Seam Welding Process for Extended Length Custom Chambers

The Applied Vacuum Division commonly produces UHV chambers with extended lengths (to 96" or longer). Critical tolerances for ports along the length of the chamber can necessitate post-weld operations which add significant difficulty and cost to such chambers. Recently we qualified a process to build these assemblies by seam-welding 2 halves. Tolerances on weld ports, surface finish of the main body, weld-upset at the seam, and all critical features were maintained with excellent results… and lower cost.