Main categories of materials used in the production of industrial valves
The most important raw materials for the production of valves are:
- Steels: these are the most widely used materials due to their versatility and the wide range of mechanical properties that can be obtained through different alloys and heat treatments.
- Cast iron: less resistant than steels but cheaper and easier to machine. It is used for the production of large and low-pressure valves.
- Copper alloys: excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance. Used for valves in the plumbing sector and for applications in marine environments.
- Aluminium alloys: light and corrosion-resistant, they are used in valves for specific applications, such as those used in the aerospace industry.
- Polymeric materials: such as PVC, PTFE, nylon. They offer light weight, corrosion resistance and are used for low pressure and temperature valves, often in the chemical and food industries.
- Ceramic materials: offer high resistance to heat, wear and corrosion. Used for valves intended for very heavy-duty applications, such as those used in the steel industry.
