Headspace crimp caps are small components with a big impact in laboratory work. Designed to provide an airtight seal for vials, they help protect samples from contamination, evaporation, or gas loss, factors that can alter results and compromise data. In industries that hinge on accuracy and consistency, choosing the right cap for your headspace vials is just as important as the analysis itself. ILT manufactures precision-engineered headspace caps trusted by laboratories worldwide for both routine and specialized applications.
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Headspace Crimp Caps: Types, Materials, and Uses
Headspace Crimp Caps: Types, Materials, and Uses
August 21, 2025
Industries That Use Headspace Vials and Caps
Headspace vials and caps are widely used in scientific fields that require dependable sample containment under varying conditions. Pharmaceutical laboratories rely on them to maintain sample stability during formulation testing and stability studies. Biotechnology companies use them in research and development, often under stringent regulatory guidelines. Environmental testing facilities depend on headspace vials for accurate analysis of air, soil, and water samples. In the food and beverage sector, they support quality control and contamination testing. Forensic laboratories utilize them in the analysis of chemical residues, toxicology samples, and trace evidence. Headspace analysis is an indispensable sample introduction tool for gas chromatography (GC). For additional guidance on selecting the right products for chromatography workflows, see our guide to Choosing the Right Chromatography Supplies.
Styles of Crimp Vial Caps
While “crimp caps” is the common term, many laboratories refer to them as “headspace caps.” These caps come in several styles, each serving specific needs. Standard crimp caps are suitable for general use, providing a dependable seal for most applications. Magnetic crimp caps are designed for compatibility with automated systems, improving efficiency in high-throughput laboratories. Pressure release crimp caps are used for volatile samples; they provide a safety mechanism for preventing vial breakage inside the equipment. If you are looking for additional types of vial caps beyond crimp styles, refer to our Vial Caps and Their Uses article.
Explore our full selection in the ILT Product Catalog to find the right fit for your application.
Crimp Cap Materials: Benefits and Applications
The choice of material can influence both the performance and the longevity of the seal.
Standard Aluminum Crimp
These are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for most routine laboratory work. They provide a dependable seal without adding unnecessary weight to automated handling systems. Learn more about them here.
Bi-Metal (Aluminum/Steel) Crimp
These combine the corrosion resistance of aluminum with the strength of steel. This makes them suitable for applications where caps may be subjected to mechanical stress or repeated handling. Their magnetic properties also make them compatible with magnetic transport autosamplers.
Pressure Release Crimp
Designed for volatile or pressurized samples, their built-in venting mechanism allows for the safe release of excess pressure. This helps avoid the time, cost, and disruption caused by a broken vial in the headspace equipment.
Steel Crimp
Steel caps offer superior durability and resist deformation under high-temperature or high-pressure conditions, and are often used in rugged industrial or research settings where mechanical strength is a priority. They are ideal for laboratories using automated magnetic transport systems. The combination of steel durability and magnetic compatibility helps maintain precise positioning during analysis.
For guidance on achieving an optimal seal with 20mm headspace crimp caps, see our Crimping Guide.
Precision, Reliability, and Availability
In GC, the right headspace crimp cap can make a measurable difference in the quality of your results. ILT manufactures and assembles a wide selection of aluminum, steel, and specialty headspace crimps designed for accuracy, consistency, and long-term performance. With options in multiple sizes and materials, our products meet the needs of laboratories working under diverse conditions. ILT is your trusted supplier of headspace caps and vials, offering precision-engineered solutions for laboratories worldwide. Explore our catalog today to find the right product for your application.