Stainless Steel Luxury Hardware · The New Standard
The future of luxury hardware is stainless steel.
Stronger, more durable, and inherently sustainable. We combine MIM precision with stainless steel’s superior properties to create hardware that outlasts and outperforms — exceeding the standards set by traditional materials.
±0.01mm
MIM Precision
2–3×
Tensile Strength vs Zinc
Superior
Wear Resistance
3–7 Weeks
Concept to Delivery
Material Comparison
Why Leading Brands Are Switching to Stainless Steel
A side-by-side comparison of the three most common materials in luxury hardware manufacturing.
| Property | Stainless Steel (316L) | Zinc Alloy (Zamak) | Copper / Brass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent — Resists salt, sweat, humidity. No tarnishing. | Moderate — Requires protective coating. May oxidize over time. | Low — Tarnishes naturally. Requires regular maintenance. |
| Tensile Strength | High — 500–800 MPa vs 150–380 MPa for zinc. Resists deformation under stress. | Moderate — Adequate for most applications but can bend under force. | Moderate — Good for decorative use, less ideal for structural components. |
| Wear Resistance | Superior — Up to 595 BHN vs 55–73 BHN for brass. Stays pristine longer. | Good — Performs well with proper finish. Scratches more easily. | Fair — Soft metal, prone to surface wear and patina development. |
| Weight & Feel | Premium heft — Communicates quality and durability in hand. | Lighter — Can feel less substantial. Good for weight-sensitive designs. | Satisfying weight — Natural warmth and classic tactile feel. |
| Finish Durability | Exceptional — PVD and electroplated finishes last significantly longer. | Good — Standard electroplating, may chip or fade with heavy use. | Moderate — Lacquer can wear off, exposing base metal. |
| Sustainability | 100% recyclable. No toxic coatings needed. Lower lifecycle footprint. | Recyclable. May require chemical surface treatments. | Recyclable. Mining has higher environmental impact. |
| Cost | Higher upfront — But lower lifetime cost due to durability and fewer returns. | Most economical — Best cost-performance ratio for standard applications. | Mid-range — Premium material with traditional luxury associations. |
| Best For | Premium brands prioritizing durability, sustainability, and modern luxury aesthetics. | Volume production, cost-sensitive projects, and weight-sensitive designs. | Heritage brands, warm-tone designs, and natural patina applications. |
Our Technology
Metal Injection Molding — Precision Meets Complexity
MIM combines the design freedom of plastic injection molding with the material properties of stainless steel. The result: complex geometries at scale, with tolerances traditional casting cannot achieve.
±0.01mm Precision
Tolerances that match CNC machining, at a fraction of the per-unit cost for complex shapes. Ideal for intricate logo details, micro-textures, and precision mechanisms.
Complex Geometries
MIM enables shapes impossible with traditional die-casting: internal channels, thin walls, undercuts, and multi-feature components in a single piece — reducing assembly and failure points.
Material Efficiency
30% better material utilization compared to CNC machining. Near-net-shape production means less waste, lower material cost, and a smaller environmental footprint — aligned with luxury brands’ ESG commitments.
316L Stainless Steel
The gold standard for luxury hardware. Superior corrosion resistance (even in coastal and humid climates), hypoallergenic, and compatible with all standard finishing processes including PVD, electroplating, and mirror polishing.
Finishing Capabilities
Full in-house electroplating for stainless steel: gold, rose gold, silver, nickel, chrome, gunmetal, and custom PVD colours. Each finish is tested for durability under accelerated aging conditions to ensure long-term brand presentation.
Stainless Steel Collection
Engineered to Outlast and Outperform
Each piece crafted in 316L stainless steel with MIM precision. Available in all standard and custom finishes.
[Turn Lock Photo]
Turn Locks
316L SS · MIM · Custom Finishes
[Buckles Photo]
Buckles & Clasps
316L SS · ±0.01mm
[Zipper Pulls Photo]
Zipper Pulls
316L SS · Custom Branding
[D-Rings Photo]
D-Rings & Snap Hooks
316L SS · Electroplated
Case Study
From Italian copper to Nikka stainless steel: exceeding expectations through material innovation.
The Meeting: At a trade show in Thailand, we met an Italian designer carrying hardware crafted in copper by Italian artisans. The workmanship was impressive — a benchmark of traditional European craftsmanship.
The Opportunity: We saw potential to go further. Copper, while beautiful, is prone to tarnishing and requires regular maintenance. We proposed stainless steel — a material that delivers the same premium aesthetics with superior durability and zero maintenance.
The Result: After the show, we redesigned the component in 316L stainless steel, reimagining both the aesthetics and performance. When the samples arrived, the designer’s response was clear: the quality, design, and craftsmanship far exceeded his expectations.
Today, we’re proud to serve this quality-driven designer — proof that stainless steel, paired with the right expertise, can surpass even the finest traditional materials.
[Photo: Stainless steel finished product vs copper prototype comparison]
Ideal Applications
Where Stainless Steel Makes the Difference
Luxury Handbags & Leather Goods
Clasps, locks, and buckles that maintain their finish through years of daily use. No tarnishing, no coating wear — your brand’s first impression stays intact from day one to year ten.
Travel & Luggage
Hardware exposed to humidity, salt air, and rough handling. Stainless steel’s corrosion resistance makes it the only choice for premium travel goods that look as good after the 100th trip as the first.
Premium Footwear
Buckles, eyelets, and decorative hardware that withstand sweat, moisture, and constant friction. Stainless steel’s hardness resists scratching in high-contact applications.
Fashion Accessories
Belt buckles, jewelry clasps, and brand-logo hardware. Hypoallergenic 316L is ideal for items worn directly against skin — no nickel reactions, no green marks.
Sustainable Brands
100% recyclable with no toxic coatings needed. Brands with ESG commitments choose stainless steel to align their hardware with their sustainability messaging — without compromising quality.
Outdoor & Performance Gear
Carabiners, D-rings, and functional hardware for technical bags and outdoor equipment. Where failure isn’t an option, stainless steel’s strength-to-weight ratio delivers confidence.
Ready to Elevate Your Hardware to Stainless Steel?
Send us your current hardware — or just your concept — and we’ll show you what’s possible in 316L stainless steel. Samples delivered in 2–3 weeks.
[email protected] | Hong Kong | Since 2008