July 2026 - While rubber bellows remain critical for chassis dust protection and exhaust flex connections in vehicles, the broader bellows family (metallic and non-metallic) is undergoing a new wave of industrial upgrades driven by the AI computing boom and the new energy revolution. Recent developments from enterprises and research institutions indicate that bellows are evolving from passive "protective components" into high-precision intelligent elements.
#### Rubber Phased Out? Stainless Steel Bellows Seize the High Ground in AI Liquid Cooling
In June 2026, NVIDIA's Vera Rubin platform adopted a "hose-free" full liquid cooling design. Traditional EPDM rubber hoses were officially replaced in high-end AI server loops due to shortcomings such as susceptibility to swelling (5%-10% volume expansion) in fluorinated coolants and low pressure tolerance (limited to 2.5 MPa). 304/316L stainless steel bellows have emerged as the "new blood vessels," offering zero leakage (helium leak rate standard reaching 1×10⁻⁹ Pa·m³/s), ultra-high pressure resistance up to 25 MPa, and a service life exceeding 15 years. Market data shows China's liquid cooling bellows market reached ¥5.43 billion in 2025, with projections estimating the global market to approach ¥20.25 billion by 2032.
#### Auto Parts Suppliers Pivot; Precision Forming Equipment Goes Global
In the traditional automotive sector, rubber and plastic bellows (such as EPDM dust boots and PA composite corrugated tubes) remain essential for drive axles and steering systems. In May 2026, Dekuma unveiled its high-speed, multi-layer composite pipe extrusion solution at PLASTPOL 2026-tailored for new energy vehicle fuel and cooling lines-drawing significant attention from European component manufacturers. Concurrently, domestic leaders like Changzhou Tenglong and Sichuan Chuanhuan Technology are migrating automotive-grade precision piping techniques to data center and energy storage thermal management scenarios, establishing a dual-track strategy of "automotive-grade + liquid-cooling-grade" standards.
#### Micro-Manufacturing Breakthrough: 3mm Bellows Roll Off the Line
Precision manufacturing has also seen breakthroughs. In March 2026, Limaha Automation launched its first fully automated production line for 3mm ultra-fine metallic bellows for AI liquid cooling in Kunshan, Suzhou. Integrating ultra-precision laser welding with AI controls, this line solves the pain points of low yield rates in ultra-thin wall welding and difficulties in micro-displacement compensation, filling a domestic gap in "capillary-level" tubing for high-end computing. These components now directly serve the zero-leakage requirements of supercomputing centers and edge computing base stations.
#### Tightening Quality Supervision: Labeling and Dimensional Errors Trigger Recalls
Industry expansion coincides with stricter regulatory oversight. In recent years, market regulators in Beijing, Guangxi, and other regions have repeatedly flagged quality issues. In 2024, brands including "Submarine" and "QDRR" initiated recalls due to length deviations and missing interface labels on gas-use stainless steel bellows. Early 2026 saw authorities in Tengxian County, Guangxi, crack down on a batch of HDPE double-wall corrugated pipes failing to meet standards for ring stiffness and oxidation induction time. Experts caution that whether for automotive rubber dust boots or civil bellows, dimensional tolerances and aging resistance remain critical quality red lines.
Industry Outlook: With the integration of smart sensing elements and the rise of lifecycle carbon footprint management, bellows are evolving from simple mechanical compensators into system modules with integrated monitoring capabilities. Driven by automotive lightweighting and high-density liquid cooling, the next phase of competition will focus on high-performance materials (titanium alloys/specialty rubbers) and intelligent manufacturing.