Silicone weighing bellows act as a flexible buffer, absorbing force from movement to preserve accuracy of results. This decoupling property also reduces stress downstream in the system and improves equipment longevity.
Filcoflex silicone weighing bellows come in multiple variations.
Loss-in-Weight Feeders are used to accurately dose or weight bulk powders into specific flow rates or batches. The feeding device with a hopper containing the product to be fed is suspended on weighing/load cells or a platform scale. Once the product is released from the hopper, the weighing equipment sends signals that are sampled over brief intervals to calculate the weight loss per unit time.
To maintain the accuracy of results, Filcoflex silicone weighing bellows are incorporated in the feeder system to minimize the effect of vibration on the weighing equipment. In both the classic single arch and asymmetrical conical shape, silicone bellows serve as a buffer that absorbs force from lateral and axial movements. This reduces stress downstream in the system and improves equipment longevity.
Translucent Filcoflex silicone weighing bellows are ATEX compliant for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX is a European Union directive that sets safety standards for equipment and workplaces with explosive hazards.
Silicone Weighing Bellows White and Asymmetrical Conical White are both made from compression-molded translucent Shore A 60° silicone and can be used in ATEX zones 20, 21, and 22 when product height is less than 100mm.
On the other hand, Silicone Weighing Bellows Antistatic Black can be used in ATEX zones 0,1,2 ,20 ,21, and 22 due to its antistatic properties.
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Compression Molding
Filcoflex silicone weighing bellows are created through a manufacturing technique called compression molding. A predetermined amount of silicone material is placed on a mold and vertically compressed by a hydraulic press. This method makes sure that the silicone fills the mold evenly, producing bellows that fit perfectly into your system.
The translucent silicone material is made from compression-molded silicone rubber (an elastomer of silicon, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen). More carbon is then incorporated into the base silicone to achieve the electrostatic dissipative properties of the antistatic black version.
We have a traceability program that archives production run samples for up to 7 years after the production date so they can be retested and re-evaluated upon request.
For pipes with great gaps or distance, silicone weighing bellows can be extended using the same material as the bellows.
FDM pressed on Jacob tubing flanges in either 25mm or 55mm length resulting in a either a 100 or 160mm total length.
LFR, pressed on Tri-clamp flanges in 28mm length, resulting in an overall length of 106mm LFRc, pressed on Tri-clamp flanges with an inside conical milled tube connecting side that reduces any edges on the inside resulting in an even smoother inside bore than the LFR type, Tri-clamp flanges are 28mm length, resulting in an overall length of 106mm
CFL, bolted on conical Tri-clamp flanges for high grade pharmaceutical end users.
This is possible but only in systems with minimal deviation. Please consult us if you are unsure.
Yes, we can customize silicone weighing bellows with your own specifications at a minimum number of pieces. Our standard diameters for our 3 variations (Translucent White, Asymmetrical Conical White, Black) are also able to accommodate a certain stretch threshold.
There will be a longer lead time because we have to create new molds. We estimate 14 to 20 weeks for designing and producing, but this can extend to 6-8 weeks more if modifications are necessary after the first test samples.
Silicone bellows are used as a decoupling compensator to minimize force transfer from moving equipment to sensitive weighing equipment.
For best performance and employee safety, we recommend using couplings with our bellows. Basic couplings include hose clamps KLB09 and KLB20. For a more secure fit, you can opt for a Jacob FDM or Tri-Clamp silicone bellows version.
Filcoflex specializes in the design
and manufacture of
Poly Urethane, silicone, rubber, and textile flexible connections for bulk product transport.
