Thick Wall Expansion Joints are the simplest type of expansion joints. They are compact requiring virtually no additional space beyond the length of bellows and weld ends or flanges for installation. They have further advantage of not imposing a change in the direction of flow. Where small thermal movements are involved and where proper anchoring and guiding is possible single axial bellows provide the most economical solution.

Thick Wall Expansion Joints are normally supplied without any end connections due to the fact that it is easier to weld the end fittings to them by a relatively less skilled welders. The heavy wall bellows are less susceptible to damage during installation and system start-up however these bellows possess high spring forces as a result of high convolution profile. The thickness of these thick wall bellows elements vary from 1 mm to 3 mm depending up on size and the height of convolution varies from 50 mm to 100 mm.