Material

Indexing plungers are available in different materials. Some of the most popular materials in which they are made include stainless steel and carbon steel.

Stainless steel and carbon steel are both iron alloys, but they are comprised of different compounds. Stainless steel is an iron alloy with 11% or more chromium content. Carbon steel, conversely, is an iron alloy with a high concentration of carbon content. Indexing plungers made of stainless steel offer excellent resistance to rust and corrosion. Indexing plungers made of carbon steel, though, are stronger and more durable than those made of stainless steel.

Coating

In addition to stainless steel and carbon steel, many indexing plungers feature a finish. The body, for instance, may be plated in zinc alloy, and the plunger may feature an oxidized steel finish.