Thermos Cup Inspection

Huajian Company's Quality Inspection Standards for Insulated Cups

I. Inspection Standards:

1. Capacity: The capacity of an insulated container relates to its ability to hold a sufficient amount of contents. On the other hand, it is directly linked to thermal retention—i.e., for the same opening diameter, a larger capacity requires higher insulation performance. Therefore, neither positive nor negative deviations in the capacity of insulated containers should be excessive.

2. Hot Water Leakage: This item involves safety during use and affects the aesthetics of the usage environment. In severe cases, when lifting a fully filled insulated bottle, hot water may leak between the inner liner and the outer shell. A large leakage can scald the user, while even a small amount can leave water stains on tables or floors, compromising environmental aesthetics.

3. Impact Resistance: This item relates to the product's lifespan. During use, bumps and knocks are inevitable. If the materials used for product components have poor shock absorption or if the precision of the components is insufficient, gaps may form between the inner liner and the outer shell. Shaking or impacts during use can cause displacement of the asbestos gasket or cracks in the "small tail," affecting the product's insulation performance. In severe cases, it may even lead to cracks or breakage of the inner liner.

4. Labeling: National standards stipulate that the product name, capacity, opening diameter, manufacturer's name and address, standard number, usage instructions, and precautions must be clearly indicated.

II. Purchasing Tips:

1. Some people believe that the heavier the insulated cup, the better the quality, but this is a misconception. The extra weight often comes from additional items added by manufacturers, such as magnetic pieces (modern insulated bottles sometimes incorporate the principle of magnetized water by adding magnets to the bottom and lid to magnetize the water. Magnetized water is said to have miraculous effects.). If a cup is significantly heavier than others and you can feel something moving inside when shaken, it is definitely not a genuine insulated cup. The added weight may be due to manufacturers adding杂物 to deceive consumers or including extra insulation materials. While such cups may still provide some insulation, their performance is inferior to that of genuine insulated cups.

2. Brand-name cups are naturally good, but they are often expensive. Good value for money is what truly matters. High-end insulated cups can retain heat for up to 10 hours, while ordinary brands typically last around 8 hours. I believe your unit should have a budget—determine how many cups you need and what price range suits you, then look for cups with appealing designs and good insulation. Brand names aren't essential; affordability and practicality are key. Of course, some well-funded organizations may prioritize brand names for prestige over practicality.

3. Avoid buying cups from supermarkets, as the quality of products there can vary significantly. It's best to purchase from authorized agents of the product's origin. This ensures authenticity and reduces the number of distribution layers, making the price much cheaper than in supermarkets. If you are unsure about a manufacturer, ask them to fax a business license, check it online, or search on Baidu to see if the company has an independent website—most large companies do. Then, sign a contract with them. This way, you can buy high-quality cups at a lower price with assurance against product issues.

4. By paying close attention when selecting a cup, you can gauge its quality and the manufacturer's production technology. Cups without seams from the body to the base are made through one-piece molding, which offers the best quality. Some cups are welded; although they can undergo vacuum treatment and provide insulation, their lifespan is shorter than that of one-piece molded cups. Over time or if dropped, they may develop air leaks, reducing insulation performance. One-piece molded cups can last over 8 years.

5. Checking if a cup is vacuum-insulated is simple: pour boiling water into it, wait a while, and then feel the lower part of the cup—it should be cool, while the lid should be warm. This is normal because the vacuum insulation prevents heat from transferring to the outer surface, but the lid, which is not vacuum-insulated, allows some heat to escape. By keeping the above points in mind and trusting your intuition, you can certainly purchase a satisfactory insulated cup.

Precautions:

1. Appearance. An aesthetically pleasing insulated cup is naturally attractive, but also pay attention to the craftsmanship, details, precision of joints, and smoothness of the rim. A finely crafted insulated cup reflects the manufacturer's commitment to quality.

2. Material. Stainless steel insulated cups must use food-grade 304 stainless steel, preferably for the inner liner, to ensure that heavy metal leaching (including lead) does not exceed standards. Cheap cups made from 201 or 202 stainless steel can leach heavy metals at levels over 100 times higher than those of 304 steel. The outer shell material is less critical; if both inner and outer are 304 steel, and the inner lid is plastic, ensure it is odorless. The best material is PC (polycarbonate), which remains odorless and undeformed when boiled in water.

3. Inspect the inner lid. High-quality insulated cups typically use PC material for the inner lid, which should be odorless, glossy, and smooth. The lid should be easy to clean, with no hard-to-reach areas, ensuring hygiene.

4. Screwing the lid. A good-quality insulated cup should have a smooth and effortless lid rotation, with consistent force required for a 360-degree turn. Insulated cups are used for drinking water and are opened and closed multiple times daily. If the lid feels uneven or produces a screeching sound when screwed, it is likely to fail soon, leading to air leakage or water seepage.

Additionally, it is important to avoid collisions and impacts during use to prevent damage to the cup body or plastic parts, which could compromise insulation or cause leaks. When tightening the screw cap, apply appropriate force without over-tightening to avoid stripping the threads. If the inner liner discolors from frequent use with coffee or other beverages, this is normal and can be cleaned with toothpaste and a toothbrush.