Fulton Bellows has been successfully utilizing brass in bellows manufacturing for well over a century due to its wide availability, versatility, ease of production, and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for various applications. Brass exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and can be utilized across a diverse range of industries. Its inherent structural integrity ensures the durability and reliability of the bellows over time.
The application potential of brass bellows is extensive, with the material’s maximum recommended operating temperature being approximately 300°F (150°C), making it well-suited for general bellows usage. Additionally, connecting brass bellows to other components is a straightforward process, as it can be easily joined using most soft solders or epoxy compounds, guaranteeing secure and leak-free joints.
Fulton Bellows has integrated phosphor bronze bellows into numerous applications, particularly when enhanced corrosion resistance and stability are required. Phosphor bronze proves to be an excellent choice for bellows utilized in high-volume applications.
Bellows made from phosphor bronze exhibit exceptional wear and fatigue resistance. This allows them to endure repetitive cycles of compression and expansion without compromising their performance or structural integrity. Phosphor bronze exhibits impressive strength and resilience, enabling our bellows to withstand significant mechanical stress and pressure. This property is crucial in applications where the bellows may be subject to frequent movements, vibrations, or external forces. The phosphorus content also enhances its resistance to corrosion, including atmospheric, chemical, and marine environments.
Phosphor bronze retains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for applications where the bellows may be exposed to high heat or extreme temperature variations. This thermal stability ensures that the bellows maintain their functionality and form even in demanding operating conditions.
Phosphor bronze bellows provide a wide variety of joining options. It can be easily connected to mating components using most soft solders or epoxies. Moreover, it allows for joining with certain silver brazing alloys or through welding, as long as meticulous care is taken during either process.
As phosphor bronze retains the electrical conductivity characteristic of copper, bellows made from this material can effectively conduct electrical signals or currents, if required in specific applications. This property makes them suitable for use in electrical connectors, sensors, or other systems where conductivity is essential.
Fulton Bellows relies on beryllium copper for numerous bellows applications that demand exceptional strength, maximum stability, and extended cycle life expectancy. Industries that use beryllium copper in their applications include aerospace, medical, semiconductor, and energy.
Beryllium copper offers exceptional heat treatability that enables precise manipulation of its properties through controlled heating and cooling processes. Recognized for its outstanding performance in applications where utmost stability and longevity are imperative, beryllium copper is widely used in various industries.
Beryllium copper bellows offer easy joining options with most soft solders and epoxies. Additionally, they present an excellent opportunity for using various silver brazing alloys, followed by precipitation hardening heat treatment to maximize the material’s advantageous properties of the alloy.
The maximum recommended operating temperature for beryllium copper is approximately 400°F (204°C). By adhering to this guideline, the material’s performance and longevity can be preserved effectively.
Fulton Bellows effectively employs Monel 400 and 404, which is a copper-nickel alloy, known for its exceptional corrosion resistance surpassing that of brass, bronze, and even beryllium copper. This alloy exhibits remarkable strength and exhibits outstanding resistance to corrosion across a wide spectrum of corrosion in harsh environments environments.
Monel 400 and 404 is highly suitable for applications that involve exposure to acids, alkalis, and other corrosive substances. Its superior resistance to corrosion ensures that it remains structurally sound and reliable throughout its operational lifespan. With a maximum recommended operating temperature of approximately 400°F (204°C), Monel 400/404 maintains its integrity under elevated temperatures, providing stability and reliability in demanding thermal conditions.
An advantage of Monel 400 and 404 is their versatility in joining methods. They can be effectively soldered, brazed, and welded, providing flexibility in the manufacturing process. This allows for the creation of complex bellows structures while maintaining their integrity and functionality.
Fulton Bellows utilizes a range of stainless steel alloys for their bellows manufacturing processes, including types 316, 316L, 321, 347, and A-286. These alloys offer exceptional tensile strength and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for demanding applications where durability and performance are essential.
Along with its strength, stainless steel alloys boast excellent corrosion resistance properties. They are designed to withstand exposure to corrosive elements, including moisture, chemicals, and environmental factors, ensuring prolonged performance and reliability in harsh operating conditions. Another advantage of these alloys is their versatility in joining methods. They can be effectively soldered, brazed, and welded, providing flexibility in the manufacturing process. This allows for the creation of complex bellows structures while maintaining their integrity and functionality.
Fulton Bellows incorporates Inconel 600 and 625, high nickel alloys renowned for their exceptional corrosion resistance, into their manufacturing processes. These alloys offer superior protection against corrosion, making them well-suited for applications in demanding environments where resistance to corrosive elements is crucial.
In addition to their corrosion resistance, Inconel 600 and 625 possess higher tensile strength at elevated temperatures. The alloys’ enhanced tensile strength ensures reliable performance and longevity, even when exposed to high temperatures. It is important to note that Inconel 600 and 625 are not age hardenable alloys. Unlike some other materials, they do not gain additional strength through heat treatment after fabrication.
These alloys offer versatility in terms of joining methods. They can be effectively brazed, arc welded, or laser welded, enabling the creation of complex bellows structures while maintaining their integrity and functionality. This flexibility in fabrication techniques allows for customization and precision in the manufacturing process.
Fulton Bellows effectively incorporates Inconel X-750 and 718, high nickel alloys renowned for their exceptional corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments. These alloys offer excellent protection against corrosion, ensuring the longevity and reliability of bellows products even when exposed to challenging media.
In terms of tensile strength at elevated temperatures, Inconel X-750 and 718 outperform all other bellows materials fabricated by Fulton. These alloys exhibit the highest tensile strength under high temperature conditions, making them ideal for applications that involve extreme thermal environments. Both Inconel X-750 and 718 alloys possess the capability for age hardening which further improves their strength and performance characteristics.
These alloys offer versatility and flexibility and can be effectively brazed, arc welded, or laser welded, providing options for joining methods during the manufacturing process. This versatility allows for precise customization and the creation of complex bellows structures while maintaining their integrity and functionality.