Construction machinery faces extreme stress from weight, movement, and mechanical loads. Air bellows in construction provide vital flexibility and force control. These components handle uneven loading, impact absorption, and height stability in compact and rugged formats. Made from reinforced elastomer layers, each bellow includes inner plies, outer rubber covers, and steel-reinforced beads for pressure sealing. Our bellows handle pressures up to 12 bar, making them suitable for heavy construction forces. Angular movements up to 25° and lateral misalignment up to 30 mm offer installation flexibility. Heights begin at 50 mm, with stroke lengths reaching 452 mm. Load capacities range from 2.4 kN to 450 kN, depending on convolution type and size. The low natural frequency—as low as 1.21 Hz—ensures excellent vibration isolation. End closures use galvanized or stainless steel, resisting corrosion in harsh environments. These technical specifications ensure high reliability and minimal downtime for critical structures in heavy-duty construction applications.
Why construction systems rely on air bellows
Construction systems demand components that absorb force, tolerate pressure, and adjust height under shifting conditions. Air bellows in construction satisfy all these requirements. The rubber composite structure includes internal fabric reinforcements, external covers, and vulcanized steel ends. Operating temperature ranges from -40 °C to +115 °C, depending on the elastomer. Bellows maintain stable performance across temperature, load, and pressure changes. Their ability to self-adjust under stress prevents frame cracking and assembly misalignment. Each unit operates silently and without internal sliding parts. Misalignments of up to 30 mm are tolerated without damaging mounting brackets. The angular movement compensates for uneven ground or misaligned machine frames. Force remains evenly distributed across surfaces, avoiding concentrated wear. Construction operators value these features for increasing system uptime and reducing repair cycles. Whether supporting a platform or stabilizing vertical loads, Tevema bellows deliver durable, adaptable motion control without lubrication or intensive service. This makes them ideal for modern structural equipment environments.
How air bellows manage dynamic force transmission
Dynamic force transmission occurs in all construction machines. Whether lifting, pressing, or balancing loads, systems must handle these movements safely. Air bellows in construction convert kinetic input into stable mechanical resistance. Their flexible chambers expand and contract predictably under air pressure, controlling force transmission and stroke. The bellow’s convolution geometry provides natural damping, reducing vibration and mechanical shock. Single convolution types offer precise motion control with short strokes and quick response. Double convolution types offer greater travel, reaching up to 215 mm strokes under pressure. Triple convolution bellows maximize stroke and flexibility for demanding applications. At 7 bar, they achieve up to 450 kN in load support. Stroke movement remains smooth and consistent, with pressure increasing force proportionally. Their flexibility also absorbs directional changes in force. This protects mounting brackets, joints, and welded frames. As a result, our bellows prevent damage and maintain long-term mechanical stability during constant operation in harsh work environments.
Using air bellows to isolate vibration in machines
Vibration is a destructive force in construction systems. It accelerates material fatigue, loosens bolts, and reduces operator comfort. Air bellows in construction serve as vibration isolators, using their unique design to neutralize oscillation. With natural frequencies as low as 1.21 Hz, our bellows isolate up to 99% of structural vibration. This improves both equipment lifespan and structural integrity. Each bellow contains internal plies, which absorb mechanical waves through elastic deformation. Larger sizes with triple convolutions isolate broad frequency bands, ideal for heavy vibratory systems. Smaller bellows manage localized vibration on control arms or leveling plates. The rubber materials also contribute, as they dampen high-frequency noise and resonance. The result is quieter, smoother operation even under continuous use. Their resistance to dynamic fatigue ensures consistent isolation over millions of cycles. This prevents wear on key assemblies, bearings, and frames. Operators benefit from more stable control, improved safety, and reduced maintenance across vibration-prone construction applications.
Material resistance to harsh environments
Construction sites are unpredictable environments. Machines encounter dust, moisture, chemicals, and temperature shifts. Air bellows in construction are designed to perform in these challenging conditions. Each bellow is made from advanced elastomer compounds like NBR, EPDM, and Chlorobutyl, selected based on environmental resistance. NBR handles oils and fuels; EPDM resists ozone, heat, and outdoor exposure. Chlorobutyl resists chemical attack, ideal for environments with acid or solvent exposure. The steel components use electro-galvanized coatings or stainless alloys like AISI-304 or AISI-316L. These materials resist corrosion, even under continuous water or chemical contact. End closures are sealed using mechanical crimping or bolted bead rings, providing strength and security. Air inlets are located in protected positions, often with filters to prevent contamination. Operating temperatures range from -40 °C to +115 °C depending on the chosen rubber compound. This makes Tevema bellows suitable for year-round use in wet, dusty, or chemical-laden construction environments without losing performance.
Reliable pressure control and force capacity
Construction processes depend on controlled force delivery. Load handling must be consistent and predictable. Air bellows in construction provide adjustable force through internal air pressure. Most bellows operate safely at 8 bar, with four-ply versions tolerating up to 12 bar. This allows engineers to fine-tune stroke and force for every application. Load capacities range from 2.4 kN to 450 kN, depending on model size and number of convolutions. Larger diameters produce higher force values at equivalent pressures. Bellows maintain linear performance through the stroke range, eliminating jerks or stalls. Air is delivered through BSP or NPT threaded inlets, available in G1/4″, G3/8″, or G3/4″ sizes. Pressure can be regulated through standard control valves or automated systems. This enables active height control and load adjustment during operation. Stroke lengths are defined by convolution design, with triple convolution units offering maximum travel. These features deliver force reliability in critical systems that cannot tolerate mechanical performance variation.
Installation flexibility across structural designs
Mounting options are essential for integration into construction equipment. Air bellows in construction support several installation types to suit different machine designs. We offer crimped, bead ring, and dismountable variants to match structural needs. Crimped types provide compact, sealed assemblies with internal blind nuts for fixation. Bead ring types use socket head, countersunk, or threaded fasteners for direct mounting. Dismountable designs allow for service access, especially when replacement is frequent. Stud layouts follow common industry patterns, such as M8, M10, and custom bolt circles. Air inlet placement allows top-plate or side-port installation. Minimum installed heights begin at 50 mm, allowing compact configurations. Our bellows fit within tight assemblies, such as telescoping arms or compact lifting frames. Customization options include stainless end closures, aluminum base plates, or longer bolt patterns. Each unit is pressure-tested and dimensionally verified before shipment. This ensures easy installation without requiring custom adapters, machining, or structural modification during integration.
Lower maintenance needs and extended lifecycle
Maintenance costs reduce profitability. Frequent part replacement and lubrication require time and labor. Air bellows in construction solve these issues through their maintenance-free design. No sliding parts exist inside the bellow, which eliminates lubrication needs. All movement occurs through pressurized expansion and contraction of rubber elements. The rubber plies resist fatigue cracking and delamination over millions of cycles. Sealing surfaces stay tight over time, avoiding pressure leaks. Stainless steel closures resist corrosion from water and cleaning agents. Operators benefit from consistent stroke without sticking, slipping, or leaking. Because motion is smooth, surrounding components last longer. Bellows also handle misalignment passively, reducing strain on fasteners and welds. Regular inspections are minimal—usually limited to checking for cuts or cracks. No lubrication schedules or hydraulic fluid replacements are needed. Their performance remains stable in temperature extremes. Over the product’s lifetime, these properties lead to lower downtime, fewer service calls, and more consistent construction system performance.
Customization for specialized machinery
Construction machinery varies widely. Each application has different stroke, force, and dimensional requirements. Air bellows in construction are available in multiple sizes and configurations. Bellows range from 80 mm to 950 mm in external diameter. Convolutions are available in single, double, or triple formats. These affect stroke range, travel speed, and vibration damping ability. Force capacity scales with size and ply count. Larger models with more plies resist higher loads and greater pressure. End closures can be customized with stainless or aluminum materials. Mounting patterns and bolt configurations can match machine interfaces. Air inlets can be repositioned or resized for custom piping. Elastomer selection depends on operating conditions—NBR for oil, EPDM for ozone, Chlorobutyl for chemicals. We assist engineers with stroke-force calculations, pressure simulations, and vibration modeling. Each bellow is configured to the mechanical environment it will face. This ensures optimized force delivery, isolation, and movement in every construction application requiring technical precision.
Advantages over conventional actuators
Conventional actuators are common but flawed. Hydraulic cylinders require seals, lubrication, and regular maintenance. Air bellows in construction avoid these problems through simpler design. No pistons, seals, or rods are used. All motion is powered by internal air pressure deforming the elastomer body. This eliminates leaks, friction, and sticking. Bellows also tolerate angular misalignment and offset loads. Their low natural frequency prevents vibration resonance. Force is evenly distributed, reducing wear on mounting structures. Bellows weigh less than steel cylinders, improving fuel efficiency and simplifying handling. Installation is easier—just bolt them in place and connect air. Air bellows are quiet, smooth, and fast-responding. They also cost less over time, due to reduced servicing and replacement. Where maintenance access is limited, this becomes a major advantage. Our bellows match or exceed hydraulic performance in many applications. Their ability to isolate vibration, control stroke, and resist environmental damage makes them a better choice in modern systems.