White Paper: Aerospace
Your Guide to Sourcing Precision Metals for Bellows Manufacturing
SPONSORED BY: ![]()
From medical devices to automotive, aerospace, and cryogenic systems, bellows demand material that performs under pressure. Ulbrich supplies precision rolled strip and foil engineered for weldability, controlled grain size and surface finish, tight thickness tolerances, and long fatigue life. Whether for edge-welded or hydroformed designs, our metallurgical expertise helps manufacturers select the right alloy and gauge to support corrosion resistance, high-temperature stability, and reliable performance in demanding environments.
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Overview
This whitepaper from Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc. serves as a comprehensive guide for sourcing precision metals tailored to bellows manufacturing, emphasizing the critical role of material selection, processing capabilities, and supply chain resilience.
Bellows, essential components in industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, medical, automotive, petrochemical, and industrial sectors, require metals that exhibit exceptional properties including weldability, formability, corrosion resistance, uniform thickness, fatigue life, and high-temperature stability. The document distinguishes between two primary bellows types: formed (including emerging hydroformed technology) and welded bellows, each necessitating specific alloys to optimize performance. Formed and hydroformed bellows typically utilize austenitic stainless steels like 304, 316, and 321, valued for their ductility, corrosion resistance, and availability in wide strip widths. Welded bellows require high-strength, weld-friendly, and fatigue-resistant alloys such as AM350, Inconel 625, and titanium to maintain integrity under heat and repeated stress cycles.
Ulbrich underscores the importance of metallurgical expertise, precision processing, and advanced capabilities in rolling, slitting, annealing, and coating to produce defect-free, tightly controlled materials. Their rolling mills accommodate thickness ranges from ultra-thin foils (.00039") up to .125" and widths up to 54", with standard thickness tolerances as tight as +/-1% and width tolerances of +/- .005". Precision slitting minimizes burr formation, critical for the manufacturing of bellows, particularly for welded types where uniform edge condition ensures leak tightness and strength.
The company offers a hybrid sourcing model bridging global reach with domestic support, improving lead times, quality control, and supply chain agility. Ulbrich provides custom-engineered materials, inventory optimization, and expert metallurgical consultation, including assistance with alternative alloys and failure analysis.
Ulbrich’s commitment to innovation and quality control, supported by decades of experience and a global network, positions them as a premier partner for bellows manufacturers seeking stability, speed, and strategic control over material supply. Their expertise ensures that manufacturers receive metals engineered for long-lasting, high-performance bellows in demanding applications.
Contact details and further information are available at www.ulbrich.com, highlighting Ulbrich's dedication to supporting the bellows industry with precision metals and knowledgeable partnership.