Material Selection for Window and Door Accessories: Performance-Oriented Scientific Matching

The choice of material for window and door accessories is a key factor determining their service life, operational performance, and environmental adaptability.Although accessories constitute a limited volume of the overall structure, they bear important functions such as connection, fixation, opening, sealing, and protection. Different materials have their own characteristics in terms of strength, corrosion resistance, weather resistance, processing performance, and cost, requiring a comprehensive balance based on the actual application scenario.

Aluminum alloy is one of the most widely used metal materials for accessories. Due to its low density, moderate strength, and excellent corrosion resistance, it can remain stable in most indoor and outdoor environments. After anodizing or electrophoretic coating, its surface hardness and weather resistance are further improved, effectively resisting ultraviolet rays, moisture, and salt spray corrosion, making it suitable for coastal or high-humidity areas. Aluminum alloy has good processability, meeting the needs of complex cross-sections and lightweight designs, and is commonly used in load-bearing or structural components such as hinges, corner brackets, and drawer slides.

Stainless steel is known for its high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, especially performing exceptionally well in harsh environments. Austenitic stainless steels such as 304 and 316 are resistant to chloride ion corrosion, making them suitable for use near seaside locations, chemical plants, or areas where de-icing agents are applied in winter. Their wear resistance is also superior to ordinary steel, maintaining long-term precision in frequently opened and closed components such as locks and hinges. However, stainless steel has a high density and cost, and is typically used in critical load-bearing components with stringent strength and durability requirements, rather than for mass-produced, low-load parts.

Engineering plastics offer advantages in the parts sector due to their lightweight, insulation, ease of molding, and controllable cost. Commonly used materials include nylon (PA), polycarbonate (PC), and polypropylene (PP), with glass fiber or toughening agents added to improve mechanical properties as needed. These materials are corrosion-resistant and rust-free, making them suitable for humid environments and special applications requiring metal allergies. Plastic parts are mostly used for non-load-bearing components such as handles, buckles, and limit blocks, but they may age under prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation or high temperatures, requiring modified formulations or surface treatments to improve weather resistance.

Rubber materials are mainly used for sealing and shock absorption functions, such as weatherstripping, rubber strips, and cushioning pads. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber offers balanced ozone, heat, and cold resistance, providing long-lasting sealing performance and making it suitable for regions with large temperature differences. Silicone rubber maintains elasticity over a wider temperature range and exhibits excellent aging resistance, but its cost is relatively higher. When selecting materials, attention should be paid to hardness, compression set, and adhesion reliability with metals or plastics to ensure that sealing performance does not degrade over time.

In the material selection process, compatibility with other components must also be considered. For example, electrochemical corrosion should be prevented at metal-plastic joints, and insulating gaskets should be added if necessary. In high-temperature environments, direct friction between plastic parts and metal should be avoided to prevent deformation caused by heat. Furthermore, environmental friendliness and recyclability are increasingly becoming important considerations in material selection; low-VOC materials and recyclable alloys and plastics are being adopted by more manufacturers.

In general, the material selection for window and door screen accessories should be based on the usage environment, stress conditions, functional requirements, and economic efficiency. Scientific matching should achieve an optimal balance between performance and lifespan, thus providing a solid guarantee for the stable operation of the overall product and the user experience.