Fused Silica Tubing

IDEX fused silica tubing delivers exceptionally smooth internal bore surfaces and highly precise inner diameters, helping reduce turbulence and minimize band broadening in demanding analytical workflows. This performance advantage is critical for achieving high-efficiency separations in LC, GC, and capillary electrophoresis applications.

Manufactured from premium polyimide-clad fused silica, this capillary tubing offers excellent chemical inertness (stable up to pH 10) and consistent dimensional accuracy for reliable micro-scale and nano-HPLC fluid paths. Due to material compatibility, fused silica tubing should not be used with hydrofluoric acid (HF).

Designed for precision laboratory environments, IDEX fused silica tubing is ideal for microfluidic connections, analytical sample transfer, and capillary-based separations where low dead volume and reproducible flow are essential.

Application Highlights

• High-efficiency LC, GC, and capillary electrophoresis
• Micro-scale and nano-HPLC fluid paths
• Low-dead-volume analytical connections
• Precision capillary sample transfer

For optimal performance, fused silica tubing is recommended for use with Chrom Tech’s Microtight and Nanotight connector systems, providing secure, low-leak connections for ultra-low flow applications.

Chrom Tech stocks a broad selection of IDEX fused silica tubing sizes to support high-precision chromatography and microfluidic workflows, with many common configurations available for fast shipment.

Part No ID OD Length Color Max Pressure
FUSED SILICA TUBING – 360 µm OD (NATURAL)
FS-120 0.0008" (20 µm) 360 µm 6.4' (2 m) Natural 10,000 PSI (690 bar)
FS-150 0.002" (50 µm) 360 µm 6.4' (2 m) Natural 10,000 PSI (690 bar)
FS-175 0.003" (75 µm) 360 µm 6.4' (2 m) Natural 10,000 PSI (690 bar)
FS-115 0.006" (150 µm) 360 µm 6.4' (2 m) Natural 10,000 PSI (690 bar)
Key Definitions ▶
Fused Silica Tubing
High-purity silica capillary tubing with an ultra-smooth internal bore and tightly controlled inner diameter, used for precision fluid transfer and analytical separations.
Polyimide Cladding
A protective outer coating applied to fused silica that provides flexibility, mechanical strength, and resistance to cracking during handling and installation.
Band Broadening
The spreading of analyte peaks during separation, which reduces resolution. Smooth-bore fused silica tubing helps minimize this effect by lowering turbulence.
Micro- and Nano-HPLC
High-performance liquid chromatography techniques operating at extremely low flow rates, requiring ultra-precise tubing to maintain reproducible separations.
Chemical Inertness
The ability of fused silica to resist chemical interaction with samples and solvents (stable up to pH 10), ensuring clean signal integrity in analytical workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions ▶
What is fused silica tubing used for?
Fused silica tubing is used for precision fluid transfer and analytical separations in LC, GC, capillary electrophoresis, and microfluidic systems where low dead volume and smooth internal surfaces are critical.
Why is fused silica preferred for micro- and nano-HPLC?
Fused silica provides extremely smooth bores and precise inner diameters, helping minimize turbulence and band broadening while maintaining consistent flow at ultra-low rates.
Is fused silica tubing chemically resistant?
Yes. Fused silica is highly inert and chemically stable up to pH 10, making it suitable for most chromatography solvents. However, it should not be used with hydrofluoric acid (HF).
What does polyimide cladding do?
The polyimide coating protects the fused silica core while adding flexibility and mechanical strength, helping prevent cracking during installation and routine handling.
Which connectors work best with fused silica tubing?
Fused silica tubing is commonly paired with Microtight and Nanotight connectors to create secure, low-dead-volume connections in micro-scale and nano-flow chromatography systems.