Custom bellows are important mechanical components that play a critical and sensitive role in the functioning of a manufacturing plant, industrial fluid pipes, and major structures in need of mechanical joints. There are 12 major attributes that characterize custom bellows: geometric constraints, end configuration, assembly method, vibration, temperature extremes, exposure, spring rate, life cycles, rigid stops, pressure differential, flexing, and stressing modes.
Therefore, when buying custom bellows for industrial expansion joints and other mechanical support, it is important to make sure that you pay attention to these factors. Critical attention to the attributes discussed above will lead to the selection of a high-quality bellow. This article expounds on some of the bellow attributes highlighted above.
1. Temperature Extremes
One of the primary functions of custom bellows is that they play a critical role in the expansion joints of various industrial components. In such circumstances, they must be able to withstand temperature extremes that are likely to face a specific system in the course of operations. Bellows used in custom expansion joints should be able to withstand very high temperatures, especially when they are used in an extremely hot environment. They should also be able to withstand freezing temperatures when such situations arise.
2. Geometric Constraints
Custom Bellows are important mechanical components that have been made following specific geometric constraints. In such circumstances, they should adhere to the geometric constraints. In most cases, most of the metal bellows will be exposed to very high loads, such that their shape could be distorted. Exhaust bellows should not be seen to lose their shape and original geometric constraints when they are exposed to excessive load. They should, at any given time, adhere to the constraints of their original makeup.
3. Pressure Differential
The pressure differential is another major issue in the manufacture of custom bellows. Most of them play a vital role in holding pressure that has been brought about by push and pull within the system. A high-pressure expansion joint is meant to hold extreme pressure forces that come from different segments of the system. Pressure may increase or decrease within the system. Rigid components that are not meant to change their geometric makeup with changes in pressure depend on custom bellows to hold such changes in pressure and prevent any form of disaster.
4. Assembly Method
There are different manufacturing methods used in the manufacture of custom bellows. Every company out there in the industry has its steps for metal bellows manufacturing. Different assembly methods bring about different qualities and attributes in various bellows in the industry. You need to look for a company that is using the right bellow forming machine. That is the only way you will be able to get access to custom bellows that are rigid and custom enough to support your manufacturing activities.
5. Environmental Exposure
Environmental exposure is not viewed by some industry experts as a major issue of concern when it comes to custom bellows. However, certain environmental conditions contain corrosive chemicals, where constant exposure to such chemicals will lead to corrosion. This problem has been solved with the incorporation of stainless steel bellows. A stainless steel expansion joint cannot be corroded by most of the chemicals available in the industry. Buying a stainless steel bellow is essential, as it assures longevity in the system.
6. Bellow Spring Rate
Bellow spring rate is a term that is used to explain the extent to which a spring can be stretched before it reaches the elastic limit. This is an important consideration that has an impact on how bellows perform their regular tasks. If a custom bellow has a high spring rate, its stretching ability will be increased and its weakness will be decreased. Be sure to pay attention to spring rate when choosing the right bellow for your application.
Are you looking for the right custom bellows? Triad Bellows offers the best custom bellows in the industry. You can easily get all the types of bellows you are looking for your industrial purposes. You can be sure that they will have the right attributes.
