Guide

Casket Hardware Material Guide

Almost every argument about casket hardware price comes back to material choice. This guide sets out what each material is used for in this factory, and what changes when you switch.

Polypropylene and ABS

Most coffin corners, lugs, handles and ornaments are moulded in PP or ABS. Both take vacuum metallizing well, which is what gives the gold, silver and bronze finishes. ABS generally holds fine detail slightly better, which matters on ornate corner profiles and crucifix designs.

Recycled PP and ABS

Recycled grades are used on budget lines where the specification allows it. The finish still comes up well because the coating sits on the surface, but if your market requires virgin material you should state that on the order rather than assume it.

PS ABS blends

Blended grades are run for parts where stiffness matters more than impact resistance. They sit between the two on cost.

Steel wire and steel pipe

Load is the reason a handle has steel inside it. Wire reinforcement is moulded into plastic handles, and steel pipe, commonly 22 mm on the metal handle series, forms the core of long bar handles. Without it, a moulded handle is decoration rather than a lifting point.

Zamak zinc alloy

The ZH handle series and the ZA hardware series are die cast in zamak, polished and then electroplated. It is heavier and dearer than moulded plastic, and it is chosen where the buyer wants metal weight in the hand or a published lifting figure such as 100 kg or 150 kg per piece.

Aluminium brass and stainless steel

Urns and tombstone fittings use these instead. Stainless steel and aluminium are specified for cemetery fittings because painted mild steel corrodes outdoors within a season.

Key Points