Modular Rod Bellows Protect Cylinders

When dirt, grit, metal chips, water, and other potential contaminants impinge on exposed piston rods of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, these contaminants not only shorten the life of rod seals, but can also compromise the integrity of the rod’s surface finish. On top of that, the contaminants may work their way into hydraulic fluid and cause problems throughout the system.

For almost all applications where these conditions may exist, installing a protective rod bellows can make a big difference in rod and seal life. Problem is, piston rod bellows are generally either custom-made or available in only a few standard sizes.

Barbieri Rubber presents a practical alternative with a line of modular rod bellows. The components—end connectors, bellows sections, and intermediate connectors—come in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate the most common rod diameters and nearly unlimited strokes.

Installation of the modular components is straightforward. Select the proper diameter of the connector cap and secure it to the rod end of the cylinder. Next, select the matching diameter of boot and secure it to the connector. Finally, select an end connector, attaching it to the rod end and bellows. For long strokes, an intermediate connector joins two lengths of bellows together. Two, three, or more bellows can be joined for longer rods and strokes.

The modules come in three connector collar sizes and bellows with lengths from 2.56 in. retracted to 15.75 in. extended. When combining two, three, or more bellows, lengths can extend to more than 45 in. End-cap connectors accommodate three ranges of inner diameters: 0.39 to 2.36 in., 0.39 to 3.15 in., and 118 to 4.57 in.

For more information, call Barbieri Rubber SrL, Reggio Emilia, Italy, at +39 0522-550-433, email [email protected], or visit www.rubberbellowsstore.com.