Rectangular bellows

roundPTFEcoated fabric

Product overview
BSTFLEX sewn zippered bellows are custom, removable split protective covers designed to protect machine ways, linear rails, ball/lead screws, actuator rods and other moving components while allowing retrofit installation and quick service access. The accordion-style pleated fabric compresses and expands with travel and shields components from dust, chips, abrasive particles, oil, coolant, grease, sparks and heat.

Key features

• Split or zippered construction for retrofit and maintenance-heavy applications
• Accordion pleat design that follows machine travel
• Available shapes: round, rectangular or custom profiles
• Custom closure systems: heavy-duty zipper, hook-and-loop, snaps or combinations
• Multiple mounting options: collars, flanges, clamps, reinforced ends, mounting plates
• Material choices for standard or elevated-temperature environments

Quick-access zipper construction
The integrated zipper or split design enables the bellows to be opened, wrapped around the component and closed in position, simplifying:

• Initial installation
• Routine inspection
• Lubrication and servicing
• Component replacement and emergency maintenance

Custom closure options
Closure systems selectable per application:

• Heavy-duty zipper closures
• Hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures
• Snap fasteners
• Combination fastening systems
• Fully closed (no split) constructions

Custom dimensions
Each sewn zippered bellows is manufactured to the actual dimensions and stroke of the protected component. Typical parameters include inside/outside dimensions, compressed and extended lengths and required stroke.

Specification / available options
Bellows shape — Round, rectangular or custom
Inside dimensions — Custom
Outside dimensions — Custom
Extended length — Custom
Compressed length — Custom
Stroke — According to machine travel
Closure — Zipper, hook-and-loop, snap or custom
Fabric — Selected for operating environment
Mounting — Collar, flange, clamp or custom
Reinforcement — Optional
Production — Prototype and OEM production

Material options
Material selection depends on contamination type, temperature and mechanical environment. Options include:

• Coated nylon fabric: flexible and abrasion resistant for general industrial protection
• Silicone-coated fiberglass: for higher temperatures and exposure to sparks
• PTFE-coated fiberglass: chemical resistance and low surface adhesion at elevated temperatures
• Aluminized fiberglass: radiant heat protection near furnaces or hot processes
• Custom technical fabrics: developed to match temperature, abrasion, oil/chemical exposure and flexing needs

Mounting options
Custom mounting configurations include:

• Fabric collars
• Clamp-mounted ends
• Reinforced end sections
• Metal mounting flanges
• Grommets
• Custom mounting plates and special fastening arrangements

Typical applications

• Hydraulic machinery and cylinder rod protection
• CNC machine tools, milling machines and ball/lead screw protection
• Linear guide systems and positioning equipment
• Industrial automation, robotics and packaging machinery
• Foundry and metalworking equipment
• Lifting equipment, telescopic mechanisms and special-purpose machines
• Maintenance and retrofit projects requiring retrofit installation

Information required for custom production
Typical information needed to define shape, size and configuration:

• Bellows shape
• Inside diameter or inside width and height
• Maximum allowable outside dimensions
• Fully compressed length
• Fully extended length
• Required stroke
• Zipper/closure position
• Mounting method
• Operating temperature
• Environmental exposure
• Drawing, photograph or existing sample

Technical specifications

• Shapes: round, rectangular or custom
• Closure types: zipper, hook-and-loop, snap, combinations or fully closed
• Materials: coated nylon, silicone-coated fiberglass, PTFE-coated fiberglass, aluminized fiberglass, other technical fabrics
• Mounting: collar, flange, clamp, mounting plate, grommets or custom
• Reinforcement: optional reinforced ends or internal supports
• Production capability: prototype and OEM production for custom dimensions