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You are here: Home » News » Threaded Dust Cover (Protective Bellows / Dust Boot) — Complete Selection & Installation Guide

Threaded Dust Cover (Protective Bellows / Dust Boot) — Complete Selection & Installation Guide

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 09-20-2025      Origin: Site

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Who we are: 30 years in rubber products, TÜV/ISO certified; OE#/drawing customization, small MOQs & rapid prototyping.

Product highlights: Multiple materials (NBR/EPDM/CR/Silicone/TPU), Shore A 50–90; temperature –60 to 200 °C (by material); ozone/coolant resistant with high compression rebound; Metric/Imperial threads; flange/clamp/bayonet structures.

Figure: Threaded dust cover product photo (TPU/NBR options).

Why a Threaded Dust Cover: Working Principle & Value

How it works

A bellows-style dust cover uses convolutions to maintain a seal throughout stroke. Ends are fixed to the moving rod/screw and housing via threaded, flanged, bayonet or clamped connections to block dust, mud, coolant, and chips from entering critical areas while offering stroke compensation and vibration isolation. Convolutions provide travel (typical compression ratio 2.5–4.0:1). Material determines temperature/chemical compatibility; end sealing dictates IP level and service life.

Value

• Extends screw/seal/bearing life by 2–5×.
• Improves reliability & MTBF, reducing downtime.
• Low-cost, quick replacement; supports consistent branding (color/logo/laser code).

Takeaway: Correct material + compression ratio + end sealing = durability and stability.
Next step: Use the workflow below to confirm dimensions and material, then request samples/quote.

Applications (Typical)

• Lead screws & linear modules: CNC, 3D printing, automation lines

• Hydraulics & pneumatics: rod dust protection & buffering

• Machine tools & fixtures: coolant/metal chips environments

• Automotive chassis: rack & pinion, struts, ball joints, links

• Construction & mining equipment: mud, dust, ozone, UV exposure

• Others: camera sliders, medical rails, access actuators

Takeaway: Widely applicable, but media & temperature vary—material choice is critical.
Next step: Confirm industry + min/max temperature + media, then proceed to selection.

Selection Workflow (One-and-Done)

1) Confirm thread or interface: Metric (e.g., M36×2), Imperial (e.g., 1-1/2"-12 UNF), or record flange/clamp/bayonet details.

1) Measure dimensions: ID/OD of mating surfaces (H9/h9), natural length L, compressed length Lc, convolution count N, and stroke S (recommend S ≤ Lc × 0.7).

1) Set compression ratio & stroke: L/Lc typically 2.5–4.0; keep ≥10% margin to avoid bottoming or over-stretch.

1) Define media & temperature: oils/coolant/ozone/UV/salt spray/welding spatter; –60 to 200 °C by material.

1) Pick material & hardness (Shore A 50–90).

1) Confirm structure: threaded / flange / clamp / bayonet quick-release.

1) Special requirements: food-grade, anti-static, high-pressure washdown, color/logo.

Takeaway: Accurate dimensions + material fit + structure match deliver first-fit success.
Next step: Send interface, L/Lc/N/S, media/temperature—receive a 24–48 h sample plan.

Materials & Performance Comparison

Material

Typical Temp

Media Resistance

Ozone/UV

Rebound/Fatigue

Cost

Typical Uses

Notes

NBR

–30~120 °C

Excellent to oils/fuels/greases

Fair

Good

$

Hydraulics, chassis

Poor to ozone; standard black

EPDM

–40~140 °C

Coolant/water/steam

Excellent

Medium

$

Machine tools, outdoor

Poor to mineral oils

CR (Neoprene)

–35~120 °C

Balanced oil + ozone

Good

Good

$$

Construction equipment

Middle-ground choice

Silicone (VMQ)

–60~200 °C

Neutral chemicals

Good

Medium

$$$

Extreme temp/medical

Lower tear strength; beefier lips

TPU

–40~90 °C

Wear/coolants

Good

Excellent (abrasion)

$$

Linear modules, chip shield

High strength; optional clear

Takeaway: Oil → NBR/CR; Coolant/Outdoor → EPDM; Extreme temp → Silicone; Abrasion/linear actuators → TPU.
Next step: Shortlist 1–2 materials; share hardness & color.

Quick Spec Table (Examples & Customization)

Model

Interface

A (ID)

B (OD)

L

Lc

N

S

Material/Hardness

Notes

HM-DC-M36×2-150

M36×2

36

52

150

55

12

70

NBR 65A

Lead screw/lathe

HM-DC-1.5-12UN-180

1.5"-12 UN

38.1

56

180

60

14

80

EPDM 70A

Coolant splash

HM-DC-FL50-160

Flange Ø50

50

78

160

64

10

65

TPU 80A

Wear-resistant

HM-DC-QUICK48-140

Bayonet 48

48

70

140

58

9

55

CR 70A

Quick service

Customization: Metric/Imperial threads, flange PCD/slot, color/logo, food-grade/ESD. OE#/drawing builds supported; friendly MOQ.

Structures & Manufacturing

End-connection options

• Threaded: precise positioning; recommend face O-ring/liquid sealant.
• Flange: ideal for large diameters/frequent removal; even bolt preload.
• Clamp/Bayonet: fast assembly; ensure lock reliability & anti-vibration.

Manufacturing processes

• Compression molding (NBR/EPDM/CR): thick walls, stable convolutions; low tooling cost.
• Transfer/Injection: higher throughput, tighter tolerance; best for volume.
• TPU forming: thermoplastic; abrasion-resistant, optional clear; ideal for long-stroke thin walls.

Takeaway: Structure drives assembly efficiency; process drives consistency & cost.
Next step: Choose by volume/tolerance; we provide DFM optimization.

Installation Steps & Notes (Torque/Alignment/Sealant)

• Prep interfaces: deburr and degrease; verify threads/flanges are intact.

• Concentric assembly: keep bellows coaxial; avoid pre-stretch >10%.

• Threaded end: hand-tight, then wrench-tighten; never grip the convolutions.

• Flange/clamp: cross-tighten to prevent distortion.

• Sealant: apply neutral-cure RTV (oil-resistant for NBR/CR; water-resistant for EPDM).

Fastener

Torque (Nm)

Note

Worm-drive clamp with M6 screw

4–6

304 SS; avoid over-tightening

Clamp with M8 bolt

8–12

Grade 8.8

Flange bolt M6

7–9

Cross-tighten

Flange bolt M8

16–22

Cross-tighten

Thread-lock (optional)

Loctite 222

For anti-loosening only

Run-in test: cycle full stroke 2–3×; verify no rub/no leak.
Takeaway: Coaxiality + proper preload + correct sealant = maximum life.
Next step: Download the Installation Card (PDF) & Warranty Terms.

Troubleshooting

• Cracking: wrong material/temperature, ozone, over-stretch → switch to EPDM/Silicone/TPU; correct compression ratio.

• Detachment: insufficient preload/unlocked bayonet/loosened thread → re-torque to spec, add low-strength thread-locker.

• Seepage/leak: uneven faces/wrong sealant → clean & reseal with neutral RTV, or add O-ring.

• Early aging: oil or coolant attack → choose NBR (oil) or EPDM (coolant); add shield.

• Convolution wear-through: inadequate stroke or interference → increase convolutions/compression ratio or use abrasion-resistant TPU.

FAQ

Q: How do I determine compression ratio?

A: Use 2.5–4.0:1 with 10% margin.

Q: How do I choose the right material?

A: Oils → NBR/CR; Coolant/Outdoor → EPDM; Extreme temps → Silicone; Abrasion/transparent → TPU.

Q: What hardness should I specify?

A: Typically 60–80A; 75–90A for washdown/abrasion; 50–60A for low-temperature impact.

Q: Do you support Imperial threads and quick-release?

A: Yes—UN/UNF/UNC threads plus flange/clamp/bayonet hardware.

Q: Sample lead time & MOQ?

A: Stock/standard ship quickly; customs drawn within 24–48 h with friendly MOQs.

Q: How is warranty handled?

A: Batch traceability; follow installation card and duty conditions.



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