FRIATEC Mannheim with products from the division FRIALIT®-DEGUSSIT® is one of the leading manufacturers for ceramic-to-metal assemblies. Besides clamping, bonding, screwing and shrinking especially brazing is one of the most common jointing technologies.
Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK), one of the biggest science and engineering research institutions in Europe, is currently running one of the most interesting experiments in the field of particle physics – the measurement of the rest mass of the neutrino: KATRIN (Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino Experiment). The properties of neutrinos are important for the fundamental understanding of particle physics. Furthermore, scientists expect insights into the Big Bang theory and thereby other aspects of Cosmology and Astrophysics. In close collaboration with an international research association, components of an electrostatic spectrometer tank are currently being installed. With a diameter of 10m and a length of 23m, the tank is larger than any previous ultra-high vacuum chamber. For particle detection, several insulating components are essential, and even the full weight of the vacuum tank of over 300t must rest on highly insulating sustainers.
One of the most advanced ceramic-to-metal assemblies are produced by FRIATEC AG, Mannheim, Germany. As a specialist in the field of ceramic and ceramic-to-metal components with over 40 years experience, the manufacture of the detector electrode was an interesting challenge. The task was to create a mechanically strong and UHV compatible metal-ceramic interface. The differences in thermal expansion of alumina, nickel-iron and titanium had to be compensated by design modifications. FRIATEC alumina “FRIALIT®-F99.7” combines the advantage of excellent electrical resistance with the highest mechanical strength
For lowest residual gas pressures (<1x10-11mbar) the vessel walls can be baked out using a thermal oil up to 350°C and then cooled down to operate at -20°C. In this application, electrically insulated units are also required. Liquid feedthroughs with a nominal diameter of 28mm and capable of insulating voltages up to 150kV were used. The KATRIN-Experiment highlights the prominent position of ceramic-to-metal assemblies for electrical insulating, temperature resistant and mechanically strong components.
FRIATEC produces most of the ceramic-to-metal assemblies according to customer specification. Together with the customer they define optimised components in order to receive a functional system.