The Mares Tri Material Valve uses a combination of three different materials that are designed to perform specific tasks such as strength and rigidity or provide a low friction surface. The way these materials are used is also important to ensure a reliable, high performing and long lasting valve.
The core of the high pressure poppet is made from nickel-plated brass which is wrapped in a high resistant polyurethane coating which provides excellent protection against wear and mechanical stresses. The head of the poppet is then given a final coating of another polyurethane but this time with a softer modulus that provides a perfect seal against the valve chamber walls.
Whilst other manufacturers use a similar process, Mares has gone a step further by ensuring that there are no mechanical joints between materials in contact with high pressure air. This eliminates the possibility of air penetrating the glue or resin used to fix the materials together, preventing air pockets from forming between the layers and either weakening the layer of de-laminating them.