When it comes to manufacturing parts, it’s easy to get certain details confused. Many mechanical items look at least somewhat similar, especially to the untrained eye. However, getting pieces confused can cause problems in your machine design or repair, as well as generally reducing the efficiency of your work setup. Two components that are easy to confuse with one another are exhaust bellows and flex hoses, but the difference can be important.
Exhaust Bellows Vs Flex Hoses
So what are the differences between metal exhaust bellows and flex hoses? While both are options for flexible piping for various mechanical purposes, the two are built to handle very different circumstances and conditions. In the battle of exhaust bellows vs flex hoses, it’s likely that exhaust bellows will win out more often than not. This is because of the differences in how the two are constructed.
How Are Flex Hoses Made?
Flex hoses tend to be single-ply hoses, making them thinner and less able to handle tough conditions like heat and vibration from other mechanical components. Additionally, the corrugation on flex hoses usually is smaller, making them less flexible. This also tends to make them easier to make with simpler equipment; however, there are two sides to this, as people with less experience can make these and create lower-quality end results.
What About Exhaust Bellows?
Metal exhaust bellows, on the other hand, are usually multi-ply bellows. Multi-ply bellows generally consist of two to three tubes, but can have as many as five tubes depending on the application. This means that, because they use multiple sheets of metal, they’re better able to handle intense conditions. Additionally, they tend to stand up better to wear and tear over time, meaning they will need to be replaced less frequently. Their larger corrugations make them more flexible while also increasing durability, making them an optimal choice for a variety of applications.
Having the right equipment for your manufacturing or other industrial needs is essential, which makes knowing the difference between exhaust bellows and flex hoses important. For more information on the differences, or to stock up on metal bellows for your machines, contact Triad Bellows today.
