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.
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.
Do not bend, but pull gently on the tubing ends along
its axis. It should easily separate at the point of contact.
Inspection of the distal end of the tip under a light-transmitted
microscope is highly recommended.