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INSIDER TIPS

CLEAVING FUSED SILICA

A flat, smooth cleave is essential for maintaining low dead-volume connections. It is critical that cleaving does not generate flow-stopping particulate matter. Cleaving is best accomplished with a high-quality diamond chip or sapphire cleaving tool.

Close up photo of diamond chip in cleaving tool tip

Place the tubing to be cut on a flat, clean surface and position the cleaving tool perpendicular to the tubing surface.

Press down gently to score the surface; DO NOT use a sawing motion when pressing the blade.

Cleaving tool being applied to fused-silica tubing

Do not bend, but pull gently on the tubing ends along its axis. It should easily separate at the point of contact.

microscopic photo of leanly cut end of fused-silica tubing

Inspection of the distal end of the tip under a light-transmitted microscope is highly recommended.

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