Elastomer is an alternative bonding method that touts a higher temperature capability over the indium bond. Elastomer bonds are recommended when customers are consistently melting indium bonds. We also recommend elastomer bonding for low melting point target materials, as well as, temperature sensitive compounds and targets that have either low density or are especially fragile. Elastomer bonding is performed at relatively low temperatures between 50°C and 100°C so it is gentler on the target during the actual bonding process. Many customers hesitate to choose the elastomer bond because they know that most polymer based materials will outgas in a vacuum chamber. The elastomer bond is actually UHV compatible and has a NASA “A” rating which means that it undergoes less than a 1% total mass change at 150°C at 1 x 10-7 Torr for 24 hours. In addition, the elastomer does not absorb any moisture and is more than suitable to handle cycles between vacuum and atmosphere. Some materials that require elastomer bonding are the following:
