This article clarifies which types of capillaries are suitable for use with the MICROSOLV Window Maker™, a device designed to remove polyimide coatings and create optical detection windows for CE applications. While the Window Maker performs reliably on standard bare fused silica capillaries, its compatibility with internally coated capillaries varies.

Users are advised to verify coating durability before use to avoid damage that could compromise analytical results.

Using the Window Maker™ on CE Capillaries

The MICROSOLV Window Maker™ is engineered to remove the polyimide coating from the exterior of capillaries, exposing the underlying fused silica to form clean and consistent optical detection windows. This makes the device suitable for use with any bare fused silica capillary that has a standard polyimide outer coating, including:

• Simplus™ CE capillaries
• Other bare fused silica capillary brands
• Most polyimide‑coated CE tubing

These capillaries are heat‑tolerant at the surface and respond predictably to the Window Maker’s controlled thermal stripping mechanism.

Caution When Using Internally Coated Capillaries

Some CE capillaries contain internal functional coatings, such as:

• Linear polyacrylamide (LPA) coatings
• Proprietary dynamic or permanent EOF‑suppressing coatings
• Specialty surface treatments for biological or charged analytes
• Hydrophobic or hydrophilic internal layers

While many internally coated capillaries can be used with the Window Maker™, compatibility varies depending on the temperature stability of the internal chemistry.

Why Testing Is Required

The Window Maker generates a focused, high‑temperature output intended to burn off the external polyimide layer. In certain internally coated capillaries, this heat can:

• Weaken or destroy the internal coating
• Cause detachment or delamination inside the capillary
• Alter EOF and separation characteristics
• Produce erratic or inaccurate analytical results

Because internal coatings differ widely by manufacturer, formulation, and application, MICROSOLV strongly recommends testing a small section first before committing valuable analytical capillaries to this process.

If you are uncertain about the thermal tolerance of your capillary’s internal coating, contact the manufacturer directly for confirmation and recommended procedures.

Ordering Information

For MICROSOLV Window Maker details, part numbers, and product images: Click HERE