Bellows are elastic, tube-like protective covers made of various materials that adapt to defined movement sequences. Thanks to the use of high-tech textiles combined with selected coatings, they have a wide range of applications. On the one hand, they protect machine parts from external influences (especially contamination such as dust, oils, and greases) and, on the other hand, they also protect the environment (e.g., from heat, liquids, flying sparks, dust).
Ceratec bellows are always manufactured by hand according to customer specifications.
We differentiate our bellows according to the type of manufacture:
- Circular ring bellows: Sewn together from individual, punched or cut circular rings. The ends are cylindrical in shape so that they can be fastened using hose clamps. A separable design is not possible with a circular ring bellows.
- Dressing bellows: A cylinder is formed into a bellows by inserting wire rings (and tension springs or pull-out stops if necessary). The use of separable wire rings allows a dressing bellows to be mounted around the machine part with little effort and closed with a zipper, Velcro fastener, or snap fasteners.
- Other types: A stretch bellows is made from a single piece (non-separable) and fitted with circular steel rings (similar to a dress bellows). By exploiting the diagonal stretch capacity of the fabric, a good axial range of motion is achieved. Here too, fastening with hose clamps is possible. Furthermore, cylinders reinforced with a sealing ring (casting funnels) in various diameters and lengths, simple covers and (heat protection) curtains, etc. can also be manufactured.
Depending on the type of bellows, the following designs are available, among others:
- Can be separated by zipper, Velcro, or snap fasteners (only for dresser bellows)
- With/without flange or flange preparations
- Perforations and drill holes according to customer specifications
- Round, square, or combined shapes
- Fabric
Fabric: The right fabric for a bellows depends on the specified conditions of use and requirements.
Temperature and medium are particularly important when selecting materials:
- Tarpaulin material: suitable for temperatures up to 70°C, often used as dust protection
- Various glass fabrics – the “all-rounder” among our fabrics: either with PU or silicone coating on both sides, suitable for a temperature range of 250–550°C.
- Aramid fabric with aluminum coating: suitable for temperatures up to approx. 350°C, has high tensile strength
- Silicate fabric with aluminum coating/aluminum foil: suitable for temperatures up to approx. 1000°C, often used in steelworks and foundries due to its temperature resistance
Ceratec bellows are primarily used as covers and protection for drive shafts, piston rods, cylinders, etc. in a wide range of industries. Among other things, they protect against all kinds of contamination (dust, metal and wood chips, etc.), liquids, heat, oils and greases, flying sparks, etc. Both our bellows and our fabric compensators are also designed for high-temperature applications and can be used at temperatures up to 1000°C. A suitable fabric structure also allows them to be used in aggressive conditions (e.g., smoke gases).
We would be happy to advise you personally and create a customized solution for your requirements.