The hardware market is currently flooded with handles marketed as being made of brass, but in reality, they are manufactured from a material known as zamak. This has caused confusion and disappointment among consumers, as zamak, while more economical, exhibits significantly inferior technical and functional characteristics compared to brass.
Brass is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability. Unlike zamak, brass is not affected by temperature variations, allowing it to maintain its integrity and quality even under extreme conditions. Its corrosion resistance is notable, making it ideal for use in outdoor environments. Furthermore, brass does not lose its shape or functionality over time, ensuring a long lifespan.
Although zamak can have a similar appearance to brass when imitation coatings are applied, it does not possess the same durability and strength properties. Zamak is more susceptible to corrosion and wear, especially when exposed to adverse conditions such as humidity and temperature changes. Its low tensile and impact strength make it less suitable for applications where greater durability is required. Moreover, brass has an aesthetic and tactile quality that distinctly sets it apart from zamak. The body and weight of brass are unmistakable, while zamak is lighter and more malleable, tending to lose its original appearance over time, which necessitates more frequent replacements.
Another difference between these two materials lies in the production methods used. While zamak is processed by casting and injection molding, the brass used in Groël's handles is manufactured through stamping or forging processes. These production processes differ significantly in terms of quality, durability, and strength. The stamping process involves deforming the material under high pressure to shape it, without the need to melt it. This results in denser and more compact pieces, significantly reducing the presence of internal defects such as porosities or air bubbles, which are more common in injection molding processes. The absence of these internal defects contributes to greater structural strength and durability of the final product.
Choosing the material is not just a matter of initial cost but also of long-term value. Brass handles, while potentially more expensive initially, offer greater strength, durability, and aesthetics, making them a more cost-effective investment over time. In contrast, zamak handles, although cheaper, often require frequent replacements due to their lower durability and resistance, which can result in a higher total cost over time.