
31 Jan Whipps, Inc. Info: Stainless Steel Sluice Gates Vs Cast Iron Gates
Why Stainless Steel Gates Outperform Cast Iron Gates
When it comes to water management in industrial environments, the choice between stainless steel gates and cast iron gates can significantly impact the quality of your system. Whipps, Inc. has developed Series 900 stainless steel gates that far surpass cast iron alternatives in nearly every aspect. We have been updating facilities all over the world as more and more customers prefer stainless steel gates for many reasons. Let’s explore why stainless steel is the superior choice.
Unmatched Performance & Reliability
Whipps, Inc. guarantees leakage rates that exceed industry standards, ensuring maximum efficiency. Our stainless steel sluice gates maintain leakage rates of 0.05 gpm/ft of seal perimeter, even under high head conditions. Unlike cast iron gates, which often experience operational issues after periods of inactivity, our self-adjusting UHMW seals prevent metal-to-metal contact, ensuring smooth operation without the risk of the slide “freezing” to the frame.
Strength & Durability
Stainless steel is more than twice as strong as cast iron and has double the modulus of elasticity, making it more resistant to stress and deformation. Additionally, stainless steel does not corrode as easily as cast iron, which is prone to rust and degradation over time. Our UV-stabilized UHMW seat/seals have been rigorously tested through 25,000 gate cycles in abrasive conditions, proving their long-term durability even in harsh environments.
Cost-Effectiveness & Faster Delivery
One major advantage of stainless steel gates is that they are typically more cost-effective to manufacture compared to cast iron gates. The process of casting and machining iron is expensive, especially as gate size increases. Stainless steel fabrication is not only more affordable but also significantly faster. The time required to construct a stainless steel gate from raw materials is much shorter than the casting and machining process required for cast iron gates.
Low Maintenance & Easy Repairs
Unlike cast iron gates, which require regular painting and upkeep, stainless steel gates are low-maintenance. If a stainless steel gate’s seat/seals need replacement, they can be swapped out on-site with basic tools, eliminating the need to remove the entire gate. In contrast, repairing a cast iron gate often requires removing the gate and shipping it back to the manufacturer, resulting in costly downtime.
Customization & Versatility
Fabricated stainless steel gates can be designed in nearly any size without requiring new patterns or molds, unlike cast iron gates. This flexibility allows for customized equipment tailored to specific applications and environments. In contrast, cast iron gates are limited by pre-existing patterns, making custom designs costly and time-consuming. Additionally, various mounting configurations including embedded frames, wall mounts, and pipe flange options allow stainless steel gates to be installed in diverse structures and facilities.
Now You Know
From superior strength and durability to cost savings and ease of maintenance, Whipps, Inc.’s stainless steel sluice gates clearly outmatch its cast iron counterpart. With faster production times and innovative features like self-adjusting seals, our gates provide a long-lasting, reliable solution for water control systems.Whipps is happy to replace your cast iron water gates for our stainless steel models so you can get the most out of your system. Click the sentence below to contact Whipps, Inc. today to learn more about our industry-leading stainless steel gate technology!