What material is the valve plate made of in a compressor that uses a shaft with a mechanical seal?

In a compressor that utilizes a shaft with a mechanical seal, metal carbon is commonly chosen for the valve plate material due to its desirable properties. Metal carbon is known for its excellent wear resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for the harsh operating conditions often found in compressors. The mechanical seal requires materials that can maintain integrity under pressure and contribute to longevity and reliability; metal carbon provides a combination of durability and strength that is crucial in these environments.

Other materials, while potentially used in various components of compressors, do not possess the same level of performance characteristics as metal carbon in this application. Aluminum, for example, is lightweight and has good machinability, but it may not handle high temperature and pressure conditions as effectively. Stainless steel, while strong and corrosion-resistant, might not have the same wear-resistant properties in this specific context as metal carbon. Plastic composites, although lightweight and possibly less expensive, lack the robustness required for the demanding environments in which mechanical seals operate. Thus, metal carbon emerges as the optimal choice for valve plates in this type of compressor.