The process of manufacturing the MC4277 Neutron Tube requires the evacuation of the device through a 4.76 mm (.1875 in.) OD copper tube. Eight tubes are simultaneously evacuated and then baked out. When the process is completed, the tubes must be separated from the system without compromising the ultra-high vacuum in the tube and the system. Previously, a manual pinch-off tool was used. This procedure required up to 3 operators with a high probability of creating defective seals or destroyed tubes. Two new identical robotic systems were built to allow a single operator to consistently produce good tubes with perfect seals. These systems have the added capability of partially pinching off tubes at jaw displacements repeatable to *0.05 mm (kO.002 in.). Both systems have operated flawlessly since their installation in January and March, 1998. A detailed description of these systems is given in this report.
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