Rubber bellows (also known as expansion joints or flexible connectors) are versatile, accordion-like components used across many industries to protect moving parts or manage fluid flow.
Here is a breakdown of what they are, what they do, and how to choose the right one.
🛠️ Primary Functions
Rubber bellows generally serve two distinct purposes depending on where they are installed:
1. Protective Covers: They act as 'boots' to shield reciprocating shafts, joints, or pistons from dust, water, and debris (e.g., CV boots on a car).
2. Expansion Joints: In piping systems, they absorb vibration, thermal expansion, and noise. They allow for movement without putting stress on the rigid pipes.