Unique Design
The unique design of the STEWARTS interlocking aluminium alloy METALAG stave has firmly established itself in the World’s fibre industries with its extended life and strength. Many hundreds of 1000s have been supplied to well over 60 countries over the past 60 years and their accuracy and long life are now well known. Indeed some of the original staves are still running after many repinnings. For high density pinning, N.I.F. (non-interference fit) METALAG staves have now demonstrated their accuracy and reliability.
Strength
STEWARTS patented METALAG staves are made from aircraft quality aluminium alloy extrusions. This is a strong and uniform material which can easily withstand broken pins without itself being damaged.
Interlocking Staves
The patented interlock between STEWARTS METALAG staves means that adjoining staves contribute to the total strength of the assembly, and greatly reduce the chance of a catastrophic failure during a card smash event.
Fewer Screw holes
Fewer retaining screws are needed because of the combination of the strength of the aluminium alloy and the patented interlocking system. This reduces gaps between the pins, producing better carding and easier maintenance. In many cases the staves and lags can be made double the width, further reducing the problem of gaps between the pins. However the screw holes are still positioned 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 N.I.F. (non-interference fit) method, by which the pins are set in jigs by their points and then secured with a special adhesive. This method avoids the distortion of the staves which is caused when the pins are force fitted, and also eliminates inaccuracy caused by slight variations in the pin lengths. The result of using the N.I.F pinning method is that a very high density of pinning can be achieved with greater accuracy. This also reduces the need to grind the pins and helps with a more 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 attributed to the better rigidity of the alloy and its electrochemical protection.
Here are some of the main METALAG Staves advantages
UK Division
Marywell Works
Marywell Brae
Kirriemuir, Angus
Scotland UK
DD8 4BJ
Tel: +44 (0)1575 570 203
China Division
Juilong Industrail Park,
Juilong Town, Zhongmou,
Zhengzhou City,
Henan Province,
China, 451482
Tel: +86 371 6226 5807