1. Copper (Preferred for Durability)
• Advantages: Naturally antibacterial, highly corrosion-resistant, and resistant to rust over long-term use; soft texture, amenable to fine processing, excellent plating adhesion, and long-lasting aesthetics.
• Disadvantages: High cost and relatively expensive; pure copper is prone to deformation and must be combined with other metals to create alloys (such as 59 copper and 62 copper).
• Suitable for: Budget-friendly, long-lasting core components such as faucet bodies and shower valve cartridges.
2. Stainless Steel (Cost-Effective Choice)
• Advantages: High cost-effectiveness, lower price than copper; 304/316 grades offer excellent rust resistance and are resistant to humid environments; high hardness, resists deformation, and is easy to clean.
• Disadvantages: Hard material, making complex shapes difficult to process; low-end 201 stainless steel is prone to rust and requires careful selection.
• Suitable for: Medium-budget, practical bathroom fixtures such as towel racks and storage racks and sink faucets.
3. Zinc Alloy (Affordable and Attractive)
• Advantages: Easy to cast, can be molded into complex patterns, and has a high aesthetic appeal; the lowest price, making it suitable for low-cost solutions.
• Disadvantages: Weak corrosion resistance, prone to oxidation and cracking with prolonged water contact; low hardness, poor load-bearing capacity, and a short service life (typically 2-3 years).
• Suitable for: Budget-constrained, short-term use, or non-load-bearing components, such as bathroom door handles and small hooks.