Small changes in component design, manufacturing and finishing can significantly impact upon the perceived quality of an OEM product or appliance. The surprising thing here too is that unit costs need not necessarily increase if materials and other efficiencies are explored.

Component Weight

Perceived quality can increase with component weight. Handles, levers, rails, knobs and other parts that are touched or activated by an end user can be made from heavier materials to convey the impression of strength, solidity and quality.

Zinc for example is nearly two times heavier than aluminium and can be used to manufacture highly intricate components.

Component surface

Zinc die castings ave an extremely responsive surface that allows the adherence of a multitude of finishes. The much lower melting point compared with other materials creates a diecasting surface that is unpitted and one that can be very easily polished and plated, allowing a perfect finish to be quickly and cost-effectively achieved.

Component consistency

Where multiple components such as handles and valves may appear next to each other on a finished OEM product, it is essential to optimise component consistency. Materials such as zinc have excellent fluidity when molten which helps to ensure good in tool flow. As a result, component consistency and ultimately quality can be maintained.