In the furniture manufacturing industry, the alloy or raw material of the hardware makes the quality difference. Choosing the most suitable material for each use prolongs the product’s life, increases its resistance in degrading environments, and ensures the mechanical behavior of each piece. Each metallic or plastic composition corresponds to a suitable application that directly impacts the final price of the furniture.The raw material used in hardware determines durability, finishing options, corrosion resistance, and design possibilities. Quality hardware enhances the value of the furniture they are installed in.
Raw Materials Used in Hardware Production
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, among other materials, which offers high corrosion resistance so it does not require additional treatments. Techniques such as polishing or applying dyes are used to achieve different finishes. Stainless steel hardware provides great protection against moisture, salt, and other harmful agents to metals.Our suppliers in China can manufacture hardware in various types of steel:
- AISI 304 – EN 1.4301. This type of steel is the most common for manufacturing materials for construction because it offers a high level of hardness and corrosion resistance. Its minimum content of 18% chromium and 8% nickel allows it to be used in both indoor and outdoor furniture.
- AISI 316 – EN 1.4401. This is the most corrosion-resistant steel, making it the most suitable choice for use in aggressive environments. It is generally used in coastal areas and in the naval industry.
- AISI 430 – EN 1.4016. This less corrosion-resistant steel is preferably used in non-aggressive environments. Its main advantages are malleability, good thermal conduction, and high-quality finishing.
Brass
Brass is a metal forged at high temperatures and then polished to obtain its characteristic shiny finish. Despite being a durable and elegant material itself, finishes like chroming or matte nickel plating can be applied to it.
- GB (bright brass). It is brass of a special alloy of great purity that is presented in a natural finish through polishing and shining its surface. For greater durability, it is protected with a layer of high-resistance lacquer.
- CB (chromed brass). To achieve the chrome finish, a layer of galvanized chrome is applied to the surface of the brass.
- NM (matte nickel). This finish is obtained by applying a layer of satin nickel on the surface of the brass.
Aluminum
Hardware for furniture made of aluminum is distinguished by its durability, resistance, functionality, and design. It is one of the preferred choices for architects and interior designers, who find in this material the ideal solution for quality and highly original design. Many of the aluminum hardware manufactured in China can be acquired with an additional treatment, anodizing. With this technique, greater resistance and durability are achieved. Depending on the thickness of the protective layer, we will achieve greater or lesser lifespan in the hardware. An additional advantage of anodizing is that it allows decorative finishes to be applied in different tones.
Zamak
Zamak is an alloy of zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper that achieves a material of high hardness, high tensile strength, and high melting temperature.Among its numerous advantages are its price, much cheaper than other metals, and the possibility of applying chromed or painted finishes. Additionally, it is a material that allows manufacturing large volumes reproducing with high precision all the details of the hardware, which helps to reduce production costs. For all these reasons, zamak is one of the most widespread materials in hardware manufacturing.
ABS
ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a new generation plastic, highly resistant to impact, chemical agents, abrasion, temperature, and water. Many hardware items are now made of ABS, as despite being a plastic material, its processing and processing give it properties far superior to those of common plastics. Additionally, it can be chrome-plated by electrolysis to achieve metallic finishes.
