Only from the thermal insulation performance, consumers in the normal use of the product, the quality of the stainless steel water bottle can be maintained for 8 years to 10 years or even longer ‘vacuum life,’ but the poor quality of the stainless steel water bottle may have issues in the welding, such as false welding or incomplete welding, resulting in a rapid attenuation of the product’s vacuum performance, with a service life of only 1 year to 2 years. But I know, for some friends, the stainless steel water bottle is not ‘used’ bad, but ‘dropped’ bad. In this article, we will evaluate stainless steel water bottle performance through drop testing.
What is a Drop Test?
The reasonableness of the drop test involves the thickness of the product material and the choice of material type. If the product is designed to withstand a 1.2-meter height drop impact, the stainless steel material thickness will need to reach 1 mm to 1.2 mm. Such a product would not be economical and would be too bulky, making it inconvenient for consumers to carry.
During the use of a stainless steel water bottle, there is inevitably a risk of accidental drops. We conducted a test outdoors on both wood and stone surfaces. We filled the stainless steel water bottle with water, placed it on the edge of a platform at a height of 80 cm, and gently pushed it to simulate an accidental fall. We then observed the impact on the bottle’s appearance and the extent of spillage on different types of ground.
Wooden surfaces, due to their cushioning effect, are more likely to cause ‘internal damage’ to the stainless steel water bottle. In contrast, stone surfaces are harder, leading to ‘external damage.’ Almost every stainless steel water bottle tested showed varying degrees of scratches, dents, bumps, and paint chipping after the impact.
The Science Behind Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Thermal insulation effectiveness is a core indicator of the performance of stainless steel water bottles. As indicated by standard measures, the capacity of the stainless steel water bottle and the size of its mouth determine the insulation effect and the required insulation duration. The impact resistance of the stainless steel water bottle is a critical indicator as well, directly affecting its service life. During use, bumps are inevitable, and if the materials used for the product’s accessories have poor shock absorption or if the precision of the accessories is insufficient, gaps may form between the bottle and the shell. Shaking and bumping during use may result in dents, breakage, paint chipping, lid malfunction, and other issues.
Drop Test Results: What to Expect
Stainless steel water bottles (including bottles and jugs) filled with room temperature water are hung vertically with a lanyard at a height of 400mm. In a stationary state, they are dropped onto a rigid board with a fixed thickness of more than 30mm to check for cracks and damage. At the same time, the thermal insulation performance is checked to ensure it meets the corresponding standards.
In the process of dropping, the sample should not touch any object and should fall freely. Drop manually from the height of 1.2m, and the impact face should be horizontal.
How to Choose a Durable Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Stainless steel water bottles sold on the market come in many varieties, with a significant price difference. Some consumers, who do not understand the principles behind these products, often spend a lot of money on a product that is not satisfactory. How can you buy a high-quality stainless steel water bottle?
First, examine the appearance of the bottle. Check if the inner and outer surfaces are uniformly polished, and whether there are any bruises or scratches.
Next, inspect the welding around the mouth of the bottle. It should be smooth and consistent, which affects the comfort when drinking.
Also, consider the quality of the plastic parts. Poor quality plastic not only affects the lifespan of the bottle but also compromises the hygiene of drinking water.
Check the internal seal. The screw plugs and bottle should fit well. Ensure that screwing in and out is smooth and that there is no leakage. Fill the bottle with water, invert it for four or five minutes, or shake it forcefully a few times to verify whether it leaks.
Lastly, assess the thermal insulation performance, which is the main technical indicator of a stainless steel water bottle. Although you may not be able to test it according to standards during purchase, you can fill it with hot water and check by feel. Non-insulated bottles will have a hot lower part of the body after two minutes, while insulated bottles will remain cool.
How Drop Tests Ensure the Durability of Stainless Steel Water Bottles
For buyers, selecting a high-quality water bottle supplier is a crucial decision that not only affects the final quality of the product, but also the safety of the consumer and the reputation of the brand. Standing out from the crowd of suppliers and finding a reliable partner is the first step in ensuring a successful purchase. So, in the process of choosing a supplier, how do we ensure that the goods we purchase have both quality and safety?
Conclusion
Choosing a durable stainless steel water bottle involves understanding its construction, performance, and resilience. While high-quality bottles can maintain their thermal insulation for years, poor manufacturing, particularly in welding, can drastically reduce their lifespan. Additionally, accidental drops are a common cause of damage, affecting both the bottle’s appearance and functionality. By conducting drop tests and assessing key factors like material thickness, seal integrity, and thermal performance, consumers can make informed decisions and select bottles that will withstand daily use. Investing in a well-made stainless steel water bottle ensures longevity and reliable performance, making it a valuable companion for years to come.
