Unparalleled Quality
There are numerous companies that copy VICI’s industry-leading designs, but typically cannot replicate the precision and reliability of our products. Our high-volume fabrication facility and dedicated machinery produces fittings that are often less expensive with consistently higher quality than copies. Please exercise caution when using copies that may not be compatible with the original VICI components.
Leak Tight
Leak-tight seals are essential for high-pressure applications in GC, HPLC, and UHPLC. VICI fittings offer the best stability and reliability with our unique compression fitting design that provides a leak-tight seal with zero dead volume.
Zero Dead Volume
VICI fitting designs prevent added volume by allowing the tube ends to butt directly to each other or with bores that match the tubing bore, leaving no dead or unswept volume—called zero dead volume (ZDV) fittings.
No Tubing Deformation
Unlike most standard compression fittings—which can deform the tube and cause turbulence —VICI’s unique compression fitting design avoids this issue. Our metal ferrules cut a ring near the end of the tube that prevents tube release at high pressures without significantly deforming and restricting the tube interior. Because our ferrules have a sharp edge at the ID near the nose, it usually takes only about 1/4 turn beyond the point where the ferrule first starts to grab the tubing. There is so little tube distortion that they are routinely used with glass-lined tubing. Only our polymer fittings rely on friction to hold a tube.
Precision Machining, Finishing, and Tolerances
The machining methods used to finish the detail of compression fittings can dramatically affect performance. Ideally, a tube fits squarely into the bottom of a fitting detail, otherwise a fitting can introduce extra volume and mixing potential. VICI adds a critical finishing operation that squares the bottom of the detail. We use proprietary tooling and stringent quality control at each step of the fabrication process. This care ensures uniformly high precision in every fitting detail—even the threads to prevent galling—and tight tolerances, eliminating issues such as seepage.
Reliably Clean
VICI’s state-of-the-art CNC machining facility uses mostly water-based lubricants, water-soluble detergents, and hot deionized water for processing and cleaning, followed by steam cleaning with deionized water at 140°C. Any parts requiring oil lubricants are baked to remove all residue, ensuring customers receive only clean, solvent-free components.
Interchangeability
VICI fitting details are designed with a consistent pilot depth, permitting reliable interchangeability as connections are revised or fittings are replaced. This interchangeability extends throughout our fitting and valve product lines. Indeed, the VICI standard has been so widely copied that our fittings are, in general, fully interchangeable with those of our major competitors. In initial installations, VICI ferrules will often improve other manufacturers’ fitting connections.