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.

MIL-SPEC Hermetic Connectors

Hermetic Connectors for Aerospace, Medical, and Defense Systems

Why Hermetic Connectors Matter

Hermetic connectors provide sealed electrical interconnections while maintaining reliable electrical performance under extreme environmental conditions. They prevent moisture, gas, and particulate intrusion that can cause corrosion, insulation failure, or signal loss. These connectors are essential in aerospace, medical, defense, automotive, and industrial systems exposed to vibration, pressure changes, and temperature extremes.

MIL-Spec and Material Options

Many applications require MIL-Spec hermetic connectors, including circle connectors, and rectangular connectors. Materials such as titanium, stainless steel, Kovar, and aluminum are selected for strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight performance. Titanium hermetic connectors are especially valuable in aerospace and medical systems where weight reduction and biocompatibility are critical.

Design Flexibility and Electrical Performance

Hermetic connectors can be configured for solder-in or laser-weld installation, high-density pin layouts, EMI shielding, and high-voltage or high-frequency operation. Glass-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal sealing technologies ensure long-term hermeticity even under mechanical shock and repeated thermal cycling.

System Integration and Longevity

Beyond environmental sealing, hermetic connectors support long-term system reliability by maintaining stable contact resistance and alignment. They reduce intermittent faults, minimize maintenance risk, and extend service life in systems where repair access is limited or impossible.

Mission-Critical Applications

Hermetic connectors are widely used in satellites, avionics, implantable medical devices, unmanned systems, and defense electronics.

Contact Complete Hermetics

Complete Hermetics is a custom manufacturer of hermetic connectors, glass-to-metal seals, ceramic-to-metal seals,  and hermetically sealed packages for demanding applications. The company also provides custom connector designs, battery end seals, TO headers,  and vacuum feedthrough solutions to meet specialized requirements. With precision engineering and flexible production, Complete Hermetics delivers hermetic interconnect solutions customers can trust.

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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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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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Offshore Drilling Hermetic Solutions for Marine Equipment

Protecting Systems Beneath the Surface

Offshore drilling hermetic solutions are essential for equipment exposed to saltwater, pressure fluctuations, and vibration. Subsea control modules, instrumentation, and power systems all rely on hermetic sealing to maintain performance and safety in one of Earth’s harshest environments.

Why Hermeticity Matters Offshore

At extreme ocean depths, water intrusion and corrosion can destroy unsealed electronics. Complete Hermetics designs glass-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal seals that prevent leaks even under thousands of PSI. Their seals resist electrochemical corrosion and ensure stable operation in deep-sea and high-salinity conditions.

Applications in Marine and Energy Industries

These hermetic components are used in offshore oil rigs, ROV sensors, subsea pumps, and oceanographic equipment. Their pressure-tested enclosures safeguard data acquisition and control systems used in deep-water exploration.

Engineering for Durability

Complete Hermetics utilizes titanium, Inconel, and stainless steel materials, chosen for their resistance to saltwater oxidation and mechanical fatigue. Each assembly undergoes hydrostatic and helium leak testing to confirm absolute reliability before deployment.

Custom Solutions for Every Project

Whether for shallow-water exploration or ultra-deep drilling, Complete Hermetics works directly with clients to create custom hermetic components optimized for subsea connectors, sensors, and power transmission.

Contact Complete Hermetics

Depend on Complete Hermetics for durable, corrosion-resistant offshore drilling hermetic solutions that protect your systems under the most demanding marine conditions.

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Offshore Drilling Hermetic Solutions for Extreme Environments

Why Offshore Drilling Needs Hermetic Protection

In offshore drilling, equipment is exposed to saltwater, extreme pressure, and harsh environmental conditions. Offshore drilling hermetic solutions ensure reliable sealing to protect sensitive electronics, power systems, and sensors from failure in subsea and deep-water operations.

Applications of Hermetic Solutions Offshore

Hermetic seals and hermetic connectors are used in:

  • Subsea control systems
  • Offshore oil and gas platforms
  • Downhole drilling equipment
  • Marine and underwater monitoring systems

By preventing leaks and contamination, these solutions safeguard operations where downtime can lead to massive costs.

Complete Hermetics Offshore Solutions

Complete Hermetics manufactures custom hermetic seals, feedthroughs, and connectors designed specifically for offshore environments. Using glass-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal sealing technologies, their components deliver long-term durability under high pressure and corrosive marine conditions.

Key benefits include:

  • High resistance to saltwater corrosion
  • Protection against pressure changes and vibration
  • Long operational lifespan in subsea systems

Materials and Engineering for Harsh Conditions

By using stainless steel, titanium, and high-performance ceramics, Complete Hermetics ensures that its offshore drilling hermetic solutions perform reliably in the most demanding subsea applications. Their engineering expertise allows for both standardized designs and custom solutions tailored to customer requirements.

Contact Complete Hermetics

As a leader in offshore drilling hermetic solutions, Complete Hermetics provides customized hermetic seals, feedthroughs, and connectors to ensure maximum reliability in subsea operations.

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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
🔗 Contact Form: Complete Hermetics Contact

Contact Complete Hermetics today – your partner in precision sealing solutions.

Top Hermetic Manufacturer for Precision Sealing Solutions

When searching for the top hermetic manufacturer, industry leaders and engineers alike turn to Complete Hermetics—a company known for delivering high-performance, custom-built hermetic products designed for reliability in extreme conditions. From critical aerospace systems to sensitive medical devices, Complete Hermetics offers advanced solutions built to exacting standards.

Unmatched Expertise in Hermetic Sealing Technologies

At the heart of Complete Hermetics’ success is their mastery in developing both glass-to-metal seals and ceramic-to-metal seals. These precision-engineered solutions are critical for maintaining airtight protection in environments where performance, longevity, and safety cannot be compromised. Whether the application involves high pressure, fluctuating temperatures, or corrosive atmospheres, these hermetic seals ensure lasting integrity.

Comprehensive Hermetic Product Line

Complete Hermetics manufactures a full range of hermetic feedthroughs, hermetic connectors, and hermetic headers to meet stringent industry demands. These components are designed for mission-critical performance in sectors such as aerospace, defense, energy, communications, and semiconductors. The company’s hermetic packages are customized to maintain electrical performance and mechanical stability while preventing any leakage or contamination.

From small prototypes to large-scale assemblies, every part is meticulously tested for durability, electrical insulation, and leak tightness. The result? Industry-trusted components that consistently exceed expectations.

Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Integration

Beyond sealing components, Complete Hermetics offers in-house brazing and soldering to create seamless assemblies that support complex design needs. The company’s innovation in materials science, combined with tight quality control, allows it to deliver robust hermetic products such as vacuum viewports, battery end seals, and high-voltage hermetic feedthroughs tailored to your specifications.

Choose Complete Hermetics – Built for Your Application

Complete Hermetics is a custom manufacturer of glass-to-metal, ceramic-to-metal, hermetic seals, and hermetic feedthroughs. Our expert team works closely with clients to design and develop hermetic connectors, hermetic packages, hermetic headers, and more—ensuring every component meets your project’s unique requirements.

📞 Phone: 714-265-1238
📧 Email: info@completehermetics.com
🔗 Contact Form

Trust Complete Hermetics to deliver solutions that seal your success.