staves, aluminium
 
STEWART Metalag Aluminium Alloy Staves
Unique Design

The unique STEWART design of interlocking aluminium alloy METALAG stave has firmly established itself in the world's fibre industries with its extended life and strength.  Over 5 million have been supplied to well over 50 countries over the past 40 years and their accuracy and long life are now legendary.  Indeed some of the original staves are still running after many repinnings!  For high density pinning, "N.I.F." METALAG staves have now demonstrated their accuracy and reliability over some 25 years.
Strength

STEWART patented METALAG staves are made from aircraft quality aluminium alloy extrusion. This is a strong and uniform material which can easily withstand broken pins without itself being damaged.

The patented Stewart interlock adds strength

Interlocking Staves 

The patented interlock between STEWART METALAG staves means that the staves in front and behind each stave contribute to the total strength of the assembly, and greatly reduce the chances of a catastrophic damage in a card smash.
Fewer Screw holes

Fewer retaining screws are needed because of the strength of the aluminium alloy together with the patented interlock. This means less gaps in the pinning, better carding and easier maintenance. In many cases the staves and lags can be made double width, further reducing the problem.  However the screw holes are still placed so that the METALAG staves can be fitted in place of wooden staves without modification, and it is even possible to mix complete rounds of conventional and METALAG staves.

"N.I.F" Pinning

Fine METALAG staves are pinned using our "Non Interference Fit" )("N.I.F") method, by which the pins are set in jigs by their points and then secured with as special adhesive.  This method avoids the distortion of the stave which is caused when the pins are force fitted, and also eliminates inaccuracy due to slight variation in the pin length.  The result is that very high densities of pinning can be achieved with great accuracy. This in turn reduces the need to grind, and helps precise machine setting.

Extended Pin Life

We have found that pin life in METALAG staves is greatly improved when compared with the same pin in a wooden stave. It is common to find an increase in life of 3-4 times or more, and this is believed to be due to the better rigidity of the alloy and its electrochemical protection.

Repinning

When repinning does eventually become necessary the STEWART METAPIN pins can be easily removed, because the reduced diameter of their projecting tails allows them to drop clear when pressed down flush with the back of the stave.  This also reduces wear and tear on the stave. Some of the earliest METALAG staves have survived some 40+ repinnings in the course of their 40 years lifetime.

Repinnings "N.I.F" METALAG staves

Local damage to N.I.F METALAG staves can be quickly and easily repaired with the STEWART N.I.F Repair Kit. They can also be returned for complete repinning, unlike wood or laminated staves which tend to split and delaminate.
 

Here are some of the main points;

  • Lightweight, high strength aluminium alloy construction
  • Interlocking fit; virtually smash proof
  • Fewer screw holes; Easier fitting and removal
  • Fire Resistant; Unaffected by humidity.
  • Carbon steel METAPIN pins give extra long life in aluminium.
  • Indefinite number of repinnings possible.
  • Easy repinning with METAPIN pins
  • Double width legs for even easier replacement.
  • Extra high pin-point density using "N.I.F" pinning
  • Proven over 40years in over in over 50 countries.
  • Greatly extended life gives excellent value for money
  • Tested over 5,000,000,000 times

 

Click here for Metalag Case History.

staves