Flexible Waveguide | Microwave Techniques

Microwave Techniques manufactures flexible waveguide and is the leading global provider for high-power microwave and RF applications. This product line includes flexible straight sections, offset bends, sweep bends, and twists. Standard flexible waveguide products are available in sizes WR90 to WR2300. In addition, Microwave Techniques high-power transmission line structures are field proven to meet or exceed the highest standards in the industry. Our flex is widely known for its high quality and excellent transmission capabilities.

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Flexible Waveguide: Product Line Overview

We manufacture a high quality product line of flexible waveguide, assemblies, and subassemblies to meet all of your requirements. All of our designs are field-proven to meet the highest standards in the microwave and RF industry. An overview of our capabilities involving the manufacture of flexible waveguide includes:

Sizes: WR90 to WR2300
Material types: Aluminum, Copper, Brass, Phosphor Bronze
Conformity: ability to meet or exceed most MIL or EIA specifications
Customization: flange interfaces, assemblies, length, half-height WG
Common flange types: CPRF, CPRG, CPRF/G, Choke, Cover, among others
Configuration types: assemblies, straight sections, offsets, sweeps, twists
Versatile: ability to absorb and allow for expansion and contraction in a microwave feed
Highlights: ideal electrical performance, special bend radius, optimum VSWR, maximum power handling

Advantages and Benefits

Flexible waveguide is often used for its mechanical advantages. One benefit is their ability to permit mechanical movement caused by thermal expansion. Another beneficial use case is for vibration isolation. Flexible waveguides often take less time (and less money) to dismantle, restore, replace, or install.
One more benefit and advantage we often hear about from those using our designs is the structure’s extraordinary ability to account for system flange misalignments.

Flexible Waveguide Configuration Types

Microwave Techniques offers several different configuration types, each providing its own set of unique capabilities. The following product types and subcategories are our most common assembly configurations:

Straight sections

Flexible straight sections are available with various flange configurations to meet or exceed most EIA or MIL specifications. Common materials for straight sections are aluminum, copper, brass, and phosphor bronze.

Twists

Flexible waveguide twists are constructed from aluminum, copper, brass, and phosphor bronze. We have various flange configurations available. We also provide full design services to ensure accuracy and electrical performance.

Offsets

Flexible waveguide offsets provide users with excellent electrical and mechanical performance for high-power applications. When a layout has a tight connection and you need extra flexibility, offsets serve as the perfect solution.

Sweeps

Flexible waveguide sweeps (or sweep bends, swept bends) are available in a variety of materials, with various flange configurations. We provide full design services for factory formed sweeps to ensure the utmost accuracy.

Common Applications and Use Cases

Flexible waveguide is used in several applications as a transmission line structure for guiding electromagnetic waves. As with other microwave and RF components, they are often used in applications such as: physics research, medical oncology systems, satellite communications, and radar applications for defense, weather, and air traffic control. We welcome the opportunity to work with those involved in other applications.

Unique Flexible Waveguide Built for High-Power

Microwave Techniques flexible waveguide offers unique characteristics, ensuring high electrical performance and power handling. Our unique design and manufacturing approach comes in the production process.

We use a processing technique in which we braze the seam off-center. Not only does this provide excellent electrical performance in high-power applications, but it also improves joint longevity. Plus, this unique approach also eliminates the worry and potential for any splitting or leaking. These techniques are the result of manufacturing the product for decades, as well as continuously researching and developing new ways to improve our products and processes.

Standard Solutions

Our standard flexible waveguide material options include aluminum and copper alloys. The standard finish is a chemical resistant paint epoxy system. In addition, we offer urethane and neoprene jacketing options. Other custom materials, configurations, flanges, finishes, paint, and jacketing may be available for special product customer requests.