How to use welded/formed bellows 2
Even precisely identical bellows are different in guaranteed life according to the usage method and conditions.
For use, please check the content that requires special consideration and attention.
Precautions for handling bellows
- Examine the product when delivered.
When you receive the product, first make sure it's what you ordered. The bellows are inspected in detail prior to delivery to make sure they conform to specifications,but could become deformed during transport, so be sure to check the product immediately after you receive it. Be sure to remove the product from its plastic bag in a place free of dust and dirt. (If dust or dirt
gets inside the bellows or in the grooves it could result in premature damage.
- Storage
If the product is to be stored for an extended period of time, be sure to store in a place free from external force (to prevent deformation) where it is not exposed to dust, dirt or direct sunlight.Corrosive environments should also be avoided (place subject to excessive humidity, salt or other corrosive materials)
- Transport
For subsequent transport, we recommend using the packaging in which the product was delivered. If the product happens to be delivered by itself, handle with care to avoid damaging, bending, or deforming the product by exposing it to impact.
- Mounting
- Setting with a short face-to-face dimension
Misalignment of the shaft centers at the right and left (upper and lower) ends of bellows in a set state will cause deterioration in life as a perpendicular-to-an-axis displacement offset is given. In order to avoid this, set perpendicularly to the mounting surface at the shortest possible face-to-face dimension in the operating range. (However, air-buckling bellows may buckle during operation in the atmosphere. They should be set by paying attention to perpendicularity without operating.)
- No twists
For bellows, displacement in the torsional derection is not arrowed generally.
If axial displacement is given to its compression side, a large load is given to the bellows, causing deterioration in life. In the case of twisting, torsional buckling will occur, causing a tendency for the threads of the bellows to incline toward the shaft centers. When setting, pay attention as in the case of 1.
- Cautions about local deformation and indentation
Bellows can demonstrate optimum performance when all of the threads operate uniformly. Dents may be made by tools, such as a spanner, during tightening of bolts, or the inside of bellows may be damaged when a shaft is carelessly passed through it. If partial deformation is given, stress will concentrate locally, which may cause premature damage from the deformed area. Extreme caution is required because the inside cannot be checked after mounting.
- Usage range
The product should be used within the range (pressure, expansion/contraction, etc.) given in the specifications or catalog. Particular attention should be paid as it could result in premature damage or accident if usage exceeds the usage range.
How to use flexible tubes
Tube characteristics table
Flexible tubes are pliant but have standards for bending radius.
Use at the minimum bending radius and repeatable bending radius or more.
Nominal diameter |
Inner diameter |
(Outer diameter) |
Thickness |
Shape |
Minimum bending radius |
Repeatable bending radius |
10A |
VF |
10.5 |
15.0 |
0.25 |
U type |
40 |
105 |
VFP |
12.4 |
17.1 |
0.15 |
U type |
35 |
130 |
16A |
VF |
13.2 |
18.5 |
0.30 |
U type |
50 |
125 |
VFP |
18.7 |
24.9 |
0.20 |
U type |
50 |
140 |
25A |
VF |
25.0 |
34.0 |
0.20 |
Ω type |
70 |
180 |
VFP |
25.0 |
32.2 |
0.22 |
U type |
70 |
230 |
40A |
VF |
38.2 |
50.0 |
0.25 |
Ω type |
90 |
230 |
VFP |
41.0 |
50.5 |
0.25 |
U type |
80 |
350 |
50A |
VF |
53.3 |
66.5 |
0.30 |
Ω type |
110 |
300 |
VFP |
50.1 |
60.5 |
0.25 |
U type |
100 |
410 |
65A |
VF |
66.5 |
86.5 |
0.40 |
Ω type |
180 |
200 |
VFP |
62.8 |
85.0 |
0.40 |
U type |
150 |
250 |
80A |
VF |
78.0 |
101.0 |
0.40 |
Ω type |
200 |
250 |
VFP |
78.0 |
102.0 |
0.40 |
U type |
220 |
300 |
100A |
VF |
103.0 |
127.0 |
0.40 |
Ω type |
250 |
300 |
VFP |
100.0 |
126.0 |
0.40 |
U type |
280 |
380 |
(Unit:mm)