The convolution profile
Convolution count, pitch, depth and root and crest geometry define the repeated contour. Required wall thickness belongs with those dimensions.
Plastic bellows machined from solid stock
Custom convolutions, wall sections and end features to your specifications.
CDS machines plastic bellows from drawings or existing samples, from a single prototype through production quantities. Provide the part geometry and specified material for a new component, replacement or repeat order.
Photography plannedMachined bellows · full profile
Convolutions, wall thickness and end connections
A machined bellows has a thin, convoluted wall between its ends. The customer drawing specifies the complete profile and dimensions that CDS machines from solid stock.
- Convolutions follow the specified count, pitch and wall profile.
- End features have separately defined dimensions and attachments.
- Length uses the part state identified on the drawing.
Conceptual axial section of one bellows. The drawing supplies the complete dimensions and wall geometry; the sketch does not show a working stroke or predict movement.
Part length and diameters
Inside and outside diameters and the dimensioned length establish the component. Identify the part state used for each length callout on the drawing.
End features
Specify flanges, threads, holes and other attachment features, including their tolerances. Identify any separate mounts or hardware when confirming supply scope.
Bellows machining range
- Inside diameter
- 0.5 through 12 inches
- Convolution count
- 1 through 20-plus
- Wall thickness
- 0.030 through 0.250 inch
CDS confirms your specified combination of dimensions and material. These machining ranges do not establish a pressure, movement, fatigue or leak rating.
Photography plannedConvolution and end connection · detail
Machining from solid stock
CDS removes material to produce the specified wall and convolutions. Machining access and the amount of material removal are part of confirming the manufacturing scope.
The quoted component is a machined plastic bellows. Identify separate mounts or other assembly items as separate supply requirements.
Documenting an existing bellows
An existing bellows can start a replacement request when the drawing is unavailable. Previous prints and part records help identify the required component.
Intact convolutions and end features
Reverse engineering documents the remaining geometry for manufacture. Mark cracked, collapsed, stretched or repaired sections that may no longer show the original dimensions.
Provide known dimensions and any unworn spare. Original length, wall geometry and unknown material requirements need clarification where the sample no longer establishes them.
Revisions and repeat orders
Supply the updated drawing for customer-specified changes. For repeat quantities, identify the current part number, revision and previous CDS order reference.
The material specified for your bellows
Bellows inquiries can include the material families below. CDS confirms the exact grade, availability and machining scope for the specified component.
- PTFE
- PEEK
- Nylon 6/6
- Acetal
- Polypropylene
- PVDF
- UHMW-PE
Exact grades and replacement records
Provide the complete material callout, including any controlled brand, filler or permitted substitution. Existing material records help identify replacement requirements.
Include any material, inspection or other documents required with the part. The material family alone does not establish the finished bellows' operating limits.
Related material information: PTFE machining and PEEK machining.
Request a machined-bellows quote
Send a drawing, specification, dimensioned sketch or details of an available sample. Identify the machined component and required revision.
Part geometry
Diameters, dimensioned length and part state, convolution profile, wall thickness and end features. Include required tolerances, finish and reliable sample dimensions.
Material and supply
Exact plastic grade, brand or filler, permitted substitutions and required documents. Identify separate mounts or hardware to be quoted.
Order details
Prototype, replacement or production request, quantity tiers, repeat needs, requested timing and previous CDS order reference, if available.
Contact CDS before arranging to send a physical bellows.
Start with a bellows sample