How to Cut HPLC Tubing: Your Guide to Peak Performance

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is one of the most powerful tools in analytical chemistry—but achieving precise, reproducible results depends on more than just the instrument itself. Even seemingly small details, such as how you cut and connect your tubing, can impact system performance. In this guide, we’ll cover essential tubing-cutting techniques, pre-cut options, and a new innovation that makes leak-free, stress-free HPLC connections easier than ever.

Sharp Cuts for Peak Performance

Proper connections are key to consistent and accurate chromatographic results. Jagged or uneven tubing edges create unwanted dead volume, leading to leaks, broad peaks, and unreliable data. Whether using PEEK or stainless steel (SS) HPLC tubing, clean, perpendicular cuts are essential for maintaining tight, leak-free fittings.

• PEEK Tubing: Use a guillotine-style polymer tubing cutter for precise, perpendicular cuts that prevent leaks and minimize dead volume.
• Stainless Steel Tubing: The Terry Tool rotates cleanly around the tubing, cutting without deformation so nuts and ferrules slide on easily—no reaming or deburring required.

Pre-Cut for Precision and Convenience

While in-lab cutting is possible, pre-cut stainless steel tubing often provides the best consistency and performance. The comparison below highlights the difference between pre-cut tubing, tubing cut with a standard cutter, and hand-filed tubing.

For most chromatographers, pre-cut stainless steel tubing saves time and ensures reproducibility. The advantages include:

• Uniform performance: Factory-cut tubing provides consistent length and burr-free edges to minimize dead volume.
• Reduced contamination: Eliminates the risk of particulates or debris introduced during manual cutting.
• Time efficiency: Focus on analysis instead of tubing preparation.

Streamline your workflow with our selection of pre-cut and custom-length HPLC tubing options:

SS

Pre-cut or Custom
Length 316 SS Tubing

PEEK

Bio-Compatible,
Metal-Free Alternative

PEEKsil

PEEK-Lined Fused
Silica Tubing

Capillaries

Flexible Capillaries
for Agilent Systems

MarvelXACT: Consistent, Click-Tight Connections

If leaks or overtightening are a concern, MarvelXACT HPLC connections provide a smart solution. These fittings are pre-assembled with PEEK or SS tubing and feature an audible “click” to indicate exact, repeatable torque—no tools or training required.

• Eliminate overtightening with an audible “click” at proper torque
• Ensure zero dead volume to reduce carryover and peak distortion
• Rated fingertight to 19,000 psi and reusable for 100 + connections

Conclusion

HPLC tubing may seem simple, but precision in cutting and connecting directly impacts system performance. By choosing the right cutting tools, considering pre-cut options, and exploring advanced solutions like MarvelXACT, you can ensure tight, consistent, and contamination-free connections that keep your chromatographic results sharp and reliable.