Learn how Clever taps are made

Creating a faucet is complex process, involving design, smelting, machining and chrome plating. Discover how taps are made.

If you ever wondered how taps are made, this post is for you.

There is a long design and manufacture process behind a kitchen or bathroom tap. Every time we turn the handle, we launch a complex disk system where water needs to go through filtering disks, valves and circuits to reach the glass, pot or jar for its consumption. Faucet manufacturing is a challenging task that Clever undertakes under strict quality controls to prevent leaks or operating problems.

Manufacturing process of Clever fittings

Design

The conceptual design is made between Clever’s engineers and product managers. During this process, sizes, shapes and technical innovations for every collection are chosen. Thanks to 3D design programs and comparison to actual models, unique new models can be developed such as flexible or pull-out spouts complying with all quality guarantees. It is one of the most important steps since, once approved, the design is sent to the factory.

Production of casting moulds

Metal casting moulds are used for mass-production of small or regular size parts. These moulds are produced in our blast furnaces and await the moment to shape brass.

Brass casting

Brass is a metallic alloy that is made of copper and zinc, widely used for decoration for its glossy finish. It is present in locks, valves, plumbing articles or musical instruments. Cast brass is poured into the previously made moulds and is cooled down to harden the newly created parts.

Machining and first testing

Parts may present imperfections or notches when coming out of moulds. Consequently, the machining process is essential.

During this phase, different machines (lathes, milling machines, tool grinders…) define parts’ shapes until getting the final appearance. At this stage, unit parts may be assembled and a first quality test is performed. Pressurized water is used to check if the piece presents pores or flaws, and a dimensional test is carried out.

Polishing and chrome plating

How are faucets so glossy? Our workers clean impurities using polishing machines and make sure that parts run through chrome plating to prevent oxidation. The combination of these two phases achieves that mirror sheen.

Last quality check, packaging and distribution

Finally, our quality team runs a final resilience test, whereby fixings and valves are checked to work correctly and meet Clever’s quality standards. This final test is the step immediately before boxing products and distributing them worldwide from out factory in Barcelona.

When we talk about faucets, we only see the result and functionalities, while these are as important as the process to achieve them. Fittings’ lifespan depends on their quality, that is why we offer a 5-year guarantee.

And like this is how taps are made.