• BUSINESS INSIGHTS •
Selecting Metals for Valve Applications
There are a variety of factors to consider that can lead to robust and reliable valve performance. It can also result in positive outcomes for customers, increased profits, and ensure minimum downtime.
• By Steve Swinney- Principal Metallurgist- ValvTechnologies
Choosing the correct materials in manufacturing valves is crucial for safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Yet, it can be very complicated, depending on many factors. Identifying the correct material has become paramount when working with customers to ensure safety.
There are numerous of metallic material grades to consider, each with
There are numerous metallic material grades to consider each with unique properties, costs, and availability.
unique properties, costs, and availability. This comprehensive list must be pared down to a manageable level, primarily based on historical usage, industry standards, and customer requirements.
Each material and grade are limited by its strength, permissible temperature range, corrosion resistance, and in some materials, section thickness. A fundamental goal is to select the most cost-effective materials that will provide suitable performance in service.
Over-engineered materials could lead to extended costs for the customer. Under spec’ ing can result in reduced performance or premature valve failure, which can be dangerous and costly to the end user. It can also damage the valve manufacturer’ s and the end user’ s reputation.
Identifying the correct material has become paramount when working with customers to ensure safety.
Valve body material must be matched to the pipe material to which it will be connected. Since pipes are typically made to a different standard than forgings and castings, their specifications may be slightly different, but the basic properties must be the same, including chemical composition and heat treat condition.
16 Valve World Americas | June 2026 | www. valve-world-americas. com