Choosing the Right Fabric Expansion Joint Materials

Selecting the correct material for a fabric expansion joint is important for its performance and life span. The flexible belt is a composite of multiple layers, each serving a specific function, such as a gas seal, thermal barrier, or chemical resistance layer. The choice of materials depends on the application’s operating temperature, chemical compatibility, pressure, and the need for abrasion resistance.  Find the right material for your project and explore the chart below to find the best fabric for your fabric expansion joint that will meet the needs of your specific application:

 

Temperature	Materials	Advantages	Pressure	Chemical Resistance	Applications
Low Ambient – 250°F	Butyl Rubber Neoprene Viton	High tensile strength Ozone and weathering resistance	Medium	High	Hot and Cold Water Low-Pressure Steam Neutral Solutions
Medium 250 – 500°F	Fiberglass Reinforced Silicone	Resistant to deterioration by weathering and engine oil remains UV / ozone / fungus resistant	Low	High	Gaskets or Seals Recirculation Air Air Intake
High 500 – 700°F	PTFE Impregnated Fiberglass PTFE Coated Glass Cloth	High tear/crease resistant Smooth, low friction, non-stick surface, high tensile strength	Low	Medium	Exhaust Ventilation Fume Protection Gaskets or Seals
High 700 – 1000°F	Silica Fabric Cloth	High abrasion resistance Won’t rot or mildew	Low	Low	Boiler Exhaust
High 1000 – 1800°F *3-layer	Silica/PTFE Fabric with Kaowool Aluminized Glass Cloth with Kaowool & PTFE	Excellent resistance to chemicals High-temperature stability	Low	Low	Furnaces Kilns

*We use a combination of materials to achieve a higher temperature rating.

Reinforced Silicone Fabric	PTFE Coated Glass Cloth	Aluminized Glass Cloth	Silica Oxide Glass Cloth

 

US Bellows: Engineered Fabric Joints for Optimal Performance

US Bellows provides high-performance fabric expansion joints by offering a wide range of custom-engineered materials designed to meet the temperature, pressure, and chemical resistance needs of diverse industrial applications.

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