Search Clear search

Find Plastics

SearchSite Search
×

Engineering Materials

Making drinking water safer with materials for faucet components

Drinking water crises, such as the widespread lead contamination in Flint, Michigan, are making more consumers aware of the health risks that plumbing parts containing leachable substances pose. As a result, manufacturers of residential water system components, including faucet mixing valves and mixing cartridges, are under pressure to use safe and sustainable materials.

Brass, copper, lead, and other metals have traditionally been used in bathroom and kitchen faucets. However, as regulators target substances such as lead which can create health risks by leaching into drinking water, manufacturers are replacing these traditional materials with more advanced thermoplastics.

Understand why choosing DSM in faucet components

DSM offers a robust portfolio of proven material solutions for faucets including EcoPaXX® bio-based PA410, ForTii® PPA, and Xytron™ PPS.

  • Compliant for warm/hot water contact
  • Sustainable bio-based solutions available
  • Superior performance in mechanics and finish
  • Global availability, solutions in PA66, PPO tooling

For example, EcoPaXX is a bio-based long-chain polyamide made with 70% renewable castor bean feedstock. Due to its unique bio-based chemistry, it offers best-in-class low moisture uptake, excellent mechanical strength and the highest melting temperature of any bioplastic solution - making it ideal for water system applications.

Explore DSM grades for faucet components

EcoPaXX® Q-DWX10

50% Glass Reinforced

EcoPaXX® Q-DWX10 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent mechanical & flow performance for use in food contact & drinking water applications

EcoPaXX® Q-DWX10 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent mechanical & flow performance for use in food contact & drinking water applications

EcoPaXX® Q-DWX10 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent mechanical & flow performance for use in food contact & drinking water applications

  • Excellent Surface Properties
  • Drinking Water Grade
  • Food Contact Quality
  • Good surface properties
DSM Plasticsfinder
Download data sheet (131KB)

ForTii® WX11-FC

30% Glass Reinforced

ForTii® WX11-FC has excellent hydrolysis resistance, processability and surface quality and is ideal for complex and thin walled food and water contact applications. For detailed statements and information regarding food contact and water contact approvals please contact your DSM representative.

ForTii® WX11-FC has excellent hydrolysis resistance, processability and surface quality and is ideal for complex and thin walled food and water contact applications. For detailed statements and information regarding food contact and water contact approvals please contact your DSM representative.

ForTii® WX11-FC has excellent hydrolysis resistance, processability and surface quality and is ideal for complex and thin walled food and water contact applications. For detailed statements and information regarding food contact and water contact approvals please contact your DSM representative.

  • PA4T
  • Food Contact Quality
  • Drinking Water Grade
  • USP class VI classified
DSM Plasticsfinder
Download data sheet (129KB)

Xytron™ G4020DW-FC

40% Glass Reinforced

Xytron™ is a high performance plastic compound of DSM Engineering Plastics, which is based on PPS (polyphenylene sulphide).

Xytron™ offers extremely good chemical resistance, dimensional stability, intrinsic flame retardancy and high stiffness.

Because of its outstanding properties, Xytron™ contributes to an excellent performance in many different applications.

  • Drinking Water Grade
  • Food Contact Quality
  • Flame Retardant
DSM Plasticsfinder
Download data sheet (212KB)

Browse faucet components applications

Faucet system components

Consumer goods |

Lead-free solution;Due to outstanding performance, lower risk of part failure and water leakage;Bio-based polymer
More info

Pipe Fittings

Building & construction | Water management

Akulon has better surface appearance; Stanyl solves wear and friction issues; EcoPaXX has the lowest carbon footprint amongst common polyamides; Xytron offers extremely good chemical resistance
More info

Pump Housings

Industrial equipment | Pumps & valves

Akulon® (UltraFlow) PA6 allows for reliable solutions due to its good mechanical properties (stiffness and toughness), its better surface appearance in comparison with PA66; Akulon® UltraFlow PA6 allows for even more cost effective solutions, since it enables faster moulding in comparison with standard PA6 and enables thinner wall designs;EcoPaXX® Q-DWX10 is suitable for hot water contact, shows excellent hydrolysis resistance and does not crack in the pressure test at -1°C. EcoPaXX® Q-DWX10 is a cost effective, reliable solution and is partially biobased.;ForTii® Ace WX53-FC is suitable for hot water contact, shows excellent hydrolysis resistance of the weldline strength and has great surface appearance. ForTii® Ace WX53-FC is suitable for industrial pumps and valves in for water and food contact applications operating at temperatures up to 130°C.
More info

Contact us for more information

Direct and easy access to our broad portfolio of high-performance plastics: request a quote or order a sample. You can also simply ask our Timing Drive Systems experts.

Request a quote
Order a sample
Contact faucet experts

Gain more faucet component innovation insights

  • Improving drinking water safety with sustainable faucet materials

    Drinking water crises are making more consumers aware of the health risks that plumbing parts containing leachable substances pose. As a result, manufacturers of residential water system components, including faucet mixing valves and mixing cartridges, are under pressure to use safe and sustainable materials. As regulators in the EU and U.S. implement increasingly strict water contact safety standards, more manufacturers are turning to engineering thermoplastics, which, in addition to leaching zero lead, can substantially reduce production costs.

    READ BLOG

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter

Leave your e-mail address below to start receiving the latest news about plastics, new products and events delivered to your inbox.