Even though some people have been in business for a long time, they still do not know all that the market offers.
In this article, I've explained some of the things buyers neglect when buying a stainless steel sink.
Let's get right to it!
Some Manufacturers Replace 304 Stainless Steel With 201 Stainless Steel
201 and 304 are prevalent types of stainless steel that are used to make sinks in the market. These two types are different from each other in properties.
The surface of 201 steel is a little dull, whereas the surface of the 304 steel is very bright and smooth. The difference in properties is due to the percentage of nickel in the sink's material.
304 stainless steel has around 8-10% nickel content. On the other hand, 201 stainless steel only has approximately 2% nickel content. This nickel content makes 304 excellent in corrosion resistance and alkali resistance. It also adds to the flexibility and the toughness of the sink.
It isn't easy to distinguish between both the steel types with the naked eye. 304 is more pricey than 201, and some manufacturers may replace the sinks to save some money.
Decreasing Material Usage
There is a way to produce a handmade stainless steel sink with two different stainless steel sheets.
Some manufacturers tell you that the thickness of the steel is 4mm. This is only the thickness of the sink's panel. They use inferior second-grade material in the bowl, and it is not easy to find that out.
Different Steel Cutting Methods: Cross-Cutting Method VS Scattered Cutting Method
Our factory has always adopted the 'cross-shaped' cutting method. As shown in the picture below, after the cutting is complete, the four steel plates are bent upwards, and only four vertical seams need to be welded to complete the sink's body.
This cutting method produces four pieces of scrap for each piece of steel, but it can also minimize the welding parts, as shown in the picture below.
The cross-cutting method is used because they are all cut from the same piece of positive material. Therefore, the entire sink, basin surface, basin body, and basin bottom are integrated, and the thickness is also the same.
The sinks made by the scattered cutting method can be fake. For example, the sink rim can use very thick material while the basin material, in reality, could be fragile. Moreover, there are many more welding parts. The more welding places, the worse it is.
As shown in the picture below, the welding methods of the two processes are in comparison.
The handmade stainless steel sinks made by the scattered cutting method are sprayed with an anti-condensation coating on the back. Inexperienced customers usually cannot see the difference from the surface.
As long as you don't scrape off a slight coating on the back of the welding part, you wouldn't be able to see the welding traces.
Paint With A Thick Anti-Condensation Coating
The above manufacturers use thin materials in the sink bowl. To make up for this, they paint a thick anti-condensation coating to increase the whole sink's weight.
The anti-condensation coating on the back does not follow the rule 'the thicker, the better.' If the layer is too thick, oil collection and leakage will occur.
Generally, the best coating thickness is around 0.6 to 0.8 mm. You can test it with your nails as well. If you press it, it will not leave scratches on the surface.
Using Toxic Sound Reducing Pad
The Sound Reducing Pad material has two types: EVA and another one is rubber.
EVA material (polystyrene) is a pollution-free, environmentally friendly material within the standard.
The rubber synthetic materials need to pass various environmental certifications and functional certifications.
Some manufacturers use thick rubber pads to increase the overall weight of the sink. Those rubbers are from the used tires, which is not passed the environmental test. It will get a foul smell from the sink bottom after using this type of pad material.
The Position And The Shape Of The Drainer
The primary function of the drain hole is to drain water.
One of the things you need to check is the shape of the drain hole. Most of the sinks on the market are round drain holes, and some irregular drain holes also account for a part. Another shape is commonly found in the square-shaped drain.
Regarding the drain hole shape, I recommend that you buy a sink with a round drainage hole.
It is easy to find a replacement for this shape, and it's better for water drainage.
The recommended position is the front position. The most suitable distance from the drainer center to the sink edge is around 100mm.
You can go for other positions: the central-position, the back-position, and irregularly shaped.
Conclusion
Some manufacturers use immoral acts to reduce the costs of their sinks and increase the price.
As a customer, you need to be aware of how a manufacturer can take advantage of you. Be wary of these things.
I hope this article was of help. Good luck!
Stainless steel is the material very commonly used in the promotional products industry for manufacturing such items as kitchenware, thermo mugs, water bottles, jiggers, bar trays, and many others. So when manufacturing in China, it is useful to be aware of its different classifications and grades. This blog explains which type of China stainless steel to choose to make a product of your desired quality.
In metallurgy, stainless steel, also known as inox steel, is a steel alloy containing from 10.5% to 30% chromium by mass.
The worldwide consumption of stainless steel is constantly increasing. There is a growing demand from the building and construction industry, medical and health equipment companies, automotive and food processing suppliers, and many other industries. Their stainless steel is used for its attractive appearance, corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and strength. It does not need to be treated, coated or painted when put into service, and does not readily rust or stain with water as ordinary steel does.
We have compiled extensive information about stainless steel grades and how they compare with one another. We hope this helps you make an informed decision when selecting stainless steel for your branded item.
Stainless steels are in general grouped into:
Here on the image you can see the graphic of the relationship between the different types:
The most commonly specified austenitic stainless steel, accounting for more than 50% of the stainless steel produced in the world. This grade withstands ordinary corrosion in architecture, is durable in typical food processing environments, and resists most chemicals. Type 304 is available in virtually all product forms and finishes. It is immune to foodstuffs, sterilizing solutions, most of the organic chemicals and dyestuffs, and a wide variety of inorganic chemicals.
Typical applications: chemical equipment and piping, heat exchanger components, dairy and food handling equipment and utensils, cryogenic vessels and components, architectural and structural applications exposed to non-marine atmospheres.
Austenitic stainless steel containing 2%-3% molybdenum (whereas 304 has none). The inclusion of molybdenum gives 316 greater resistance to various forms of deterioration. Properties are similar to those of Type 304 except that this alloy is somewhat stronger at elevated temperatures.
Typical applications: exhaust manifolds, furnace parts, heat exchangers, pharmaceutical and photographic equipment, valve and pump trim, chemical equipment, digesters, tanks, evaporators, pulp, paper and textile processing equipment.
An austenitic chromium-nickel-manganese stainless steel which was developed to conserve nickel. Type 201 is a lower cost alternative to conventional Cr-Ni stainless steels such as 301 and 304. Nickel is replaced by additions of manganese and nitrogen. It is non-hardenable by thermal treatment, but may be cold worked to high tensile strengths.
Typical Applications: cookware, hose clamps, piston rings, transit car structural member, transit car roofing/siding, thermal window spacers, air bag containers, truck trailer posts and door frames.
Ferritic stainless steel suitable for high temperatures. This grade has the lowest chromium content of all stainless steels and thus is the least expensive. It is produced with enhanced formability characteristics known as “High Performance” or “Ultra Form” in the industry
Typical Applications: manifolds exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, mufflers, tail pipes, home heating systems, automotive thermostats and fuel filters, electrical transformer cases, caskets and heat exchanger tubing.
The most widely used martensitic stainless steel, featuring the high level of strength conferred by the martensitics. It is a low-cost, heat-treatable grade suitable for non-severe corrosion applications.
Typical Applications: flat springs, knives, kitchen utensils and hand tools.
The most widely used ferritic stainless steel, offering general-purpose corrosion resistance, resistance to oxidation up to 1500ºF along with good ductility.
Typical Applications: decorative roofing and siding applications, ovens, sinks, dishwashers. This alloy is also often polished for cosmetic applications.
Here at ODM, we have significant experience in product design, sourcing for promotional products and manufacturing in China. Be sure to check out our ever-expanding gift with purchase and in store display portals in order to find some inspirational ideas.
Austenitic stainless steels - chromium-nickel stainless class. Martensitic stainless steels - plain chromium stainless class with exceptional strength. Ferritic stainless steels - plain chromium stainless category. Duplex (ferritic-austenitic) stainless steels. Precipitation-hardening stainless steels.
The most commonly specified austenitic stainless steel, accounting for more than 50% of the stainless steel produced in the world. This grade withstands ordinary corrosion in architecture, is durable in typical food processing environments, and resists most chemicals. Type 304 is available in virtually all product forms and finishes. It is immune to foodstuffs, sterilizing solutions, most of the organic chemicals and dyestuffs, and a wide variety of inorganic chemicals. Typical applications: chemical equipment and piping, heat exchanger components, dairy and food handling equipmentand utensils, cryogenic vessels and components, architectural and structural applications exposed to non-marine atmospheres.
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