Cars and trucks are, at the core, just very common types of heavy machinery. Most people don't tend to think of them this way because of how common they are in the average person's day compared to most heavy machinery, but in essence, vehicles are just machines. Like any other machines, they can break down or have parts malfunction. For when your vehicle's exhaust flex pipe is causing your car [...]

Between ensuring that you're receiving high-quality metal and knowing that you're getting the right type of joint for your application, it can be difficult to know which expansion joint to get. In order to help you make the right decision for your manufacturing, here are some of the basic types of expansion joints that you should know about.   Single Expansion Joints: Made by attaching fittings to a single bellows, these [...]

Whether you're new to the manufacturing industry or an old pro, there are plenty of technical terms that go along with your daily work, some of which might be unfamiliar. The amount of technical language surrounding manufacturing, specifically metal bellows and expansion joints, can be intimidating if you're not familiar with it. Here are some common terms you might hear when talking about metal bellows on the job.   Axial [...]

So you've determined that you've got a flex pipe exhaust leak, and the flex pipe needs to be replaced. Now what? If you've got the tools and a DIY spirit, you should be able to manage an exhaust flex joint replacement yourself. You'll need welding equipment and a good handle on your car's systems, but replacing this part on your car shouldn't be too difficult. Here's a step-by-step guide on [...]

Making metal bellows can be an incredibly interesting process. There are many steps for metal bellows manufacturing that must be followed properly in order to ensure fully-functional metal bellows that will last at full capacity for the full extent of their lifetime. Read on to learn the basic steps for making metal bellows for your manufacturing processes.   Designing custom bellows: Custom bellows design focuses on twelve important factors: stress [...]

Your vehicle's exhaust system serves a relatively simple purpose. The primary goal of your vehicle's exhaust system is to direct the gasses coming from the combustion chamber to a safe place. It stops the gasses from coming into your cab and causing you serious harm. What the exhaust system does Because the exhaust system pushes the gasses away from you and your windows, it's usually somewhere under the rear bumper. [...]

Exhaust bellows typically come in either single-ply (single expansion joints) or multi-ply bellows. They are used to isolate engine vibration and absorb thermal expansion in the piping at the same time. While these products seem similar, they are actually quite different. Here is a basic breakdown of exhaust bellows vs flex hose and breaking down exhaust bellows into single-ply and multi-ply bellows. Multi-Ply Construction Multi-ply bellows, with their tall [...]

An expansion joint can help relieve stress in piping systems. It also prevents flange gaskets from being crushed. These expansion joints can be made of metal or rubber. Which one is better? Rubber expansion joings Rubber expansion joints are flexible connectors made of either natural or synthetic elastomers and fabric. If necessary, internal metallic reinforcements are used to provide stress relief in the piping systems due to thermal movements and [...]

A flex pipe is a kind of metal bellows. It's a flexible piece of pipe that creates some flexibility within the exhaust system. It basically acts as an exhaust pipe connector. They are typically made out of forged or stainless steel. Forged steel 150# flanges are rated for pressures up to 285 psi at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to ASME B-16.5 flange specifications. The allowable pressure is reduced to 65 [...]

Bellows are used for many industrial applications like power generation, marine life, oil and gas, and more. They are incredibly flexible, yet can withstand high pressures and temperatures. Whether you need metal bellows, stainless steel bellows, standard bellows, or even custom bellows, these tools are extremely versatile. Here are some important terms you need to know about them. Abrasion: The external damage caused by its being rubbed on a foreign [...]