Bellows and Bellows Assemblies Testing at Alloy

When it comes to producing high-quality metal bellows and bellows assemblies, rigorous testing is crucial to ensure reliability and performance. At Alloy Precision Technologies, we understand that these components play vital roles in numerous critical systems—from aerospace to energy —where safety and precision are non-negotiable. That’s why we’ve implemented a comprehensive suite of test equipment to verify the strength, integrity, and durability of our bellows. Thus, ensuring that our customers can trust their components to perform under pressure, time after time.

Spring Rate Testing: Balancing Precision and Performance

Spring rate is an essential characteristic for bellows, as it directly affects the bellows responsiveness and efficiency. Our spring rate testing accurately measures the force required to compress or extend the bellows, while providing precise data to ensure our bellows conformance and consistency during operation.

Fatigue Cycle Testing: Built to Last

Metal bellows are often subjected to repetitive motion, so they must be capable of withstanding fatigue over time. Our fatigue cycle testing simulates the repetitive stresses bellows face in real-world applications. By subjecting our bellows to thousands—even millions—of cycles, we can ensure they have the durability needed for long-term reliability, in the most demanding conditions.

Altitude Testing: Performance Under Extreme Conditions

For aerospace applications, altitude testing is key when required. This ensures that our bellows assemblies perform safely in the challenging conditions they may encounter at high altitudes. Our bellows undergo rigorous altitude testing to simulate high-altitude environments helping us verify their structural integrity and functionality in low-pressure scenarios.

X-Ray and Radiographic Testing: Seeing Beyond the Surface

When required, to guarantee the quality of our bellows, we perform X-ray film and computer radiography tests to inspect for defects. These advanced imaging techniques help us see beyond the surface, ensuring that each bellows is free of hidden flaws that could compromise performance in critical applications.

Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI)

Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection is another vital part of our testing regimen. By applying a fluorescent dye to the surface of a weld, we can detect any minute surface cracks that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Pressure Tests, Nitrogen Bubble Testing, Helium Bomb Testing, and Helium Leak Test

Our pressure tests simulate the working conditions that bellows might face, ensuring they can withstand high-pressure environments. Nitrogen bubble testing is another effective method for detecting leaks, with any defects immediately visible as bubbles form. Helium bomb testing further verifies the integrity of our bellows assemblies, identifying even the smallest potential leaks. In addition, our helium leak testing process ensures that the bellows are airtight, with a sensitivity to detect a leak of up to 1×10⁻⁹ atm-cc/sec, confirming that our bellows assemblies can maintain their pressure integrity in the most demanding environments. Helium leak test and pressure tests are performed on 100% of our assembly welds.

Optical Laser Technology: Precision Inspections

To round off our comprehensive testing approach, we employ the advanced Optical Laser Scanner inspect our bellows. This cutting-edge technology combines optical and tactile measurements to ensure precise and detailed inspections of bellows for visual and dimensional defects. By utilizing Optical Laser Scanner capabilities, we ensure that our bellows and bellows assemblies meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

At Alloy Precision Technologies, we’re committed to providing metal bellows and bellows assemblies that are not only high-performing but also highly reliable. With a battery of tests designed to confirm the durability, integrity, and precision of every component, our bellows assemblies are built to withstand the toughest conditions. Whether it’s for aerospace, oil and gas, or industrial applications, you can trust that our rigorous testing standards ensure every bellows meets the expectations of safety, reliability, and precision.

Learn more about our Bellows and Bellows Assemblies here: https://alloyprecisiontech.com/manufacturing-quality-products-and-components-since-1935/bellows-and-bellows-assemblies-2/