What is Durability?- Definition, Types and Example

What is Durability?

Durability essentially refers to how well a material or product can keep doing its job over a long period without needing frequent fixes or major upkeep.

When something is durable, it’s not just about it lasting a long time it also means fewer resources get used up in repairs or replacements, which is good news for the environment. Less waste, less hassle, and a smaller ecological footprint all come along with that extra staying power.

Interestingly, the meaning of durability isn’t always the same for everyone. It can change depending on a person’s role or what they’re looking for in a product. Take an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engineer, for instance they’ll have a specific technical idea in mind when they talk about durability.

But someone working in purchasing or supply chain management might focus on different aspects, like cost-effectiveness or how easily a material can be sourced, which shapes their own definition. So, the idea of durability can shift a bit depending on who’s talking about it and why.

What Is Product Durability?

When we talk about product durability, we’re really asking: how well does something hold up to everyday use, and how long can it keep doing its job before it starts to fail or needs fixing?

This quality isn’t just a technical detail it matters a lot to people who buy things, as well as the companies that make them. After all, a durable product tends to be better value for money and less hassle in the long run.

Interestingly, what we consider “durable” has changed quite a bit over time. Improvements in how things are made, what they’re made from, and what buyers expect have all influenced just how long products stick around before they wear out.

If you look back, you’ll notice a shift from the days when most things were handcrafted to last a lifetime, to today, where some products are almost expected to be tossed out and replaced.

That evolution tells us a lot about changing technology, business models, and even our own attitudes toward consumption and sustainability.

5 best ways to define durability

As we talk about durability in the context of manufacturing, the definition can cover quite a broad spectrum. For example, durability might mean a lawn mower part that holds up for 400 hours of use, or it could refer to a car part tough enough to survive 200,000 miles of wear and tear.

In the world of roll forming, having a solid grasp of what durability means for your specific needs isn’t just a technical detail—it’s actually a big part of getting a cost-effective component that can handle the stresses of its intended job.

In manufacturing engineering, there are five main ways to look at durability. If you want to end up with a part that truly fits your requirements, it’s important to understand what each of these durability characteristics brings to the table.

1. Strength
2. Hardness
3. Corrosion resistance
4. Wear resistance
5. Impact toughness

#1. Strength

The concept of strength in roll formed components is not always straightforward; in some contexts, it refers to the material’s capacity to remain slightly flexible under repeated stress, allowing it to endure ongoing loads. In other situations, strength might imply a degree of rigidity so pronounced that the material resists any sort of rebound or deformation.

When original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) consult with roll forming specialists and inquire, “Which metal is the strongest for this application?” it’s important to clarify precisely what is meant by “strongest.”

This distinction allows for a more accurate evaluation of metal properties, which should then be considered alongside the complexity and demands of the forming process.

Take bicycle manufacturing as an example: steel is a popular choice for the frame due to its notable durability, but this is only advantageous if the specific steel alloy provides enough flexibility to absorb shocks and vibrations during use.

If the steel is too rigid, the ride becomes uncomfortably harsh, and there’s even a risk of the frame cracking after an impact. It’s also worth noting that some metals widely regarded as exceptionally strong such as tungsten can actually be quite brittle, which presents its own set of challenges.

#2. Hardness

If we talk about durability in materials science, hardness generally refers to how well a material can stand up to things like surface indentation, abrasion, and erosion—without turning brittle in the process.

Take the example of designing metal components for a train. In that context, durability is often about surface hardness. Manufacturers usually achieve this by case hardening the metal, followed by heat treatment and quenching.

What this does is create an outer layer that’s extremely hard, while the core of the metal stays relatively softer. That balance is important for the component to withstand heavy use without cracking under pressure.

Let’s look at another case: padlocks. The goal here is to make the metal tough enough so it can’t be easily cut or broken by thieves, but it also can’t be so hard that it becomes brittle and snaps. That’s why the choice of material is critical.

If you’re working with a roll former or supplier, it’s a good idea to ask for the most durable metal that won’t crack under stress—finding that sweet spot between toughness and flexibility.

#3. Corrosion Resistance

When designing roll-formed steel shapes intended for outdoor or salt-laden environments, the conversation around “durability” naturally shifts to concerns about rust and corrosion.

In these settings, traditional carbon steels—regardless of whether they’re hot or cold rolled—simply don’t hold up for long. These materials are prone to rapid rusting, though incorporating certain alloying elements can help bolster their resistance to corrosion.

Corrosion resistance isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential, especially for components that bear significant loads. The parts of a steel shape that are subjected to the highest stresses often end up being the most at risk for oxidation and corrosion.

The reason is straightforward: under stress, the steel’s microstructure gets stretched and pulled, creating more vulnerability to environmental damage.

#4. Wear Resistance

Whenever two parts are in contact and moving against each other, friction inevitably comes into play. This friction doesn’t just produce heat; it can also gradually wear down the surfaces involved, causing tiny particles from each part to break away over time.

To combat this, effective lubrication becomes essential. Lubricants, like the oil in a car engine, serve to minimize both heat and wear.

Without oil, engine parts would be exposed to such high temperatures that they’d quickly overheat and potentially fail entirely. It’s this protective layer of lubrication that keeps things running smoothly and extends the life of mechanical components.

It’s also worth noting that materials with higher hardness generally do a better job at resisting wear. The harder the material, the less likely it is to lose particles during repeated contact.

#5. Impact Toughness

Impact toughness is all about how much mechanical energy a material can absorb before it changes shape permanently. In other words, it’s a measure of a material’s ability to handle sudden shocks or impacts without cracking or deforming.

Interestingly, there’s often a trade-off between hardness and toughness. As a material becomes harder, it tends to lose some of its toughness. That’s why products like cymbals or the protective mouldings found in hotel corridors are designed with a careful balance of both.

They need enough hardness to resist scratches and dents, but also enough toughness to withstand the bumps and knocks that come their way.

Requirements for product durability

When we talk about product durability, we’re really looking at how well something holds up over time can it handle wear and tear, environmental stress, and everyday use? Manufacturers put products through tests for strength and resistance to make sure they’ll last, and these tests aren’t just box-ticking exercises. They genuinely help both companies and regular buyers decide what’s worth their money.

But durability isn’t just about something being tough. It’s also about whether a product can be repaired or updated when things go wrong or when new tech comes along. Products that are easy to fix or upgrade naturally stick around longer, and that’s a win for everyone if people are willing to resist the temptation to constantly swap for the newest model.

Take the UK as an example. The right for consumers to expect durable goods wasn’t actually spelled out in black and white until the Sale of Goods Act 1979 was updated in 1994. That change made it clear that people could expect reasonable durability from what they buy, setting a new bar for quality and expectations.

Factors Affecting Product Durability

When we talk about product durability, it’s never just about one thing it’s a mix of many factors working together. Whether you’re someone building the product or buying it, having a handle on what actually affects longevity can help you make smarter decisions.

Let’s break down the real-world elements that play into how long a product sticks around and stays useful:

#1. Quality of Materials

First off, what a product is made from will almost always set the stage for how tough it is. If a manufacturer opts for high-grade stuff think stainless steel, good aluminum, or those sturdy engineered plastics you’re probably getting something that can take a beating, resist rust, and handle daily use without falling apart.

On the flip side, when cheaper materials sneak in, don’t be surprised if you’re replacing or repairing sooner than you’d hoped.

#2. Design Sophistication

A clever, well-thought-out design isn’t just about looks. Products that include reinforced sections, make room for real-life handling (like ergonomic grips), or are built with weak spots in mind tend to hold up far better under stress.

It’s the little design choices sometimes invisible that keep things from breaking down too soon. Poor design? That usually means annoying issues and, often, early retirement for the product.

#3. Manufacturing Processes

Even the best materials and smartest designs can fall flat if the manufacturing process cuts corners. Precision matters here.

Good factories stick to strict standards, check their work, and catch flaws before products hit the shelves. But if quality control is just an afterthought or shortcuts are common, defects and weak points start to creep in—and durability takes the hit.

#4. Conditions of Use

The environment and day-to-day conditions products face are huge factors. Leaving something in extreme heat, exposing it to moisture or chemicals, or just using it more roughly than intended will all chip away at its lifespan.

It’s not just about what a product can do, but where and how it’s actually used. That’s why following care instructions and not ignoring those “keep dry” or “don’t overheat” warnings can genuinely make a difference.

#5. Maintenance and Care

No matter how rugged something is, it needs a bit of TLC. Regular cleaning, the occasional check-up, or just using the right maintenance routine can nip small problems in the bud before they become product-ending disasters. Skipping this step, or worse, using the wrong cleaning stuff, just speeds up wear and tear.

#6. Intended Use

Finally, never underestimate the importance of intended use. Some products are built for heavy-duty action power tools, industrial machines, outdoor gear while others are meant for lighter, occasional use.

Using something beyond its design expectations is a quick way to see it break down, no matter how well made it is. So, matching your purchase to your real needs is a basic, but often overlooked, step.

Types of durability

When discussing durability in the context of product design, it’s important to recognize that this concept can refer to a range of physical properties. Each property addresses how a material or product can withstand various forms of stress or environmental exposure over time. Some of the key aspects include:

• Ageing (of polymers): This refers to how polymers hold up as they get older, particularly when exposed to sunlight, oxygen, or other factors that can cause them to degrade.
• Dust resistance: This measures a product’s ability to keep dust from getting inside or affecting its function.
• Resistance to fatigue: Here, we’re looking at how well a material can endure repeated loading and unloading cycles without failing.
• Fire resistance: Some materials are specifically engineered to withstand high temperatures or flames without breaking down or catching fire easily.
• Radiation hardening: For products exposed to radiation (like in aerospace or medical settings), this property ensures they continue to function properly.
• Thermal resistance: This is all about a material’s ability to maintain its integrity and performance when exposed to heat.
• Rot-proofing: Certain products, especially those made from organic materials, are treated or designed to resist decay caused by fungi or bacteria.
• Rustproofing: For metals, rustproofing involves steps taken to prevent corrosion when exposed to moisture or harsh conditions.
• Toughness: This property reflects how well a material can absorb energy and resist breaking or cracking under impact.
• Waterproofing: Finally, waterproofing ensures that water cannot penetrate or damage the product, making it suitable for use in wet or humid environments.

Each of these durability factors plays a crucial role in extending the usable life and reliability of products in real-world conditions.

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