Air Bellows
Air bellows are the ideal choice for applications requiring short stroke,
high thrust single acting actuators.
Manufactured from fabric reinforced synthetic rubber in one, two or three
convolutions according to stroke and model.They incorporate no
reciprocating metal parts and so provide virtually frictionless thrust compared with conventional pneumatic cylinders.
All models are single acting only. The return stroke is provided in part by
the natural spring action of the bellows but more usually by the load itself.
The simplicity of construction provides an extremely long,virtually
maintenance-free service life even under arduous conditions.
Air bellows are suitable for vibration applications i.e. device feeders at
high frequency.
Versions
Air bellows are available with aluminium or steel end plates and support
rings depending upon type
Operation
Due to their flexible construction the mounting of Air Bellows is less
critical than with conventional pneumatic cylinders, which normally require
rigid fixing and guidance and provide only one axis within a limit of 15°
between faces. Additionally the axial location of the end plates may be off set by up to 10 mm.
When pressurised Air Bellows will follow the line of leased resistance.
Accordingly care must be taken with the mounting geometry in angled
applications.
When depressurised Air Bellows will fit in to surprisingly small spaces,
especially useful for clamping or moving awkwardly shaped or very heavy
loads.
In operation it is recommended that the unit is not allowed to "bottom out" or achieve its maximum height. Various mechanical devices may be
employed to achieve this.