Bellows Select Bellows that are Compatible with the Machine

Bellows protect moving machine parts from chips, dust, and fluids—provided that their geometry, material, and mounting are suitable for the application. For designers, the design process does not begin with material selection, but rather with the movements and conditions at the installation site.

Guides, spindles, and other moving machine components often need to be protected from contamination and external influences. At the same time, the protective cover must not impede movement. A bellows fulfills this function by contracting and expanding as the shaft moves. However, if it is designed to be too long, too stiff, or unsuitable for the medium, it can itself become a problem—for example, due to additional space requirements, premature wear, or difficult installation.