Metal bellows are collapsible metal pieces used to compress systems. They are used in manufacturing and industrial environments and come in two types: formed and welded. Welded bellows are stronger but have weak spots, while formed bellows are less flexible and limited in material choice.
Metal bellows are pieces of metal designed to collapse under pressure, either inward or outward, to allow for a system to be compressed. The design of the metal bellows can vary based on the intended purpose of the device, but in most cases the system will consist of a tube or other hollow structure inlaid with diaphragms that will deflect when forced. The bellows will return to its original shape when the force is released provided the material has not been stretched or compressed beyond its capabilities or means.
The applications of metal bellows vary significantly. They are commonly used in manufacturing and industrial environments in machinery; sometimes shafts or pipes that move in specific directions need a seal to prevent excessive wear. If this seal is to move in unison with the pipes or shafts, metal bellows will be required to assist in this movement. Metal bellows can also be used as expansion joints in piping or duct systems that move during use; the bellows will accommodate movement without risking system failure or failure by flexing under any directional load placed on the pipes or ducts.
There are two types of metal bellows: formed bellows and welded bellows. Welded bellows have several diaphragms welded together to form the entire structure. The process of creating such a piece is more in-depth, although the final product tends to be quite strong. The downside to welded bellows is the number of weak spots on the system – any welded spot will be susceptible to wear and tear because the welding process heats the metal out of necessity, which can reduce its life and overall strength. Formed bellows are more expensive to manufacture, but since more of these bellows can be manufactured at once, the purchase price of the device is likely to be lower.
However, formed bellows are not as functional or strong as welded bellows and tend to be less flexible than their welded counterparts. Formed bellows will also be limited in what materials can be used to create the piece; alloy metals such as aluminum and brass are commonly used because these metals can be stretched and retracted effectively. Welded bellows can be made from a variety of metals, including steel, titanium and many others, making them a versatile choice for a wider variety of applications. However, these more exotic metals can be more expensive.
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