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. The martensitic, stainless, chromium steel alloyed with molybdenum provides increased tensile strength and improved toughness and has more than 10% greater bending fatigue strength. The new compressor moves linearly and cuts down dramatically on power consumption. In order to achieve these benefits, 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.