Machine Way Covers & Bellows

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Machine Way Covers & Bellows

About Way Covers

The manufacturing process can create challenging environments that demand the protection of sensitive components while maintaining mobility. The close arrangement of moving parts often renders static protective enclosures impractical.

Way covers safeguard machine ways, guides, and linear rails from harmful contaminants such as dust, chips, and coolant. These protective shields are crucial for enhancing the lifespan and operational efficiency of machinery by shielding vital components from potential damage.

The Purpose of Machine Way Covers

Way covers serve the essential function of protecting machine components from various contaminants that could impair performance. They provide an unobstructed route for movement while keeping critical parts shielded against external debris.

Way Cover Types

There are several styles of way covers, allowing them to roll, bend, and flex to accommodate a dynamic range of motion. Available in different materials, they can be composed of polymer, metal, or fabric based on the specific application requirements.

For quality products, you can expect excellent service from LIONSHELL.

1. Fabric Bellows offer unmatched flexibility for rapid and smooth motion, available in a variety of shapes and materials including elastomer-coated fabrics.
2. Industrial Fabric Roll-Ups are designed for high-speed operation, suitable for pathways with spatial constraints that prevent deeper covers.
3. Low-Profile Sliding Plate Cover: The unique Gorplate steel cover from Dynatect provides a compact option suitable for high-speed operations and resistant to weld spatter and hot chips.
4. Aluminum-Slat Roll-Ups (Alumaflex) consist of linked extrusions that protect against coolant, oils, and hot chips.
5. Metal-Shielded Bellows are fitted with a steel shield around each fold to guard against abrasive substances and fluids, with low-profile options available.
6. Metal Roll-Ups, created with steel band materials, are ideal for extended travels and wide spans, as heavy-duty Steelflex covers can also function as walk-on barriers over hazardous areas.
7. Steel Telescopic Covers provide superior protection for machine ways against dropped tools, chemicals, and coolants, and can be refurbished easily.

Way Cover Design Considerations

What factors should be considered when choosing a protective way cover?

When selecting a way cover, it is crucial to evaluate motion requirements, the operating environment, and space constraints.

Be sure to communicate specific application requirements to your protective cover manufacturer, including:

• Temperature conditions, including ambient temperatures and nearby heat sources
• Exposure levels to environmental hazards like dust, liquids, and weld spatter
• Movement speed (velocity and acceleration) and cycle frequency
• Whether the system operates under vacuum or pressure
• Load requirements (e.g., walk-on surfaces for inspections or heavy debris protection)
• Orientations for cover movement (horizontal, vertical, or ceiling mounted)

For assistance in selecting the appropriate cover, reach out to a local Dynatect representative who can measure, recommend, and provide sample options during your quote request. Dynatect facilitates the quote process with easily accessible forms.

As North America's leading provider of protective covers (manufacturers of Gortite® brand), view the Protective Cover Products available.

Bellows Guide: Protect Equipment, Save Money

Bellows are essential in protecting hydraulic cylinders, ball screws, and machine ways from harmful chips and contaminants. For future needs regarding cover replacements, download our Bellows 101 (PDF).

Alongside bellows covers, Dynatect manufactures:

• Fabric and metal roll-up covers
• Steel and Telescopic way covers

For more machine way covers information, please contact us for professional assistance and answers.