Stainless steel strip for reed valves
Valve reeds for compressors and pumps.
Compressor reed valves
Reeds open and close thousands of times a minute to control the flow of air or gas. They need a material with very high fatigue resistance, flatness and perfect edges.
Valve reeds flex millions of times over a compressor’s life: a burr on the edge or a surface defect is enough to start a fatigue crack. Thickness must also be very consistent, as it affects reed stiffness and therefore opening and closing times. 3S supplies precision stainless strip with carefully controlled flatness, tight thickness tolerances to EN or ASTM and 100% dimensional control. Edges can be deburred, and specific grades and conditions for high fatigue resistance can be assessed on request. The strip is available on spools for automated blanking.
Where it is used
- Refrigeration compressors
- Air compressors
- Pumps and engines
Recommended grades
Supply
| Parameter | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical grades | AISI 301 work-hardened (classes C1000–C1900), AISI 304 and 316 work-hardened | Other grades on request |
| Thickness | Annealed 0.05 – 0.70 mm Work-hardened 0.05 – 2.50 mm | Typical for this application: 0.20 – 0.60 mm |
| Width | 3 – 1250 mm | Typical: 7.5 – 100 mm and above |
| Finishes | Annealed 2R / BA • Work‑hardened 2H | Calibrated mechanical properties |
| Formats | Strip • Narrow strips • Spools • Sheets | Sheets cut to size up to 1000 mm |
| Spools | From 15 kg to 1500 kg | ID 50–400 mm • traverse or parallel winding |
Tolerances according to EN ISO 9445 or customer specification. 3.1 certificates on request.
Frequently asked questions
Request a quoteWhy are burr-free edges so important?
Can you supply specific grades for valves?
How can I get a quote?
Tell us the alloy, finish, thickness, width, edge and format (strip/narrow strip/spool) and we will send you a quick quotation.