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How air bellows are used in the customisation of heavy trucks

Customisation of heavy trucks demands components that offer both flexibility and performance consistency. At Tevema, we understand how crucial it is to integrate reliable actuation and isolation systems. Our air bellows provide an adaptable solution for custom builds requiring compact installation, vibration damping, and height control. Instead of relying on rigid mechanical parts, integrating air bellows into systems enables tailored movement, load distribution, and component alignment. Our air bellows are developed for extreme durability and perform under varied operational loads. They deliver unmatched isolation efficiency, achieving more than 99% vibration reduction. This ensures smoother equipment operation and longer system integrity. With diameters ranging from 80 mm to 950 mm and design heights from 50 mm to 345 mm, they suit diverse customisation needs. Available with different port types and mounting threads, they integrate smoothly into most configurations. Tevema supports customisation with reliable, precision-engineered air spring solutions that ensure long-term operational success.

Durability through advanced elastomer compounds

In truck customisation, durability is paramount. Our air bellows use various elastomer compounds, ensuring high resistance to temperature, weather, and chemicals. These include natural rubber, chlorobutyl, nitrile, EPDM, and chloroprene. Each compound offers distinct advantages for specific environments. Natural rubber offers high dynamic capability for standard tasks. Chlorobutyl provides outstanding acid resistance. Nitrile is effective in oil-rich or outdoor settings. EPDM resists high temperatures and ozone. Chloroprene delivers balanced weathering and oil resistance. The rubber elements are reinforced with multiple fabric plies to enhance structural integrity. Our four-ply reinforced bellows operate safely up to 12 bar. This allows for increased force transmission in demanding applications. The materials meet a wide temperature range from -40°C to +115°C. These specifications make our air bellows suitable for many challenging industrial setups. Tevema’s focus on material excellence ensures reliable, long-lasting performance across all custom builds involving air actuation and vibration isolation.

Custom height and force regulation for precision control

Height regulation is critical for component stability and function. Tevema’s air bellows maintain a uniform operating height under changing loads. Operators can adjust air pressure between 1 to 12 bar for fine-tuned positioning. Our designs accommodate strokes from 20 mm up to 400 mm depending on configuration. Bellows with low design heights of 50 mm ensure integration into compact systems. Force outputs vary by diameter and pressure, reaching values above 400 kN in high-capacity setups. These features help maintain structural alignment, even under heavy-duty oscillation. Each model includes top and bottom closure configurations supporting threaded holes or stud bolts. Tevema air bellows have natural frequencies from 1.2 Hz to 3.9 Hz. This stability allows precise motion control without compromising on mechanical consistency. In custom builds that involve variable loads and dynamic forces, our air bellows ensure reliable performance. They provide repeatable height control and consistent force, improving mechanical safety across different heavy-duty systems.

Vibration isolation extends equipment lifespan

Vibration contributes to premature equipment failure. Our air bellows are built to provide superior vibration isolation. With natural frequencies as low as 1.2 Hz, they reduce mechanical fatigue and improve component longevity. Depending on size and convolution type, vertical static stiffness ranges between 0.6 and 70 N/mm. These values result in better energy absorption and system damping. Tevema air bellows have proven to reduce unwanted vibration by more than 99%. This leads to reduced wear and tear and lowers maintenance needs. Their reinforced rubber structure absorbs sudden impacts, protecting sensitive parts during dynamic loading. Metallic end closures are available in standard steel, aluminium, or AISI-304 stainless steel for enhanced environmental resistance. These features collectively reduce structural degradation and increase operational uptime. By integrating our air bellows into sensitive systems, engineers improve performance consistency. Fewer breakdowns mean fewer unplanned stops. This results in lower lifecycle costs and better system reliability in rugged industrial environments.

Enhanced flexibility in actuator design

Standard actuators have limits when it comes to misalignment or angular travel. Tevema’s air bellows accommodate lateral misalignments up to 30 mm. They also handle angular tilts up to 25°. These characteristics reduce installation constraints and increase design freedom. Our bellows avoid the stick-slip motion seen in conventional cylinders. This creates smoother motion and better response during operations. With stroke lengths from 20 mm to over 300 mm, they fit short and extended movement ranges. Their compact design height, some as low as 50 mm, makes them ideal for tight installations. Closing mechanisms include crimped, bead ring, and dismountable options to suit different assembly methods. The air inlet configurations include BSP threads for standard integration. All models operate silently, further reducing system noise. These features make our air bellows ideal for precision tasks. They also simplify the design and installation process without requiring complex guide systems or mounting corrections.

Cost-effective long-term performance

Tevema’s air bellows offer long-term cost efficiency. Unlike traditional cylinders, they contain no sliding seals or lubrication points. This makes them nearly maintenance-free and reduces operating costs. The bellows are vulcanised as a sealed unit, with no internal moving parts. This structure limits wear and contamination, even in dusty or humid environments. Our bellows operate across a pressure range of up to 12 bar, depending on construction type. The absence of seals avoids fluid leaks, improving reliability. Our designs are modular, using crimped or detachable end closures. This enables straightforward replacement without full disassembly. Threaded bolt connections and multiple port sizes ease installation. These specifications reduce repair times and associated costs. High-performance materials also extend product life, lowering replacement frequency. With fewer system interruptions, our air bellows help maintain continuous operations. They combine low upfront investment with significant operational savings over time, making them ideal for custom industrial builds.

Supporting various load capacities and installation methods

Tevema’s air bellows meet a wide range of performance demands. Our products support loads from 0.5 kN up to 450 kN. This makes them suitable for systems with both static and dynamic force requirements. Available in single, double, and triple convolutions, they offer different stroke lengths and deflection profiles. Maximum strokes range from 20 mm to 375 mm depending on model type. Our bellows come with mounting plates offering M6, M8, or M10 bolt patterns. This allows secure attachment to structural components. Air inlet ports are designed for G1/4”, G3/8”, or G1/2” connections, simplifying integration. Closure types include crimped ends, bead ring attachments, and dismountable plate systems. Each model supports specific natural frequencies between 1.2 and 4 Hz. Metallic parts can be supplied in corrosion-resistant AISI-304 stainless steel. These specifications provide versatility for complex setups. With these variations, Tevema enables precise adaptation in systems where mechanical demands vary greatly.

Technical consistency across global standards

Tevema’s air bellows conform to widely accepted technical standards. This ensures compatibility with multi-vendor systems and simplifies cross-referencing. All bellows include standardised port dimensions and thread placements. These features help facilitate system upgrades or replacements without extensive modifications. Thread types comply with BSP industry norms and ensure tight, reliable air connections. Our designs are interchangeable with global series using the same interface geometry. Natural frequencies remain consistent across load ranges, supporting accurate system modelling. Stroke ranges, mounting dimensions, and force ratings are published clearly for each model. This enables fast and informed selection during the design phase. Our documentation follows ISO handling and storage recommendations. Rubber parts are protected during storage against heat, ozone, and UV exposure. This prevents premature aging and guarantees readiness for future use. These details offer peace of mind when planning long-term projects. They also support design efficiency through reliable, globally compliant specifications.

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