Chromatography Forum

I am relatively new to CE and struggle with achieving clean cuts when preparing the capillaries. I either don't apply enough pressure to create a cut or break it immediately, resulting in uneven edges. I usually have to make several practice cuts before getting a good result.
I am using ceramic column cutters and working with Fused Silica Capillaries with an ID of 50µm and an OD of 150µm.

So far, the only instructions on how to cut CE columns I've been able to find are from this website:https://kb.mtc-usa.com/article/aa-00404/76/ , however, they are not very clear on the details (like the diameter of the surface or how to find the correct amount of force).

Does anyone have some advice on how to correctly cut capillaries?

I ran an Agilent 1600CE until it finally broke irreparably. One cuts CE capillaries the same way one cuts GC columns. Get a ceramic scoring tool, nick the outside and flick it off with your finger. For the ceramic scoring tools just look for one under GC supplies. They aren't expensive. If you need a demonstration Agilent has videos on prepping and installing a gc column for the inlet.

I also prepped my own capillary for UV. I put the capillary inside 2 pieces of 1/16" steel tubing slid them a part to the right distance and burned that section with a utility lighter. I then wiped it off the scorched polyimide with a kimwipe soaked in methanol. Then I carefully slid it into the alignment interface.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx1FzgwlCiE
see 5:12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWoYkX7-4pk
see 1:40