Expansion joints play a crucial role in many industries. Expansion joint suppliers offer many different types of bellow expansion joints. However, metal and rubber expansion joints are popularly used in numerous industrial applications.
Metal concrete expansion joints
These expansion joints are used in several industrial projects. Some of the features and applications of these joints are as follows:
- Metal bellow expansion joints are capable of accommodating movement caused by thermal expansion and contraction. It enables concrete to expand or contract without structural damage.
- These expansion joints are made using durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, etc. These materials provide great resistance to corrosion and abrasion. As it is a strong material, it is also able to withstand other environmental factors and contribute to the longevity of the expansion system.
- Metal expansion joints can be custom-engineered to meet specific design requirements. It will help to attain optimal performance in the industrial application for which it is used. .
Rubber expansion joint
A rubber expansion joint is a flexible connector usually made up of natural or synthetic materials, fluoroplastics, fabrics, and, if necessary, metallic reinforcements. Here are some of the benefits of rubber bellow expansion joints.
- Rubber expansion joints provide a great level of flexibility. It is capable of more flexibly absorbing axial, lateral, and angular movements. It is suitable for applications with significant movement and vibration.
- Rubber expansion joints are economical compared to metal expansion joints.
- These expansion joints eliminate noise and vibration. These are ideal for applications like HVAC systems and water treatment facilities.
- It is also easy to install and maintain rubber expansion joints. As they require less upkeep, it saves your money and efforts.
Choosing between rubber and metal expansion joints
If you are looking to choose between rubber and metal expansion joints, here are some tips for making an informed decision.
- It is prudent to consider the movement required to pick the right expansion joint. Metal expansion joints should be preferred in industrial applications in need of high levels of movement and greater multi-directional flexibility.
- One should evaluate the environmental factors like temperature, pressure, weather, etc.
- When it comes to cost, one should preferably try to balance the initial cost with the expected life span and maintenance requirements. Rubber expansion joints are typically a more economical option than metal expansion joints.
- Installation ease and maintenance can also affect your decision. Rubber expansion joints are usually easier to install and maintain than metal expansion joints.
Selecting the right expansion joint supplier
It is always good to go for suppliers with extensive experience in the design, manufacturing, and installation of the expansion joints. First, evaluate the product quality and ensure the expansion joints are certified as per industry standards. It is also important to check if your chosen supplier is capable of providing expansion joints of different types, sizes, and configurations to meet your needs. At last, the reputation of the expansion joint manufacturer or supplier in the industry is also an important consideration. When you work with expansion joint suppliers who have a good reputation in the industry, you can rely on the quality of their products and services.