Overview

This post explains why CE capillaries are not sold with pre‑made detection windows and outlines the benefits of allowing end‑users to create windows themselves. Pre‑made windows are prone to damage during shipment and cannot accommodate the wide range of method‑specific effective lengths required in different CE workflows. For Simplus™ bare silica capillaries, windows are easy to create using the Window Maker™ system.

Controlled‑Flow and Zero‑Flow capillaries, however, require special handling because their internal coatings can be damaged by heat. Manual scraping is possible but must be done carefully to avoid breakage or scratching of the fused silica.

Capillaries with Pre‑Made Detection Windows

MICROSOLV does NOT sell CE capillaries with pre‑made detection windows for several important reasons.

The most significant concern is fragility during shipping. Pre‑made windows are delicate, and even minor impacts can cause cracking or damage. To ensure that customers receive capillaries in perfect condition, it is best for the end‑user to create the detection window themselves.

A second reason is method flexibility. Different applications require different distances to the detection window and varying effective lengths. By providing capillaries without a pre‑made window, users are free to choose the exact window placement that fits their method.

For Simplus™ bare silica capillaries, windows can be created quickly and easily using the MICROSOLV Window Maker™ and its heating modules.

For Controlled‑Flow and Zero‑Flow capillaries, special precautions are required because heat can damage the internal polymer coating. While it is possible to manually scrape off the outer polyimide coating with a sharp razor blade, this method is not recommended for inexperienced users—it is tedious, has a high risk of breaking the capillary, and may scratch the fused silica if not done carefully.

Click HERE for CE capillary ordering information and pictures.