Many different industries use metal bellows in applications like pumps, piping systems, or even altitude sensors for aeronautics. Metal bellows absorb pressure and vibrations to help systems function properly.
But what are the different types of metal bellows? Explore the three main types of metal bellows explained below.
Formed Bellows
Formed bellows, sometimes called convoluted bellows, are a series of tubes created from a single sheet of metal. Manufacturers create formed bellows with a method called deep drawing, a process that pulls a sheet of metal into a forming die.
Then, one of two techniques creates the series of tubes that make up formed bellows: cold forming or hydroforming. The forming die can turn several different types of metals, like copper or nickel, into formed bellows. Steel plants, cement plants, and refineries use them in their applications.
Welded
Manufacturers create welded bellows by welding individual diaphragms together. Generally, when choosing between formed and welded, the buyer needs to consider both cost and performance.
For example, hydroformed bellows have a lower tooling cost when mass-produced, but the performance might suffer due to their lack of flexibility from being so stiff. Welded bellows are both inexpensive to create and have some higher performance traits, except they aren’t as strong at their welded joints.
Electroformed
Producers create electroformed bellows with electrical currents and positive and negative anodes. They place a mold into a solution of metal salts along with the alloy that will comprise the bellows. An electrical current pass through the solution thanks to positive and negative objects, depositing the alloy of choice, like copper or nickel, onto the mold.
The metal ions build up over time and bond the alloy onto the mold. When enough ions have built to create the bellows, workers remove the mold, leaving a completed bellows behind. Electroformed bellows are relatively inexpensive to create and have thin walls, making them extremely flexible and useful for applications that need precision.
Understanding the three main types of metal bellows explained in detail can help you make the most informed decision about which type is best for your industrial application. A bellow supplier like Triad Bellows can help you find the one that you need.
