Precision-Engineered Metal Bellows
A metal bellows is a precision-engineered, flexible metal component that acts as a leak-tight seal– effectively separating two environments from one another. These versatile parts can convert changes in pressure, temperature, and position into linear motion and be used for rotary transmission that maintains flexible mechanical and electrical connections.
Metal bellows products are used in a wide variety of industrial and mechanical applications and are designed to compress, extend, or bend to absorb axial and angular movement. Some examples of useful applications for metal bellows include actuators, beamlines, expansion joints, mechanical seals, pumps, valve seals, thermal expansion tanks, reservoirs, and more.
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All Metal Bellows
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Edge-welded metal bellows are produced by welding pre-cut diaphragms in succession. This is typically the most cost-effective metal bellows solution.
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Formed metal bellows are produced by forming tubes into bellows by hydroforming, elastomer-forming, or mechanical forming. This solution offers the largest sizes.
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Electrodeposited metal bellows are produced by plating a mandrel and then chemically removing the mandrel. This solution allows for the most seamless construction and miniature sizes.
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These gold-plated electrical contacts are produced using bellows technology. Bellows electrical contacts are often preferable to traditional contacts since they reduce signal loss and increase speed.
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We combine exceptional engineering and manufacturing, extremely close tolerances, and decades of experience to deliver top-quality vacuum bellows for any use case from aerospace and defense to ultra-high vacuum applications.
CUSTOM MANUFACTURING
Custom Metal Bellows
The construction method, the thickness of the walls, configuration, convolution length, spring rate, leak tightness, and the materials and finishes used all work together to supply the right amount of flexibility for your needs. MW Components has experience developing precision metal bellows across many applications and industries from vacuum bellows and sealing applications to cryogenics, aerospace, and many others. We also offer expert engineering and design assistance to provide the metal bellows that will perfectly support your application. We also produce non-standard sizes and configurations, including oval and rectangular metal bellows, and work with a variety of raw materials to suit your performance needs.
Send us your specs or configure a part.
Metal Bellows Resources & Applications
Metal Bellows Manufacturing
Metal bellows are available from MW Components in three varieties, which are differentiated by their fabrication method; these include edge-welded bellows, electrodeposited bellows, and hydroformed bellows. MW Components produces precision custom metal bellows using all three of these fabrication methods.
Click on each link below to view details for each process or view our bellows technology comparison guide for a side-by-side comparison.
Metal Bellows Forming Processes
To find out more about our three production methods for forming metal bellows as well as key features, tolerances, applications, and featured products, click the links below or review our metal bellows comparison guide above to compare all three methods at once.
Size, Stroke, and Temperature Ranges
Attainable dimensions, stroke length, convolution length, and temperature ranges depend on the material and fabrication process used. Below are achievable ranges across all material and process types.
For more details by process type, view our Bellows Technology Comparison Guide from the link above.
Finishing Services
We also offer many added secondary finishing services to choose from to ensure your metal bellows achieve your desired look, feel, and performance expectations.
Quality Materials
Metal bellows can be produced using a variety of materials. Below are some common examples of materials used to produce metal bellows.
Available Certifications
Available applicable certifications include:
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