Round bellows BSTFLEX

PTFEcoated fabricaluminized fiberglass fabric

Product overview
BSTFLEX sewn wire-supported bellows are custom flexible protective covers engineered for large-diameter, long-stroke and demanding industrial applications. An internal wire support framework maintains convolution shape during extension and compression, reducing fabric sag and ensuring stable operation under repeated movement.

Typical uses
These wire-reinforced fabric bellows protect hydraulic cylinders, shafts, actuators, telescoping mechanisms and other moving components from dust, metal chips, abrasion, oil, coolant, sparks and radiant heat.

Customization options
Each bellows can be tailored for inside diameter, outside diameter, compressed length, extended length, stroke, wire spacing, fabric selection and mounting configuration. Common fabric options include coated nylon, silicone-coated fiberglass, PTFE-coated fiberglass, aluminized fiberglass and other high-temperature technical fabrics.

Wire-supported construction
The internal wire framework shapes and stabilizes each convolution. Key advantages include:

• Improved dimensional stability
• Enhanced support for large-diameter assemblies
• Reduced fabric collapse or sagging
• Suitable for long travel and extended lengths
• Efficient compressed-to-extended length ratio
• Flexible custom geometry
• Compatible with high-temperature technical fabrics

Large-diameter and long-stroke performance
The wire-supported design prevents sagging, uneven folding, twisting and contact with moving parts, making it suitable for large hydraulic cylinders, vertical actuators, lifting mechanisms, telescoping systems, industrial presses and heavy machinery.

Material options
Material selection depends on operating temperature, abrasion, oil and chemical exposure. Typical choices:

• Coated nylon — flexibility and abrasion resistance for general industrial protection
• Silicone-coated fiberglass — recommended for elevated temperatures and spark exposure
• PTFE-coated fiberglass — chemical and temperature resistance with low surface adhesion
• Aluminized fiberglass — radiant heat reflection near furnaces and hot equipment
• High-temperature technical fabrics — for severe heat and hot particle exposure

High-temperature suitability
Wire support preserves bellows geometry when using heat-resistant fabrics that cannot form rigid, self-supporting accordion structures. Fabric, sewing thread, support wire and mounting hardware should be selected to match radiant heat, welding sparks, hot particles and process conditions.

Machine protection (contaminants)
Designed to shield moving components from:

• Dust
• Metal chips and grinding debris
• Abrasive particles
• Oil and grease
• Coolant
• Sparks and radiant heat
• Environmental contamination

Typical protected components

• Hydraulic cylinder rods
• Shafts and spindles
• Actuators and lead screws
• Ball screws and linear rails
• Telescoping mechanisms and large machine components

Mounting options
Available end and mounting configurations include fabric collars, clamp-mounted ends, reinforced mounting sections, metal flanges, grommets, mounting plates and custom fastening systems. Split or zippered constructions are available for equipment that cannot be disassembled.

Information used for custom production
Data typically required to design and quote custom bellows:

• Inside diameter
• Maximum outside diameter
• Fully compressed length
• Fully extended length
• Required stroke
• Mounting dimensions
• Installation orientation
• Operating temperature
• Environmental exposure
• Movement frequency
• Drawing or equipment photograph

Technical specifications

• Bellows type: Sewn wire-supported bellows
• Shape: Round / cylindrical
• Inside diameter: Custom
• Outside diameter: Custom
• Extended length: Custom
• Compressed length: Custom
• Stroke: According to application
• Wire support: Custom diameter and spacing
• Fabric material: According to environment (coated nylon, silicone/PTFE/aluminized fiberglass, etc.)
• End construction: Collar, flange, clamp or custom
• Closure: Closed, zipper, hook-and-loop or custom
• Production: Prototype and OEM quantities