The valve plate is an essential part of the valve assembly and act as a seal between different areas in the compressor. Because valve plates can be exposed to a punishing variety of pressures, temperatures, and chemicals, they need to be made of materials that can withstand the stress that they go through every time the compressor is used. In general, you have a choice between metallic and thermoplastic valve plates.
Metallic Valve Plates
Metallic valve plates are used in compressors for refrigerators, PET Bottle blowing equipment, and for air and process gas compressors, and are usually what the original equipment comes installed with. The best metallic valve plates are made of high-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel is resistant to the corrosive effects of water, certain acids, oil, gasoline, and atmospheric conditions. Laser profiling allows them to fit the exacting standards required for replacement valve parts, meaning they easily meet and often exceed the performance of the original equipment. Precision laser cutting and finishing processes help to optimize metal valve plates for long-term use.
Thermoplastic Valve Plates
High-performance thermoplastic makes for a truly superior valve plate in most applications. Because it is slightly flexible, thermoplastic valve plates are able to better conform to the valve seat even after extended use and exposure to debris. There are several different thermoplastic materials to choose from.
Glass-reinforced nylon has been used for years with excellent results. Nylon is best used for compressors that stay under 250° F. PEEK is a crystalline polymer that has a higher impact strength than nylon, along with lower moisture absorption, which gives it flexibility to a wide range of applications. Mid Temperature, or MT, is also glass-filled nylon but with a higher maximum temperature of 340° F.
Choosing the right material for your replacement valve parts is a matter of weighing the benefits to each application. Finding a reputable manufacturing company to supply your replacement valve parts can extend the life and improve the performance of your compressor.