The bellow forming plat is typically made from high-strength steel to withstand the high pressures involved in the hydroforming process.
The plat's inner surface is precisely machined to create the desired shape and size of the exhaust bellow corrugations. These corrugations allow for flexibility and vibration absorption in the exhaust system.
Benefits of using bellows in automotive exhaust systems:
Flexibility: Bellows allow for movement between the engine and the exhaust pipe, which helps to reduce stress on the exhaust system and prevent cracking.
Vibration Absorption: The corrugations in the bellow absorb vibrations from the engine, leading to a quieter exhaust system.
Heat Resistance: Bellows can withstand the high temperatures of exhaust gases.
Types of Bellow Forming Plats:
There can be different types of bellow forming plats depending on the specific design of the exhaust bellow:
Single bellow plat: This type of plat forms a single bellow in one operation.
Multi-bellow plat: This type of plat can form multiple bellows simultaneously, increasing production efficiency.
Custom bellow plats: These can be designed for unique bellow shapes required for specific exhaust systems.
Additional Considerations:
Bellow forming plats are just one component in a larger bellow forming machine system. Other elements include the hydraulic pump, control system, and other tooling.
Manufacturers of hydroforming machines often provide a range of bellow forming plats for various exhaust bellow designs.
By using bellow forming plats in conjunction with hydroforming machines, manufacturers can efficiently produce high-quality metallic bellows for automotive exhaust systems, contributing to better performance and durability.
