hermetic Solutions

For expertly crafted hermetic products built to survive the toughest conditions, trust the expertise of Complete Hermetics. As a premier hermetic seal manufacturer, we’re ready to design the most reliable glass-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal seals on the market. Contact Complete Hermetics today to discuss your custom requirements and discover innovative solutions for your sealing challenges.