Float
Balls

Copper Floats

Copper floats are made for open-tank, no-pressure applications at temperatures below 212°F. Unlike a steel or stainless steel float, our copper floats are manufactured by sweating solder into an overlapping joint that maintains a smooth and true spherical or cylindrical exterior surface.

Wall thicknesses are heavier than that of most other manufacturers to help assure strength and durability. Sizes range from 1″ to 14″ in diameter.

Stainless Steel Floats

Stainless Steel floats are ideal for high pressure, high temperature applications, or where the greater strength and corrosion resistance of this material are necessary. They also are used in less severe applications to assure that the float will last as long as the rest of the product.

Stainless steel eliminates many float failures on low-pressure steam traps, float valves, float boxes, etc. Stainless steel floats may be used safely at pressures up to 1,000 lbs., often with relatively thin walls for maximum buoyancy. Standard spherical floats of stainless steel weigh considerably less than seamless copper floats of the same size and have a corresponding increase in effective buoyancy.

The stainless steel grades we commonly use are Type 304, Stabilized 18-8, Type 347, Type 316 and Type 316L. Stabilized 18-8, with Titanium or Columbium, was developed for maximum resistance to corrosion after welding. It is particularly adapted to equipment operating in the temperature range from 800° to 1,600°F. Sizes range from 1″ to 14″ in diameter.

Steel Floats

Steel floats, while subject to corrosion, are appropriate for ammonia controls, oil separators, and apparatus using alkaline solutions. The greater tensile strength of steel as compared to copper is a strong advantage in high pressure service, up to 1,000 lbs.

We normally nickel plate steel floats to prevent corrosive action. In cases where higher pressures are involved, steel floats can be heat treated to increase their yield point. Generally speaking, however, the stainless steel float is more practicable for this higher pressure service at only a slight additional cost.

Monel 400 & Aluminum

Specialty metals are required to stand up to liquids that would attack other materials. Monel 400 and aluminum retain their strength over a wide range of operating conditions.

Monel 400 is resistant to more corrosive solutions than other malleable metals. Its resistance to corrosion in fresh and salt water makes it an excellent choice for use in refrigerant brines, laundry operations, textile dying and finishing, alkaline salt solutions and even hydrochloric acid.

Due to their strength and light weight, Aluminum floats provide great buoyancy. They can be used in many liquids of low specific gravity where heavier floats would be deficient. Aluminum floats may be used in a majority of alcohols, turpentine, formaldehyde, and other unique chemicals. Additionally, aluminum is excellent for decorative applications such as flag pole balls and furniture accent pieces.

Exotic Metal

Exotic Metals, such as Nickel, Alloy 20, Inconel, Hastelloy B and C, AL6XN, or Titanium, are required to protect the float in severe atmospheres.

These exotic metal floats are essential for pollution control equipment, gas scrubber components or systems used in chemical processing where strong oxidizers or reducers may be present.

Exotic metal floats are designed to handle situations where elevated temperatures and corrosive environments exist. The exotic metals resist pitting and stress corrosion cracking, and are highly recommended for sulfur-rich applications. 

Polypropylene Floats

-For Open Tank No Pressure Use
-Maximum Temperature 175°F (79°C)
-Lightweight and Corrosion Resistant
-Other colors available upon request

Magnetic Float Switches

Magnetic Float Switches have a small tube with a magnet inside designed to trigger reed switches. We provide only high grade 316 material for a variety of uses. Please inquire for specific information.

Decorative Uses

Quality Float Works, Inc. balls and hemispheres have been used for a variety of decorative and artistic applications. Our balls are available with a smooth seam. Some components can be polished for a bright finish.
Some typical uses:

-Flag Pole Balls
-Weather Vanes
-Decorative Accessories for Fences and Railings
-Finials
-Sculptures
-Designer Furniture and Accessories

Please feel free to contact us with any thoughts or ideas you may have. We have been working with artists and fabricators for many years.