In our pursuit of advanced automation, air bellows present a transformative opportunity for collaborative robots (cobots). These actuators combine flexibility, durability, and precision to offer consistent motion control in dynamic environments. With increasingly compact workspaces and sensitive human-machine interactions, air bellows provide vibration isolation, height control, and low-maintenance operation critical to cobot performance. Their compact installation height and angular movement capability enable seamless integration into constrained mechanical systems. With diameters from 80 mm to 950 mm and strokes up to 400 mm, our bellows meet diverse design needs. The maximum working pressure for standard models is 8 bar, while high-strength four-ply constructions handle up to 12 bar. Frequencies down to 1.2 Hz allow for superior vibration damping in sensitive environments. These specifications make air bellows particularly suitable for applications demanding quiet, accurate, and consistent force output across varied operational conditions.
Flexibility and uniformity in dynamic cobot tasks
Air bellows excel in cyclical movements, adapting instantly to shifting positions without compromising control. The inherent elasticity of multi-convoluted designs offers uniform displacement, essential for cobots tasked with delicate assembly or repetitive manipulation. This flexibility, matched with precise air pressure modulation, supports accurate height and force regulation. In comparison to rigid cylinders, air bellows reduce the risk of mechanical failure due to misalignment or impact shocks. Our triple convolution models allow stroke lengths up to 375 mm, offering reliable response during wide-range actuation. These units handle forces exceeding 400 kN while maintaining structural integrity. The materials used, such as EPDM and nitrile, support temperature ranges up to 115 °C. These configurations function under compressed air, nitrogen, or light oil conditions, enhancing adaptability. The absence of sliding seals results in maintenance-free performance, reducing downtime and operational cost. Their low-friction movement further eliminates stick-slip effects, critical for smooth cobot interaction.
High-load handling and compact integration
Modern cobot systems require components that are both powerful and compact. Our air bellows can handle forces up to 450 kN within a footprint as small as 50 mm in height. This makes them ideal for robotic arms mounted on vertical rails, where compactness, strength, and flexibility converge. Our D and F Series feature galvanized steel, aluminum, or AISI-304 stainless steel options, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance in demanding settings. The wide range of available diameters—80 mm to 950 mm—allows precise selection based on load requirements and workspace constraints. Combined with threaded or dismountable bead rings, the installation adapts to existing machine designs. These features make it easy to retrofit air bellows into cobot platforms without requiring complete redesigns. Our bellows also support tilting up to 25°, absorbing angular motion that would otherwise require complex mechanical compensation. The modularity of the bellow design, whether single, double, or triple convoluted, allows engineers to optimize cobot integration.
Durability in variable environmental conditions
Our air bellows are designed for resilience. The internal reinforcement plies, bonded between high-grade elastomers, result in long service life and resistance to environmental stress. Unlike traditional actuators, our bellows do not rely on mechanical seals that degrade over time. This ensures prolonged performance in dusty, humid, or chemically aggressive environments. The outer rubber layer acts as a barrier against UV, ozone, and abrasive media. Stainless steel fittings, when paired with nitrile or EPDM rubber, are especially effective in industrial zones with exposure to oils, fuels, or outdoor weathering. This feature is essential in collaborative robotic systems used in multi-shift operations, where exposure to heat, moisture, and vibration is continuous. Our products retain isolation properties exceeding 99% throughout their operational life, protecting sensitive electronics and mechanical joints. The rubber compounds resist temperatures from -40 °C up to 115 °C, depending on the elastomer type. This capability ensures uninterrupted performance across varying working environments.
Versatile configurations and mounting options
Cobot applications demand adaptable components. Our air bellows offer various mounting styles, including crimped, bead ring, and dismountable designs, compatible with diverse machine interfaces. These configurations ensure precise alignment and secure attachment without complex adapters. For applications requiring rapid exchange or prototyping, dismountable units reduce downtime significantly. Galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel options accommodate different levels of corrosion resistance, mechanical demands, and hygienic requirements. The inclusion of blind nuts, threaded holes, and air inlets in various thread sizes allows smooth integration with air supply systems. We offer connections such as G1/4”, G3/8”, and G3/4”, suitable for standard industrial setups. Furthermore, the height control feature of our bellows ensures consistent actuation even with load variations. This enables cobots to maintain precise positions during complex operations. Our catalog includes sizes with natural frequencies as low as 1.2 Hz, perfect for systems that require ultra-low vibration and noise insulation. Engineering support is available for custom sizing and mounting compatibility.
Cost-effective and maintenance-free operation
Over time, actuators can become a significant cost center due to wear and regular servicing. Our air bellows, free of sliding seals, reduce this need entirely. This maintenance-free operation makes them ideal for cobots in production cells, where system uptime is paramount. Their robust construction, combined with elastomers tailored to the application, results in minimal degradation over time. With static deflection tolerances as low as 1.5 mm and efficient load recovery, the bellows outperform traditional piston or diaphragm alternatives. The initial investment for air bellows is lower than that of many hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, and the installation requires fewer parts. This lowers both upfront and long-term costs. Moreover, their uniform movements reduce part wear in surrounding components, improving the longevity of the entire cobot system. We also offer customizable bellows with specific convolution numbers, stroke lengths, and end-closure types, providing tailored solutions that match your budget and technical requirements.
Helping collaborative robotics move forward
Incorporating air bellows into collaborative robots aligns with industry trends that favor safe, quiet, and reliable actuation systems. Their ability to absorb vibration, compensate misalignment, and support high loads without complex mechanisms allows manufacturers to meet strict performance requirements. With our product range, engineers gain access to actuators that merge efficiency, durability, and versatility, all within a compact package. With axial force capacities from 2.4 kN to over 400 kN and diameters tailored to workspace needs, our bellows deliver predictable, repeatable performance. Internal rubber plies and metallic closures conform to ISO 2230 for elastomer storage and aging. As cobots continue to redefine how automation interacts with human labor, our air bellows help drive the transition forward. Their technical advantages support smoother interaction, increased precision, and higher uptime. Whether in assembly, inspection, or light material handling, we offer the engineering reliability needed to support advanced collaborative applications.