Bellows Expansion Joints
Expansion Joints / Bellows Expansion Joints
Expansion joints, also referred to as bellows expansion joints, can be produced with single-ply or multiply bellows. Bellows expansion joints are a system of joined metal bellows or thin metal convolutions that create flexibility and absorb thermal expansion or movement within an assembly. These metal bellows assemblies can be designed to absorb any combination of movements, including angular, lateral, axial, or universal movements.
MW Components manufacturers standard and custom metal bellows and metal bellows assemblies fit for a variety of applications and industries including cryogenics, aerospace, semiconductor, medical, and more. Due to their ability to absorb thermal contraction in cryogenic lines and reduce vibration, bellows expansion joints are key in aerospace and other cryogenic applications that require exposure to extreme temperatures. Our expansion joints are produced to the highest standards to ensure peak performance and cycle life of your assemblies.
Custom Manufacturing
Custom Bellows Expansion Joints \ Single-Ply & Multi-Ply Bellows Assemblies
MW Components custom manufactures bellows assemblies like metal bellows expansion joints, valve bellows assemblies, aneroid bellows assemblies, volume compensator bellows, and atherm metal bellows assemblies designed to meet the unique functional needs and size requirements of our customers. We offer a higher degree of engineering and precision which can include any number of customizations, from machined slots in flanges to clearance for bolts and more.
We produce bellows and bellows assemblies using a variety of manufacturing methods and work with you to determine the best production method for your application and budget. Our bellows production facilities offer the highest quality production technology and state-of-the-art CNC machining, automation, welding, and other services. We also offer in-house testing to ensure performance and repeatability like helium leak testing, cycle testing, and pressure testing.
To work with our design and engineering experts to develop a custom bellows product specific to your needs, fill out and submit our custom bellows design form.
Bellows Expansion Joint Manufacturing
MW Components produces expansion joints most often using Hydroforming Technology. We work with a variety of materials and can produce multiple sizes, wall thicknesses, and added customizations. Below are typical ranges for our hydroformed metal bellows and assemblies.
Production Capabilities for Hydroformed Components:
- Size ranges from 1/4" I.D. to 48" I.D.
- Wall thickness ranges from 0.002" single-ply to 0.056" multi-ply
- Precision CNC machining within a few thousand of an inch
- Material options include stainless steel (300 series), Inconel®, Hastelloy®, titanium, copper, Monel™, brass, and phosphorus bronze
- DFAR-compliant materials available
For information about metal bellows outside of these ranges produced using other manufacturing processes including electrodeposited technology and edge-welded technology and to determine which may be right for your application, review this metal bellows comparison guide.
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Advantages of Bellows Expansion Joints
Bellows expansion joints have a number of advantages over other options, including:
- High flexibility
- Control thermal expansion
- Absorb vibration or movement in a variety of directions (axial, lateral, angular, etc.)
- Precise temperature-dependent mechanical actuation without the need for programming or electricity
- Mechanically modulate heating and cooling systems
- Operate through millions of repeatable cycles without requiring recalibration
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Optional Customizations for Expansion Joints
Our bellows expansion joints are produced using precision hydroforming technology, which allows for multiple end configurations, fittings, and optional machining. As an expert bellows manufacturer, we also offer a variety of non-standard manufacturing processes and customizations, including the below.
- Added metal flanges
- Machined slots in flanges
- Clearance for bolts
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