Hinged Bellows, either Axial or Universal type, are designed to absorb angular rotation in one plane only by the use of a pair of pins through hinge plates attached to the expansion bellows.

Hinged Expansion Bellows should be used in sets of 2 or 3 to function properly. Hinged Bellows are normally prevented by their design from deflecting axially, either in extension or compression. The hinge mechanism is usually designed to accept full pressure thrust and also shear loads such as from the weight of the adjacent piping, can be accepted by these type of expansion joints thereby doing away with provision of additional supports and anchors.

Hinged Bellows also have added benefits of positive control over the movements, eliminates pressure thrust forces, transmits external loads, prevents torsion on bellows and are the most efficient in absorbing of thermal deflections.