What's the difference between a 1000 yuan and a 100 yuan faucet?

What's the difference between a 1000 yuan and a 100 yuan faucet?

The production technology of faucet is mature, and the country has also formulated corresponding standards. Although the scale of each enterprise is different and the shape of faucet is different, the production cost of similar products is basically similar. At present, the faucets sold in the market are quite different. The prices of similar products of different enterprises vary from more than 100 yuan to more than 1000 yuan. For the same faucet, why there is such a big price difference? Let's analyze it from the perspective of faucet technology.

1. Appearance

The external surface of faucet is generally chrome plated. The coating of the product has specified process requirements, and after a certain period of salt spray test, there is no corrosion within the specified time limit. In the case of sufficient light, you can put the product in your hand and observe it at a straight distance. The surface of the faucet should be as bright as a mirror, without any oxidation spots and scorch marks; there is no air hole, no blister, no missing plating, and the color is uniform; there is no burr or sand particles when touching the surface of the faucet with your fingers, and the fingerprints will disperse quickly and it is not easy to attach scale. Some taps are plated with titanium gold, bronze (imitation gold plating), imitation gold electrophoretic paint and other methods. The surface corrosion of the faucet plated with electrophoretic paint or bronze is often very fast, which is difficult to identify by non professionals. However, the relevant requirements on the surface of faucets will be indicated on the quality assurance card.

2. Materials

The shell of the main part of the faucet is usually made of brass, which is subject to sand cleaning, turning, pickling and infiltration, pressure test, polishing and electroplating. Some manufacturers choose zinc alloy instead to reduce production cost. The handle, decorative nut and the change-over valve of triple bathtub faucet are basically made of brass, zinc alloy and ABS engineering plastics; the wall cover is made of copper, stainless steel and plastic; the connecting nut, eccentric joint and outlet nozzle shell are made of brass. It is recommended to use brass for the above parts. The electroplating quality of the products made of brass is the best, and the corrosion resistance time is longer. The higher the purity of brass is, the better the electroplating quality is, and the less corrosive the surface plating layer is. Zinc alloy electroplating is poor in quality and corrosion resistance, while ABS engineering plastics is the cheapest and the electroplating quality is poor. It can be identified by weight estimation, minor surface scratch and surface plating quality. Brass is heavier and harder, zinc alloy is lighter and softer, and plastic is lightest and softest. However, zinc alloy materials are not allowed to be used for parts directly in contact with drinking water.

3. Function

Faucet has a variety of styles and functions, according to the use of general washbasin, kitchen sink, bathtub, shower, body purifier and so on. According to the function, there are general, induction, constant temperature and so on. For example: the induction type faucet has the function of automatic induction of water outflow. When reaching to the water outlet of the faucet, water will flow out, which is convenient, hygienic and more suitable for public places (high-grade) toilets.

4. Spool

The valve core is the heart of the faucet, and the ceramic valve core is the best one. Ceramic valve core is used in the products with good quality, with strong wear resistance and good sealing performance, which can be used for more than 300000-500000 times. Low grade products are mostly made of copper, rubber and other seals, with short service life and low price.

5. Surface

The water faucet should pay attention to the glossiness of the surface. It is better to touch the faucet without burr, pore and oxidation spot. The main body of the high-quality faucet is usually made of copper. After molding and polishing, the surface is plated with acid copper, nickel and chromium (three-layer electroplating); ordinary products are generally only nickel plated and chromium plated (two-layer electroplating). The coatings of regular products have specific process requirements, and pass the neutral salt spray test, and there is no corrosion within the specified time limit. Therefore, the high-quality faucet products have tight structure, uniform coating, smooth and delicate color, lasting forever.

6. Handle

Turn the handle gently to see if it is light and flexible and whether there is blockage. Check whether the parts of the faucet, especially the main parts, are tightly assembled and there should be no loose feeling.