Metal expansion joints (steel expansion joints) are single or multi-walled expansion joints. They are manufactured from metal and are finished as bellows or lens expansion joints. Their bellows consist of one or several corrugations.
![Lateral expansion joint oval flanges tension rods by HKS HKS DN 150 lateral expansion joint with oval flanges and 2 tension rods](assets/images/f/lateral-expansion-joint-oval-flanges-tension-rods-412173f6.jpg)
![Corner relief expansion joint welding ends tension rods by HKS HKS DN 600 corner-relief expansion joint with welding ends and tension rods](assets/images/d/corner-relief-expansion-joint-welding-ends-tension-rods-fbfe83f2.jpg)
![Stainless steel expansion joint double bellows middle pipe welding ends joints by HKS HKS stainless steel expansion joint with double bellows for absorbing radial movements with middle pipe and welding ends and heavy-duty joints at both ends](assets/images/3/stainless-steel-expansion-joint-double-bellows-middle-pipe-welding-ends-joints-78ef4b29.jpg)
![Alloy expansion joint by HKS HKS alloy expansion joint for use in alloy sluices during steel production](assets/images/b/alloy-expansion-joint-alloy-sluice-60efefbd.jpg)
Advantages of metal expansion joints
- Higher pressure range: up to PN 100
- Higher temperature range: up to 1000 °C
- Besides fluids and gases, also suitable for abrasive media and solids
- Flexible connection types possible
- Flexible extension possibilities
Disadvantages of metal expansion joints
- Restricted suitability with many acids
- Only partly suitable for oscillations
- Relatively large construction lengths (e. g. with lateral expansion joints)
- Particularly at high pressures, construction with high spring rates is required