A Comparison Between Cast Iron, Brass and Stainless Steel Weights

If you have ever bought weights, you must have come across different types of weights having different metals as raw materials. There are three majorly used metal or alloy types which are used to make weights and those materials are brass, cast iron and stainless steel. Each material has its own set of features that make either suitable or unsuitable for the particular application. 

As one of the reputed manufacturers and suppliers of weights in India, we feel obliged to share further details regarding those materials. So that if you ever went to buy weights, you would be able to choose the best suitable types of weights. Let us have a quick look at the major advantages and disadvantages of each material among those three choices. 

Common Traits of Cast Iron Weights

Cast Iron is one of the most commonly used raw materials for making weights. Cast Iron weights usually vary in weight value with time because this material tends to absorb moisture, even from the atmosphere. Thus it gets corrosive and wears over time. Also, it is highly magnetic and therefore gets affected by magnetic fields evolving from electronic balances and electric motors. 

It has been commonly observed that after one year of regular usage, CI weights retain their weight value to within ½ to ¼ of the original tolerance. If used rigorously, weight variation may fall lower than the original tolerance even within a year due to the excessive wear. 

As experts, we suggest regular cleaning and storage in dry places to avoid such wearing. Since cast iron weights get varied in the weight value, their regular checking and readjustment is also recommended to maintain the tolerance. Thus Cast iron weights should be verified and re-calibrated annually. 

Common Traits of Brass Weights

Brass weights show better short term (few months) weight stability than cast-iron weights. Though, this type of weights also varies after a certain time of usage due to wear and corrosion. Their light usage and fine handling help in retaining their value to within ½ to ¼ of the original tolerance even after many years. 

Brass is comparatively softer than Cast Iron and its rigorous use causes a quick reduction in weight value through wear. Also, Brass is non-magnetic but still may get affected a little by magnetic fields. We recommend not to use Brass weights for precision related requirements, as it’s weight value varies due to wear, atmospheric air density and contamination. Brass weights should also be verified annually.

Common Traits of Stainless Steel Weights

The stainless steel is smoothly polished for long term stability. Polished stainless steel calibration weights are specifically made while using top-grade stainless steel due to their non-magnetic (or minimal magnetic) properties. There is just a slight chance of getting affected due to magnetic fields. 

Experienced manufacturers of stainless steel weights prefer to use stainless steel having a consistent density of 8000 kg/m³ as it reduces the chances of weight variation due to air buoyancy effect. 

Light use and careful handling help in retaining their values within a minimal fraction of tolerance even after many years. Daily and rigorous use may lower the weight below the tolerance after a few years. 

So we can conclude that each weight type is unique according to their material. Some are economic whereas some are long-lasting. You need to determine the suitable choice as per your needs. Consult the experts at Swastik System and Services for further assistance. We are highly experienced manufacturers and suppliers of weights in India and offer an extensive range of weights to customers. Explore our range and you discover suitable alternatives worth accomplishing your needs.