Edge welded metal bellows are formed by microscopically welding the interior diameters of individual, stamped metal diaphragms into two-piece convolutions, then welding a series of those convolutions together on the outer diameters to form a welded bellows core. The bellows core can then be microscopically welded to end fittings corresponding to the final application.
We manufacture standard and custom edge-welded bellows that are designed to support critical applications. We offer:
- Proprietary stamping, cleaning and welding techniques for exceptional strength and consistency
- Individually inspecting diaphragms for the highest quality to ensure welds are the strongest and leak-tight
- Special handling to protect against contamination of the materials
- Deep penetrations and consistent weld bead geometry to ensure a leak-tight joint that can withstand high cycle applications
- Engineered for optimal performance with an internal vacuum or external pressure
- Optional heat treating to strengthen the material
- Helium leak testing to industry standards (1×10-9 for stainless steel material) to ensure the assembly is completely sealed.
- Lower leak rates are available as required
Our edge-welded metal bellows are typically manufactured from sheet stock. We offer various materials of construction to suit your application including:
- Stainless Steel (316L, 304L, 347)
- Inconel ( 625, 718)
- Hastelloy•(276C / Haynes 242)
- Titanium ( Grades 1 - 4) (ASTM_B265)
The steps of edge welded metal bellows production are similar regardless of the manufacturer. The individual processes conducted within those steps are unique to the manufacturer's design and in most cases, are proprietary.
In general, the process follows these steps:
Welded bellows have specific advantages, including:
- High strength with the ability to withstand high pressures
- Wide operating temperature range
- Precise design and performance characteristics
- Low spring rate (the amount of force required to compress the bellows a given distance)
- Low stress in critical areas
- Allow for optimal plate shape design―nesting ripple
- Only one moving part
- Static secondary seal
