Environmental Factors to Consider When Selecting Handles

Industrial designers have plenty to think about for every project they work on. Each environmental element present and every substance handled by employees will impact the design’s longevity, so you must ensure all components, including your handles, are properly selected for the end use. That requires taking a close look at the material makeup of your handles. Without the right blend of ingredients to match a demanding environment, a handle could crumble over time.

There are many environmental factors to consider when you’re selecting handles for a design, including:

• Solvents
• Oils
• Grease
• Chemical Agents
• Extreme Temperatures
• Corrosion

If any of these will be used around the handles, or if the handles are used in a facility where these hazards are present, the handles could wear faster than expected, which spirals into not only maintenance costs but potential safety risks as well. Because of that, it’s important to understand the common materials used in the handles themselves.

Polyamide-Based (PA) Technopolymer

Resistant Against:

• Solvents
• Oils
• Grease
• Chemical Agents
• Cold Temperatures

Combining glass fiber with plastic results in a durable, heavy-duty plastic commonly used in industrial handles. Technopolymer handles can withstand repeated physical abuse from impacts and abrasions while also warding off damage from harsh elements. This makes them ideal across many different industrial settings, especially where solvents and chemicals are present.

Duroplast

Resistant Against:

• Solvents
• Oils
• Grease
• Chemical Agents

Closely related to formica and bakelite, phenolic-based Duroplast is a durable plastic used in everything from cars to industrial handles. Duroplast offers a sturdy, slip-resistant grip and a ton of resistance to numerous environmental factors. Whether you’re designing for use in a laboratory or an oil field, you won’t need to worry about the handle breaking down without routine cleaning.

Chrome Plating

Resistant Against:

• Most chemicals
• Most oils
• Grease
• Heat
• Corrosion

With high corrosion resistance and high heat resistance, chrome plating is terrific in hot, steamy environments. There are many polyamide-based handles available today that feature a chrome plating for both appearance and durability.

Stainless Steel Plating

Resistant Against:

• Most chemicals
• Oils
• Grease
• Corrosion

Stainless steel’s durability makes it perfect for environments where the handle will undergo rigorous physical demands. In addition to simply being tough, stainless steel is corrosion-resistant. The caveat here is that the steel must remain exposed to oxygen and free from dirt. As a result, stainless steel will require routine cleaning to maintain its strength. Avoid using stainless steel in aqueous environments, especially locations that are exposed to saltwater or chlorine.

Powder Coatings

Resistant Against:

• Scratching, chipping, and wear

Powder coatings are a relatively new technology that continues to grow in popularity. Their durability, however, is relatively low. If you’re designing for environments under heavy sunlight, avoid using powder coatings as they’ll break down under UV light. Though they’re not as tough as steel-plated or other plastics-based options, powder coatings do have a few surface advantages that help them under heavy wear and tear.

Aluminum

Resistant Against:

• Most oils
• Some chemicals
• Most solvents
• Corrosion

Most aluminum handles are anodized, which means they’ve undergone a type of oxidation to achieve a finish that’s more corrosion-resistant than steel. With an optional plastic coating, some aluminum-based handles can provide durability against chemicals as well.