The drum is often called the “abdomen” of the automatic washing model. The drum of the washing machine takes laundry. The tank should be water with a dissolved detergent. Through special holes she gets to the laundry. Stainless steel is used to create the drum. And the manufacture of the tank can be from various materials.
Content
Enamel coating
Not so long ago, manufacturers produced cars with enameled tanks. But such models did not work long. If even a tiny crack appeared on the enameled coating, the metal under it was rusted.
This option - enameled metal has a number of features, positive and negative. Their details are set forth below:
Positive sides
- Reliable work if you place any underwear.
- From enamel, a defensive layer is obtained. And it protects the metal from the effects of corrosion.
- What material can containers be called strong from? This is a twofold question. During transportation, the probability of damage is very low. And with significant temperature jumps, they do not crack.
Negative
- Impressive mass.
- The tank has no shock protection.
- With a very long application, chips are formed on the container. These are consequences of blows of extraneous things. In damaged areas, the enamel crumbles. The defensive layer disappears. Without it, the metal engulfs in rust and collapses. After a certain period, leaks are observed. And the owners must either replace such a tank, or purchase new equipment.
It should be noted that containers from this option are no longer produced. There were too many accidents when using them. And to create tanks began to use plastic or stainless steel base. Which tank is the best of these options is a controversial question.
Plastic option
Which drum will do? Each company has a special one. All types of plastic used have their own characteristics. For example, carboran is close to stainless steel in qualities such as durability, strength, and reliability. And its properties bypass the level of insulation and vibration reduction.
The main polymeric materials are: carboran, carbotec, carferon, silitek and polynox.
They all have the main substance - this is a special polypropylene. It contains calcium carbide. It significantly develops the strength of the material and its resistance to substances from detergents. The fewer different added elements in the plastic, the worse the plastic tank.
Plastic benefits
- It does not give in to corrosion.
- Good in terms of strength.
- Modest mass.
- Does not absorb water.
- Reduces noise during drum rotations.
- Save electricity.
- Resistance to chemical aggressive elements.
Which is better to choose? Despite the strengths, modifications with plastic options when compared with steel versions break more often and are not resistant to mechanical influence. But today, the development of the composition of plastic does not stop. And each company adds its own “zest” to this material. Thus, these plastic component machines are gradually developing their strength and reliability. And when solving the dilemma of how appropriate the plastic container is in this technique, a more positive answer is obtained. It is also worth noting the cheapness of this material. And modern manufacturers are motivated to reduce the cost of devices with plastic tanks.
Weaknesses of plastic versions
As already noted, many companies are trying in every possible way to upgrade and strengthen the plastic for their machines. But for now, this washing machine tank material is susceptible to splits and quite fragile. This is his main and only weakness.
If the machine is not transported well or someone forgets to remove the special bolts before starting, the integrity of the container may suffer. And it just breaks down, there can be no worse consequences. And the car can no longer be operated. You will need to replace the tank or even buy a new car.
If the plastic has excellent quality and subject to careful handling, it can last 20-25 years.
Stainless Steel Option
Machines with a metal tank created from this material are considered classic. Since such steel has long been used to create these components of the washing machine.
To solve the dilemma with the best option for washing equipment containers, knowledge of the following tank specifics from this material helps:
- Superior durability.
- Impressive operational period. It can reach 100 years.
- High resistance to water.
- Resistance to chemical aggressors. They can be contained in various detergents. Also such a threat is scale.
Disadvantages (when compared with the plastic version):
- Inability to suppress vibration. As a result, strong noises are formed.
- Impressive mass.
- Lack of thermal insulation. Such a minus seriously develops the cost of electricity for the functioning of automatic washing models with containers of the specified material.
- If the stainless steel tank has a solid quality, then its price tag is very serious. If you came across a device with a steel tank and low cost, do not rush to make a purchase. In this device, most likely the poor quality of the tank material and welding. The nodes are poorly assembled.
Despite the indicated disadvantages, stainless steel tanks are more popular today. And if you want to buy a model for a long time and your budget allows, then when buying, give preference to a device with a capacity of this material. Moreover, such an option is usually chosen by those owners who often transport household appliances.
If your treasury is more modest and you do not have frequent travels, then buy a car with a plastic tank.
Summary
Still, what is the best material for the tank of the washing machine? When buying a washing machine, pay close attention to its technical parameters, and especially to the level of resource consumption: water and electricity, functionality, range of options.
And the material of the tank is one of the last criteria for choosing washing machines. Of course, the stainless steel version is stronger. But who is now interested in an operational life of 100 years.
I read and laughed, the afftor never saw a washing machine. He believes that a heavy drum is a minus, on the contrary it is a plus. Vibrations are reduced and the number of concrete slabs used as ballast is reduced to reduce vibrations and bumps during the spin cycle. So, the stainless steel is a solid plus, only cars with such a drum you will not find with a flashlight during the day, there is only one plastic around.
The previous washer was with a plastic tank, worked for 5 years, the tank cracked. After that, I thought about what the tank was made of, and I chose to replace it with a stainless steel tank. There are such washing machines, but not of the “flagship” manufacturers. I have Asko, I don’t know such a company, but it has been working properly for the 6th year.
In the hotpoint washing machine there is a stainless steel drum and there are no problems with it, and the vibration is minimal (flat, smooth, good), and it does not rust (logically).
I really have no fears about plastic tanks, although there is a stereotype that "plastic - will quickly break." They themselves, however, have an indesit with a metal one.
Anyone will say that stainless steel is the most durable and proven option! Judging by personal experience, there is an indesit.