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Ball Valve Manufacturing Process: From Forging to Final Pressure Testing
Author: Release time:2025.12.06
Discover how ball valves are made—from stainless steel forging and CNC machining to assembly and final pressure testing. Learn how Mecco’s 500+ advanced machines ensure high-precision full port, reduced port, and high-pressure ball valves.

Ball valves are among the most widely used flow-control components across industrial piping systems. Their robust structure, reliable sealing performance, and quick quarter-turn operation make them indispensable for oil & gas, chemical processing, power plants, water treatment, HVAC, and high-pressure applications.

At Mecco, our commitment to precision engineering is backed by 500+ sets of advanced CNC machines, forging lines, welding systems, pressure-testing rigs, and automated inspection equipment—allowing us to deliver world-class full port ball valves, high pressure ball valves, reduced port ball valves, and specialized designs such as vented ball valves.

This article explains the complete ball valve manufacturing process, from raw materials to final testing, while showcasing the production strengths that set Mecco apart as a trusted global valve manufacturer.

Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve

1. Material Selection: Stainless Steel and Forged Structures

High-quality stainless steel is widely used for ball valve manufacturing due to its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and mechanical strength. Depending on pressure class and medium, materials may include:

  • SS304 / SS316 / SS316L
  • Duplex stainless steels
  • Carbon steel
  • Alloy steels for extreme conditions

For demanding industries, Mecco uses a forged ball valve structure to ensure higher density, improved toughness, and superior resistance to high pressure and temperature.


2. Forging: Creating the Strongest Valve Body

Forging is the first major step in the ball valve manufacturing process. It enhances metal strength by eliminating internal voids and improving grain structure.

Mecco operates multiple automated forging lines that shape valve bodies with precision dies. This ensures:

  • Higher pressure capability
  • Better durability
  • Greater safety under impact loads
  • Superior metallurgical integrity

Forged bodies are essential for high pressure ball valves used in demanding service conditions.


3. Precision Machining: 500+ Sets of Mecco CNC Equipment

Mecco’s manufacturing leadership stems from its investment in more than 500 sets of CNC machining centers, including:

  • Multi-axis machining centers
  • CNC turning machines
  • Valve seat pocket cutters
  • Robotic ball machining stations
  • Automated deburring and polishing machines

This allows perfect machining of:

  • Full port (full bore) ball valves, where the flow path matches the pipeline diameter for maximum flow
  • Reduced port valves, with optimized geometry for controlled flow
  • Quarter-turn valves with precise ball alignment with the flow
  • Complex piece designs, including vented balls and trunnion structures

With this technological advantage, valve dimensions, tolerances, and sealing surfaces remain extremely consistent.


4. Manufacturing the Ball: Perfect Roundness and Smooth Finishing

The ball is the heart of every ball valve. Its performance directly influences flow control, sealing capability, and operating torque.

Mecco's ball manufacturing excellence includes:

  • Robotic polishing to achieve mirror-level surface finish
  • CNC spherical turning for perfect roundness
  • Hard chrome plating or electroless nickel plating when required
  • Vented ball designs for thermal expansion control

A smooth ball surface ensures excellent sealing in both open and closed positions, minimizing friction and extending valve life.


5. Assembly: Precision Alignment and Functional Integrity

The ball rotates inside the valve body through a quarter turn to open or close the flow path. Proper assembly is critical for ensuring long-term reliability.

Mecco’s assembly lines incorporate:

  • Cleanroom environments for stainless steel valves
  • Automated torque control for stem and gland installation
  • Computer-monitored alignment systems
  • Manual and automatic inspection checkpoints

Each valve is assembled to guarantee:

  • Smooth manual operation
  • Perfect alignment with the flow
  • Tight sealing in the closed position
  • Optimal flow control behavior


6. Valve Testing: The Last and Most Critical Step

Every valve undergoes strict valve testing before shipment. Mecco’s testing facilities include:

  • Hydrostatic pressure testing stations
  • High-pressure helium leak detection
  • Torque performance evaluation
  • Fire-safe testing equipment
  • Anti-static continuity tests
  • Cycle endurance machines

All ball valves—whether full port, reduced port, manually operated, or high pressure designs—are tested according to API, ISO, and EN standards.

Testing ensures long-term dependability, safety, and compliance for global industries.


Why Mecco Leads in Ball Valve Manufacturing

Over 500+ sets of advanced industrial equipment

Ensures high-precision machining, forging, and testing capabilities.

Full control from forging to final pressure testing

Guarantees consistent quality across the entire production chain.

Expertise in stainless steel, forged valves, and high-pressure structures

Ideal for extreme industries requiring maximum durability and corrosion resistance.

ISO, API, CE, and PED certifications

Trusted by global valve distributors and end-users.

Full range of ball valve piece designs

Full port, reduced port, vented ball, quarter-turn valves, high-pressure trunnion, floating designs, and more.


FAQs About Ball Valve Manufacturing

1. What is the difference between a full port and a reduced port ball valve?

A full port (full bore) ball valve has a ball opening equal to the pipe diameter, allowing maximum flow.

A reduced port valve has a smaller opening, offering more controlled flow but slightly higher pressure loss.

2. Why is forging preferred for high pressure ball valves?

Forging eliminates internal voids, increases strength, and ensures structural reliability—making forged ball valves ideal for high pressure applications.

3. How does a ball valve operate?

A ball valve uses a quarter-turn rotation. When the ball hole aligns with the flow, the valve is open. When rotated to the closed position, the flow is completely blocked.

4. What materials are commonly used for ball valve manufacturing?

Stainless steel, carbon steel, duplex stainless steel, and special alloys, depending on corrosion resistance and pressure requirements.

5. What is a vented ball?

A vented ball includes a small vent hole that prevents pressure buildup when the valve is closed, improving safety in certain applications.

6. How does Mecco ensure product quality?

Through forging, CNC precision machining, clean assembly, and rigorous final pressure testing, all done using over 500 advanced machines.


Conclusion

The ball valve manufacturing process involves advanced material selection, forging, CNC machining, precision assembly, and strict pressure testing. With 500+ sets of specialized manufacturing and testing equipment, Mecco delivers consistent quality, superior durability, and high-performance ball valves for global markets.

Whether you require full port, reduced port, forged, or high-pressure ball valves, Mecco’s vertically integrated production ensures unmatched reliability and professional authority.