Which washing machine tank material is better: plastic, steel, metal
The tank is one of the key elements of a washing machine. Before choosing a washing machine model, it is recommended to think carefully, what it should be made of. Let's find out, which material is best for the washing machine tank, and why it copes better with its functional tasks.
manufacturing technology
Durable and durable material - the key to successful operation of the washing machine, after all in work serious loadings and changes of temperatures are constantly present. Foreign objects can damage or block the system.
Manufacturers use 3 varieties of material for the manufacture of the capacity of the drum:
- Stainless Steel;
- plastic;
- metal.
Stainless Steel
Steel copes better than others with constant interaction with water, and also has special durability. Very often used as a material for the tank of the washing machine.
The main advantages are:
- durability;
- reliability;
- strength;
- tank, made of stainless steel, will serve you for many years.
Despite such popularity, inherent shortcomings:
- High noise level. This is due to the inability to dampen vibration and noise. Many housewives are dissatisfied with this phenomenon.
- High cost. A product made of quality steel with honestly welded seams can not have a low price.
- Devices with metal drum tanks consume more electricity, as the metal is characterized by low thermal insulation.
plastic
The second place in demand is occupied by products, made of plastic and other polymers.
The pros are:
- Low cost.
- Do not make noise. If you believe the advertising, things will be erased completely silently. They cope very well with the absorption of noise and vibration.
- Lower power consumption, due to good thermal insulation. Less energy is needed to heat the water.
- Not prone to corrosion, exposure to chemicals.
- Light weight of the product and the device itself. When repairing it is much easier to remove, than metal.
- Relative strength. Compared to stainless steel products, then the plastic elements will lose due to their fragility. However, constant developments are underway in this direction, and the composition of the polymers for the manufacture of parts is improved, becomes stronger and more reliable. The service life can reach 30 years, which is much lower, than stainless steel. However, and that's enough, as the service life of the washing machine after this time will come to an end.
The only one, but a significant disadvantage is considered:
- Fragility. Possible damage during transport or foreign objects between the drum and its tank. Breakdowns can be very serious, in which the use of technology becomes impossible.
Each washing machine manufacturer uses its own polymer composition technology.
Plastic differs in characteristics, has low cost and high fragility. Due to additional impurities, the strength of the composition increases, and in some cases products, made of polymers, not very inferior in reliability to stainless steel elements and withstand the aggressive effects of detergents.
metal
Enameled metal tanks have long ceased to be produced for the washing machine. They have decent reliability, and enamel protects against corrosion. The weight of such devices is very large. The product is durable, not prone to splitting during transportation and temperature changes, unlike plastic elements.
Prolonged use may result in chipping from the impact of foreign objects in the drum. When damaged, the enamel ceases to perform a protective function, begins to crumble, covered with rust and fall. The part is damaged as a result of corrosion and begins to leak. In such cases, replacement of the spare part or the entire unit is required.
Now metal tanks are not available, so, if you have a similar problem with an old model of washing machine, it is better to change it to a more modern one.
conclusion
at the choice of washing equipment should pay special attention to the material, from which the tank of the unit is made. Its quality affects the durability of work. We got acquainted with the main types - stainless steel and polymers of different compositions. The third type - enameled metal has outlived its usefulness and is a thing of the past. Manufacturers have abandoned the manufacture of elements of this technology in favor of more modern options.
Stainless steel is reliable and long-lasting, the main disadvantages are the high cost of quality steel, high level of noise and vibration of the unit. Plastic is considered a good alternative to metal, differs in lightness, copes with the suppression of noise and vibration background, not subject to corrosion and exposure to chemicals, and also has more affordable prices. Active work is underway on the composition of polymers, and already today manufacturers can offer strong enough products with long service life. However, the problem of fragility, still failed to fully resolve.
When choosing a washing machine with a plastic or metal tank, be sure to consider, what material the parts are made of. Pay attention to its quality, after all only strong products are capable to provide long and uninterrupted work of all system of the washing unit.
