Originally Posted by
SCzEngrgGroup
Bellows invariably end up getting punctured and leaking at some point. They rarely seem to cover enough to effectively keep chips and coolant off the ways and screws. On many machines, they will get filled with chips, and eventually restrict range of motion. On small, light-duty machines they can work ok, but properly designed telescoping covers can be near 100% effective, and pretty much indestructible. Well-designed telescoping covers (as you see on virtually all commercial machines) should not be dependent solely on rubber seals to keep coolant out - they should be effectively baffled, so coolant can't get where it doesn't being without defying gravity. Bellows CAN work fine, but at least as often than not, they do not.
Regards,
Ray L.