There are varying ways plastic is used in faucets and it is often perceived as less durable or less suitable for high-quality products. However, this is not always correct. Depending on the manufacturer and the specific type of plastic used, it comes in multiple forms, functions and qualities. Here's all you need to know.
In Oras faucet applications, composite and hard-wearing plastics can be the optimal solution and are indispensable to deliver high performance and durability. Depending on the type and properties of the plastic used, plastic covers a wide range of applications in faucets.
Plastic can be used for:
The outer body and handles
The cartridge and valves
Spout interior
The aerator
Pipes and connections
Etc.
So what's the difference and which type of plastic is used for which part of the faucet? Here are the kinds of plastics that you should know about.
Composite material
Composite material combines two or more separate materials and can be used in covers, spouts, bodies, levers and battery cases.
These include reinforced plastics, such as glass fibre and polymer or ABS composite, such as ABS engineering plastic-chrome combinations.
Composite plastics can also be moulded on to various components, in the form of plastic-plastic, plastic-metal or plastic-rubber combinations.
Combined with PSU (Polysulfone) engineering plastic, for example, the composite structure is often used in medical technology as it’s physiological inert and extremely durable in high temperatures.
Composite is a strong and durable, yet also light material, which is why it widely used in industries such as medical, aerospace and automotive.
ABS engineering plastic
ABS engineering plastic components are widely used in products such as laptops and mobile phones. It is a strong and durable material, which offers good resistance to high and low temperatures and chemicals. As plastic does not heat up the same way as metal does when in contact with hot water, it is a perfect material to be used in faucet levers, outer bodies and covers, handles and shower heads. Additional benefit of ABS is that it can be chrome-plated, which makes it an easy-to-process material.
Top 3 Reasons to Include a Foot Pedal Controlled Faucet
A faucet controlled by a foot pedal valve works like a single lever faucet and can be connected to any faucet type. The hardware for the pedal is available in an array of finishes and colors to complement your kitchen cabinets and hardware, like the example pictured to the right. It attaches at the bottom of the kitchen cabinet and is connected by stainless steel hoses to the supply valves and faucets. The water temperature is set using the faucet handles and the foot pedal can be locked in place to use the faucet in a conventional manner. The foot pedal control also allows you to manage the volume of water flowing from the faucet.
Why include a foot pedal controlled faucet?
1. Hygiene
When you are preparing a chicken and have just finished handling raw meat, what is the first thing you want to do? Wash your hands! This can be difficult when you have just been touching the meat as bacteria is easily spread from your hands to the kitchen faucet. A foot pedal faucet control means you do not have to worry as you simply turn the water on with the foot control and safely wash your hands without touching anything.
2. Ease of Use
Kitchen jobs require multitasking and mean your hands are usually occupied. Handling food, baking, and cleaning up greasy pots and pans keep the hands full and require frequent use of the faucet for hand washing and food preparation. Juggling these tasks while maintaining kitchen hygiene can be challenging. With a foot pedal controlled faucet you can fill a large pot or wash food without having to put them down first to turn on the water.
3. Efficient Use of Water
The foot pedal controlled faucet is also a more efficient way to use your kitchen water supply. It allows you to turn the water on and off using the foot levers in order to avoid waste. This saves on home water usage and is beneficial for the environment. You are also able to control the volume of water released, which is especially useful when rinsing large pans or baking sheets as it helps to ensure you have sufficient water flow without excess water splashing out of the sink.