Lean manufacturing is the process of cutting back on certain materials or speeding up certain processes to lower the overall cost of manufacturing. There can be key benefits to this approach to manufacturing, but it's important to move forward with a balanced view of lowering costs without compromising quality. This blog looks at that concept, but it also delves into other information related to the manufacturing and industrial fields. Ultimately, this blog is designed to help manufacturing professionals as well as B2B clients who purchase products or outsource processes to this field. If you have questions, I hope that you find the answers you need here.
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All sorts of products that are designed for outdoor use, such as street furniture, must be made to last and have a level of durability that will allow it to stand up to the elements. However, when it comes to coastal locations, the marine environment offers additional challenges for manufacturers. Makes of all types of street furniture – from road signs to public benches – must take into account the additional corrosive force of sea spray. In addition, factors like exposure to wind must be factored into products' manufacturing processes and the materials they are made from.
What are the latest materials that street furniture manufacturers are using to ensure their products continue to function as well ten years down the line as they did on day one?
Aluminium Products
Although aluminium has been used in buildings for well over a century, it was not a favoured material for street furniture until the latter half of the twentieth century. Aluminium is easily extruded, meaning that it is ideal for things like the slats you would find on a wooden seat. Unlike wood, however, the anti-corrosive nature of extruded aluminium means that it will stand up to repeated exposure to the sea. Indeed, it is so tough in salty conditions that some yacht manufacturers choose it as an ideal metallic material to make their components from. Aluminium is also being widely used for street lighting columns in Australia nowadays, sometimes for purely aesthetic reasons because it continues to look good long after installation.
Stainless Steel Products
A favourite of many landscape architects, stainless steel street furniture has a shiny appeal that is also highly resistant to bumps and scrapes from the public. It is used for bollards and cycle racks all over the world. Marine grade stainless steel is ideal for coastal towns and cities, especially along their waterfront areas. In Australia, a stainless steel balustrade is often seen on quaysides, for example. You also tend to see a stainless steel handrail in place where a set of steps down to the beach has been fitted in order to offer long-lasting assistance to pedestrians.
Polyurethane Products
Some people steer clear of plastic street furniture products all together which is a shame when you consider just how durable they can be. Polyurethane has a particularly good reputation for surviving in hot environments as well as those by the sea. Durable polyurethane is used in many street furniture products these days, including litter bins, planters, picnic benches and signage.
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