The new linear compressor, developed by LG Electronics (LG) for refrigeration applications, uses the enhanced material properties of Sandvik Hiflex™ stainless strip steel from Sandvik Materials Technology. LG needed particular properties from the strip steel used in the suction valves – particularly a higher fatigue resistance on impact and bending. A more environmentally friendly cooling media incorporated into the design, also means higher pressures and temperatures, placing further demands on the valve material. Meeting these challenges is Sandvik Hiflex – a martensitic, stainless, chromium steel alloyed with molybdenum. Sandvik Hiflex has a bending fatigue strength of +/- 750MPA and a maximum allowable impact velocity of 12.5m/s. As well as meeting LG’s requirements, Sandvik Hiflex enables designers to reduce the size of valves and compressors by using shorter valve tongues to achieve the same valve lift. In addition, it allows increased valve lift in order to reduce pressure drop across the valve and boost compressor efficiency. Thinner valve flaps can reduce mechanical losses. Sandvik Hiflex can equally be used to improve the reliability of existing valves prone to fatigue failures. Now proven in product testing and commercial application with LG, the fatigue resistant properties of Sandvik Hiflex have also been proved in the reliability of exhaust valves in automotive air conditioning systems.