Overview
Bellows are among the most complex components that can be machined from PTFE. PTFE's properties make machined PTFE bellows invaluable in many fluid control applications.
PTFE bellows are CNC machined using specialised tooling and programming to ensure that they are dimensionally flawless. Poly Fluoro Ltd combines moulding and machining expertise to ensure the final product has no black spots, micro-cracks, or surface irregularities. Our dedicated engineering team is also available to assist clients with any required modifications.
A Poly Fluoro Ltd PTFE bellow can withstand up to 2,000,000 cycles. Since most requirements call for between 500,000 and 1,000,000 cycles for the life of the bellow, this metric provides a sufficient cushion.
Once manufactured, a bellow is subjected to a series of tests to confirm its long-term durability during application.
- Burst pressure test
- Cycle testing
- Temperature test
- Dimensional inspection
Why Choose Plastic Bellows
Plastic bellows are used when a metal convoluted section would corrode or contaminate the line. Because PTFE is chemically inert across almost the entire pH range, a bellow transporting acid, solvent, or another harsh process medium will not break down or leach materials into the fluid. PTFE's non-stick surface prevents residue buildup in the convolutions, where access for cleaning is limited. PTFE also maintains its properties over a wide range of operating conditions, being capable of continuous operation from cryogenic temperatures up to 260°C, and it does not harden, crack, or deteriorate with age, heat, or chemical exposure as an elastomer will. Combined with CNC machining to a tolerance of 20 microns, these characteristics make machined PTFE bellows suitable for fluid control applications that demand both strong chemical performance and dimensional accuracy.
Customisation and Manufacture
We manufacture bellows according to our customers' drawings, and our engineering team can help out if changes to an existing profile are needed. Special grades, fillers, and additives can be specified to modify the final product's properties; the right combination depends on the duty conditions and should be discussed in relation to the application. Each below is CNC machined using dedicated tooling and programming, then dimensionally checked and tested for burst pressure, cycle, and temperature before it is sent out.
Properties &
Benefits
| Property | Benefit |
|
Chemical Inertness |
Withstands acids, bases, and solvents without degradation. |
|
Wide Temperature Range |
Operates from cryogenic conditions up to 260°C. |
|
High Cycle Life |
Tested to 2,000,000 cycles, well above typical duty requirements. |
|
Non-stick Surface |
Prevents residue accumulation within convolutions. |
|
Low Friction |
Reduces drag and wear at moving interfaces. |
|
Machinability |
Dimensional accuracy held to within 20 microns. |
Why Poly Fluoro Ltd?
High precision
Tolerance on dimensions to within 20 microns
Fully customizable
Special grades, fillers and, additives to improve properties
Tested to specifications
Special testing fixtures to suit client specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We machine bellows to customer drawings, and our engineering team can assist with modifications. We offer special grades, fillers, and additives depending on the application.
We conduct burst pressure testing, cycle testing, temperature testing, and dimensional inspection in-house before dispatch, on fixtures built to client specification where required. We check bellows for black spots, micro-cracks, and surface irregularities.
PTFE does not corrode or contaminate the process fluid, so it handles chemistry that would attack most metals. It is also non-stick, which limits residue build-up inside the convolutions.
Poly Fluoro bellows are tested to 2,000,000 cycles. Most applications specify between 500,000 and 1,000,000 cycles over the service life, so there is a substantial margin.
They are used in fluid control applications, including pumps, chemical processing systems, and automotive assemblies, where a flexible component must handle aggressive media without corroding or contaminating the line.
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