Overview
This technical note explains why the Flanging Tool™—designed for soft, low‑pressure polymer tubing—should not be used with high‑pressure PEEK tubing. The tool creates a flange through mechanical deformation rather than heat, which works well for softer materials such as FEP, ETFE, PFA, or PTFE. However, high‑pressure PEEK tubing is too rigid for this process. Attempting to flange PEEK may damage the tool or break the internal pin.
Although softer grades of PEEK exist, they are not used in HPLC applications and are not supplied by MICROSOLV. Guidance is provided on appropriate pin materials and sizing for compatible tubing types.
Flanging Tool Is Not for PEEK Tubing
The Flanging Tool™ (45099-001) and Flangy the Tool™ Kit (45099-002) are designed for use with relatively soft tubing commonly used in low‑pressure HPLC or general laboratory applications. Suitable tubing types include:
- FEP
- ETFE
- PFA
- PTFE
These materials can be mechanically formed into a durable and long‑lasting flange without heat.
High‑pressure PEEK tubing, however, is manufactured to be rigid enough to withstand significant system pressure. Because of this hardness, it cannot be safely flanged using this tool. Attempting to flange PEEK may damage the tool or break the pin during use. While softer formulations of PEEK exist, they are not used in HPLC and are not supplied by MICROSOLV.
Pin Material and Sizing
The tool kit includes pins made from stainless steel, titanium, and various polymers. For more rigid tubing types, titanium or stainless‑steel pins are recommended. Pin sizing should always be smaller than the tubing’s ID.
Example: A 0.5 mm stainless‑steel pin may be used to flange 1/16" OD × 0.75 mm ID PTFE tubing.
Click HERE for Flangy the Tool™ ordering information and pictures.
Click HERE for Flangy the Tool™ operator instructions.