Protective Covers – Rubber Bellows: Applications & Advantages

Introduction Rubber bellows are used in manufacturing processes, medical equipment and machinery. These flexible elastomer components act like expands and contracts in accordion to prevent moving mechanisms from wearing out. Protective covers like rubber bellows are required where components are exposed to dirt and dust, moisture (hydrolysis), oil salts / nitrates / etc. This article will concentrate on the applications and advantages of rubber bellows and explain why they are indispensable in many fields. Rubber bellows can be made of natural rubber, EPDM / silicone / EPDM elastomeric material. They are selected for the properties suitable for certain applications of rubber bellows. Most often they are employed wherever flexibility, durability and toughness are required.

Those rubber bellows are flexible, expandable members used to protect moving parts and systems from pollution or environmental influences. They’re cylindrical with a number of bellows/folds that allow them to expand & contract. Such structures enable the device to position itself near machines and equipments and to cope with any motion or vibration transmitted from these external sources.

Also called Hump Hoses, rubber bellows have been produced from the following materials:

They are selected according to the application to ensure the correct working of the rubber bellows in all conditions.

Rubber bellows stretch and compress, so they can adapt to moving as well as preventing dirty or oily substances like dust particles getting into tight places where they would normally damage sensitive machinery. It is so important to keep these components healthy and continue to perform that same function that those systems which they protect will therefore try to keep themselves alive during a natural disaster.

Also in rubber bellows production, intermediate membranes less susceptible to vibration provide another physical protection of the external shell. Unlike hard-mount installations, this adds cost as it requires additional material and manufacturing must be done separately from the rest of bellows. Inside these flexible metal elements there is some capability, though not sufficient for vibration damping, but for shock absorption only; still allow some extension of working area upon impact area envelope’s width moving conceivable with rolling condition.

In industries, rubber bellows protect machines and equipment from environmental contaminants and mechanical wear. They are good for very dynamic applications where parts are moving or vibrating as they can contract and expand at will.

Examples of Industrial Applications:

The rubber bellows keep machinery running smoothly and effectively, pollution preventing products from wearing away, reducing maintenance costs and time lost either paying for work to be done or waiting for someone else to do what you could do better and faster yourself.

The rubber bellows are used to clean and sterilize medical instruments. They are used wherever flexibility and protection against infection are required.

Examples of Aviation Rubber Bellows.

In aircraft the rubber bellows are connectors giving freedom of movement and airtight seal between joined components.

The rubber bellows also protect critical equipment from deterioration and failure which would otherwise cause complete loss of life or make flying unsafely impossible.

An important benefit for medical device manufacturers is the hygiene standard that rubber bellows adhere to. Such things are critical for patient care and for medical procedures to work.

Rubber bellows protect components in cars everywhere from dirt, moisture and other environmental hazards. They are flexible and rugged – perfect for a variety of automotive applications.

Examples of Vehicle Rubber Bellows.

Dirt and debris can not get into the shock absorbers through rubber bellows. Shock absorbers then work properly.

Rubber bellows keep vehicle steering parts clean. Both extend life and improve performance of the system.

Rubber bellows keep such indispensable parts inside vehicles clean and safe reducing maintenance costs and enabling more reliant powered motion.

A rubber bellows manufacturer can protect components for the life of the product. They can be replaced with new bellows after they wear out. So long-term costs decrease because dependable life span is increased.

All rubber bellows can be ordered in the smallest widths for your operation. Take the universal steering joint in a power assist vehicle, for instance. Normally it would require three standard rubber bellows without special materials if they turn 180 degrees at intervals in the travel of one driving end and neither inflating nor collapsing is allowed between ends.

Using rubber bellows will save you money in the long haul. Their protection of machinery and equipment prevents frequent repairs and replacements. And because rubber bellows are durable they will last, once bought, allowing further cost cutting.

Lastly, many look at cost when buying rubber bellows. Which factors should be considered? What are the main materials and advantages? The obvious division now is between natural and synthetic rubber. What rubber type performs under what conditions? Below are descriptions of the features of the two rubbers under various conditions and environments. Generally speaking, do not select rubbers for which performance under given condition has not been proved scientifically.

Material Selection. Pick out the appropriate material taking into consideration applications and conditions like temperature resistance, chemical resistance and flexibility. Material Selection: Choose the rubber bellow according to the application parameters like temperature, chemical, environment.

Quality and Standards

Good quality rubber bellows are essential for a long service life. Find products that meet industry standards and have certifications; these represent warranties for the quality and performance at given conditions.

Install rubber bellows correctly for best performance and life – follow this procedure:

Rubber bellows need periodic maintenance. Some best practices:

How are rubber bellows made? Rubber bellows can be natural rubber, neoprene and EPDM (with over 20 HR shore hardness). These can be made also from silicone.

* What size rubber bellows should I get? Measuring the dimensions of the components that need protection and selecting bellows that match those measurements is easy. If bellows inner diameter differs from shaft outer diameter, extend this area. Pressing too hard when mounting bellows on machinery shafts or turning them in each direction after positioning can damage their elasticity.

* Are rubber bellows suitable for high temperature operation? Some materials like silicone are engineered to resist extremely high temperatures.

How long does a rubber bellow last? The life of rubber bellows depends largely on the material and the application. As a rule it will last from several years to more than a decade on average.

Are rubber bellows environmentally friendly? Most rubber bellow materials are recyclable, thus increasing useful life and reducing replacements and disposal costs. Investing in new production creates more shopping jobs and welfare becomes more slavish but not more relaxing.

In many industries rubber bellows are an important protective device. So they have been indispensable – whether to protect moving parts from pollutants, absorb vibration or harden in unfavorable conditions such as high temperatures. With the right material, proper installation and regular maintenance this useful life can be extended.

Visit a reputable rubber bellows site for more information and applications.