Solenoid valve housing material

Select the right housing material for your solenoid valve

2/2-way solenoid valve

Figure 1: 2/2-way solenoid valve

Solenoid valves are often available with various housing materials. Typical materials are Nylon (Polyamide – PA), PVC (PolyVinylChloride), Brass, Nickel plated brass and Stainless Steel (304 and 316). The material choice depends strongly on the chemical properties and the temperature of the medium. The right choice is of utmost importance to guarantee a long lifespan and optimal performance. The infographic below shows the main advantages of the most important housing materials. A more in-depth explanation of the different materials can be found in the chemical resistance of materials article. This article also contains an extended chemical compatibility reference table, to quickly find the chemical compatibility of housing and/or seal materials with hundreds of chemicals. Read our Solenoid valve overview article for more details on the design and working of solenoid valves.

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Select the right housing material for your solenoid valve - An infographic by Tameson!

Select the right housing material for your solenoid valve.

Nylon (Polyamide – PA)

Advantages
Good chemical and mechanical properties. Resistant to salt water (seawater), hydrocarbons, organic solvents, oils and greases. Cost-effective.

Disadvantages
Not resistant to most acids and alkalis. Temperature range is from -40 to 85°C. Lower pressure ratings than brass and stainless steel.

PVC (PolyVinylChloride)

Advantages
Suitable for corrosive media like seawater, most acids and bases, salt solutions and organic solvents.

Disadvantages
Not resistant to aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Temperature range is from -15 to 60°C. Lower pressure ratings than brass and stainless steel.

Brass

Advantages
Suitable for neutral and non- corrosive media. Resistant to water, (compressed) air, oils and many other media. It is versatile, durable and can withstand high temperatures.

Disadvantages
Brass is not suited for salt water (seawater), distilled water, acids, and chlorides. However, in such cases most likely dezincification brasses (DZR or DR) can be used. It is sometimes also called corrosion resistant brass (CR).

Nickel plated brass

Advantages
Suitable for salt water (seawater) carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen, nitrogen/sulfur compounds and weak organic or inorganic acids and alkalis. The nickel plating also increases the resistance to temperature, pressure and abrasives.

Disadvantages
If the nickel layer is scratched through to the brass, rust will occur and slowly progress.

Stainless steel (304/316)

Advantages
Very good overall chemical resistance to almost any medium. The material is highly wear, temperature and pressure resistant. Temperatures and pressures of valves are usually limited by the seal material and by the force needed to open the valve at high pressures. Besides that the temperature resistance of the actuator can also be a limitation.

Disadvantages
Not suited for hydro chloric acids, chlorides, bromine and household bleach. Swimming pool water has a low concentration of chlorides and therefore usually stainless steel 316 is used.

View our online selection of brass solenoid valves!