Metal Bellows

A metal bellows is a flexible metallic component capable of accommodating axial, lateral and angular movement while at the same time serving as a leak-tight part of a device or system. Bellows are used in particular in applications requiring a movement-compensating structure without sliding sealing surfaces.

Bellows are manufactured according to the requirements of the application, in various materials, dimensions and design options. The choice of material and design is influenced by factors such as pressure, temperature, medium, required movement, load cycles and environmental conditions.

Metal bellows are typically used:

• As valve stem seals, for example in bellows-sealed valves
• As flexible sealing and motion elements in valves and actuators
• In measurement and instrumentation devices
• In devices based on pressure and differential pressure measurement
• In vacuum systems as flexible, leak-tight connections
• In devices requiring sensitive axial movement or the transmission of movement
• In applications where leakage of the process medium into the environment is to be prevented without a dynamic stem seal

Metal bellows can be used, for example, in chemical and process industry equipment, valves, instrumentation, and vacuum and pressure applications. The available material options also allow bellows to be used at high temperatures and with corrosive media.