Electric irons

	Guangdong Xinbao’s EC1828B model is a 2,200W steam iron with a 700mL detachable transparent water tank.

Many new models are capable of cordless operation. These feature lightweight and compact housings, and adjustable steam output.

China’s electric iron suppliers are developing products with enhanced convenience features and capability.

For the former, components that enable cordless operation are being installed. New units may also incorporate detachable water tanks that facilitate the addition of liquid. Such parts are usually scale and leak resistant.

Further, makers are increasing output of lightweight and compact models that require less effort during use. Such products now account for 30 to 50 percent of output in the line and are suitable even for travel.

LCD-equipped electric irons can show more settings. In many versions, the temperature range has been broadened, and timers are often integrated to enable auto shut-off.

In addition, Xiamen Youo Electric Appliances Co. Ltd has patented a unit with a peaked tip. This facilitates the ironing of sleeve and pants openings, and pockets and plackets. The power cord allows coiling for storage. A rubber ring around the handle reduces slippage.

For enhanced capability, a number of high-end models feature adjustable steam output to suit different fabric types.

Xiamen Youo, for example, is releasing products with two separate heating systems. These automatically generate continuous steam instead of the burst release of older versions.

	The BI-612 model from Zhejiang Yueli is capable of continuous steam release.

Regardless of price, new electric irons from China come with an auto shut-off function, overheat protection and improved water resistance.

Soleplates, which are the major component, can be made of stainless steel or ceramic, or have a nonstick coating. The last type is the easiest to keep clean but can be easily scratched by zippers or buttons. Ceramic, on the other hand, is comparatively chip resistant.

Handles and water tanks usually utilize PC. ABS and PP, however, are employed for the portion of the housing directly above the soleplate because of their heat-resistant property.

The majority of releases have a liquid capacity of 0.3 to 1L.

Typical China-made electric irons range in power from 300 to 1,000W. These come in regular, adjustable- temperature, and steam and spray types.

Most models can be set at 60 to 250 C according to the requirements of different fabrics.

Both steam and spray irons are available, but the first type dominates exports and may be equipped with sprayers as well.

Most low-end models are dry or steam units with stainless steel or nonstick soleplates. These use a burst of steam to clear the holes in the underside.

The power rating is between 700 and 1,500W. Locally sourced PP and PC are the usual housing materials. Prices are $4 to $6.

Most midrange products are made of stainless steel or cast aluminum, and incorporate Teflon-coated soleplates. Steam versions usually have housings in imported PP or PC, and detachable water tanks in a 700mL capacity. Some models boast LCDs, and self-cleaning and auto shut-off functions. Quotes are $7 to $11.

The majority of high-end units are steam types with a pressurized boiler. PP or ABS procured overseas is used for handles and shells.

Such products typically come with separate thermostats for temperature and steam settings. A 900mL to 1L water tank, backlit LCD and systems for overheat protection are standard. Self-cleaning, auto shut-off and anti-drip functions are likewise included. Prices top $12.

The relevant safety standards for China-made electric irons include CE, GS and RoHS. Most export-oriented suppliers can meet these directives, with established manufacturers such as Zhejiang Yueli Electrical Co. Ltd also offering UL, EMC and ETL certificates.

China is home to about 2,000 makers of electric irons. Small and midsize companies dominate, shipping mostly low-end and midrange models.

Private enterprises represent an estimated 90 percent of the manufacturing base. The rest are joint ventures and foreign-invested companies.

The majority of suppliers concentrate on electric irons, and allot a portion of their capacity to other appliance types such as shavers, hair dryers and vacuum cleaners.

Small makers usually have three to five specialists who coordinate with overseas customers to develop new products. QC is done according to clients’ requirements.

Midsize companies employ about 10 R&D technicians.

While some create models in-house, OEM orders still dominate. A portion of output goes under proprietary brands.

There are typically between 30 and 50 designers at large enterprises, some with five to 10 years of experience. The factories have separate workshops for processes such as plastic injection, spraying and painting, die-casting, molding and component assembly.

To ensure quality, makers may purchase stainless steel in Japan and Taiwan, and other materials in North America. QC teams perform random inspections during different stages of production and examine all finished units before shipment. They can also test individual parts and components, performance and packaging.

Some established companies boast Intertek-approved laboratories certified for TMP or Testing at Manufacturer’s Premises.

The majority of small suppliers are assembly-oriented, with some making housings in their own factories but procuring components from local specialists.

Midsize and large enterprises usually perform molding, plastic injection, spraying, silk-screening, die-casting, assembly and packaging in-house.

Zhejiang province is the major sourcing center for electric irons, accounting for about 70 percent of China’s total shipments. Cixi is the primary production base, with an estimated one-third of the country’s outbound shipments in the line from this city.

Guangdong province is the other significant hub.

Companies in both areas offer products at all price ranges.

According to customs statistics, China exported 93 million electric irons from January to November 2008, an increase of only 0.73 percent year on year.

From January to March 2009, overseas shipments shrank by at least 20 percent YoY, prompting makers to lower their prices by 5 to 10 percent to stimulate demand.

Currently the industry is seeing signs of recovery. At many suppliers, export volume grew by 10 to 20 percent in the past three months. Nevertheless, most companies do not plan to increase capital expenditure.

The US and the EU are expected to remain the major overseas markets.