KF 4-Way Crosses for Vacuum System: Four-Port Integration with Quick-Flange Efficiency

Product Description

KF 4-way crosses for vacuum system are four-port quick-flange fittings designed to connect up to four vacuum components in orthogonal directions while maintaining high-vacuum integrity from atmospheric pressure down to 10⁻⁸ Torr. Also known as NW crosses, these components feature four KF (Klein Flansch / Quick Flange) connections arranged in a true cross configuration—straight-through horizontal ports with perpendicular vertical ports on both sides.

Manufactured from high-quality 304 or 316L stainless steel, KF 4-way crosses are essential for complex vacuum manifolds, multi-instrument hubs, gas distribution centers, and cross-flow pumping configurations. Each cross incorporates the internationally standardized KF connection system, which uses a centering ring, elastomer O-ring, and wing nut clamp for rapid, tool-free assembly. Whether you are building a multi-sensor diagnostic station, a gas mixing manifold, or a 360-degree access vacuum hub, these crosses deliver the conductance, flexibility, and convenience that demanding high-vacuum applications require.

Key Features & Characteristics

• Configuration: Four orthogonal ports (straight-through horizontal + perpendicular vertical on both sides)

• Connection Type: KF (NW) flanges on all four ports

• Port Sizes: All four ports same size (equal cross), or reducing crosses with mixed diameters

• Vacuum Range: Atmospheric to 1×10⁻⁸ Torr

• Material: 304 or 316L Stainless Steel

• Internal Surface Finish: Ra ≤ 0.8 µm (electropolished or mechanically polished)

• Outgassing Rate: < 2×10⁻⁸ Torr·L/s·cm² (after vacuum cleaning)

• Leak Integrity: Helium leak tested to < 1×10⁻⁹ mbar·L/s

• Bakeout Capability: Up to 150°C (with Viton® O-rings)

• Assembly: Tool-free clamping with KF clamps and centering rings

• Symmetry: True orthogonal geometry for uniform flow characteristics

Applications

• Multi-instrument vacuum hubs: Connecting gauges, RGAs, viewports, and feedthroughs simultaneously

• Gas mixing manifolds: Introducing multiple process gases to deposition chambers

• Thin-film deposition: Sputtering, evaporation, and ALD system plumbing

• Cross-flow pumping configurations: Symmetrical pumping for uniform pressure distribution

• Analytical instruments: Mass spectrometers, electron microscopes, surface analysis tools

• Semiconductor equipment: Load locks, transfer chambers, and process modules

• R&D vacuum systems: Flexible experimental setups requiring multiple access points

• Space simulation: Thermal vacuum chamber instrumentation ports

• Vacuum coating systems: Distributing gases or signals to multiple process locations

Why Choose Our KF 4-Way Crosses for Vacuum Systems?

We combine precision forging, CNC machining, and orbital welding to deliver KF crosses that meet or exceed international high-vacuum standards. Every 4-way cross is helium leak tested, ultrasonically cleaned with semiconductor-grade detergents, and double-bagged in a cleanroom environment. Reducing crosses (different port diameters), custom port orientations, and special center-to-flange dimensions are available with engineering support.