As smart locks become increasingly popular, the number of manufacturers producing them has grown, intensifying competition in the market. To gain a foothold in this rapidly expanding sector, many manufacturers are focusing on developing innovative features for their smart locks. As a result, the market is filled with a wide variety of fingerprint lock functions, leaving consumers overwhelmed and unsure about what to choose.
Some manufacturers integrate numerous features into their products, such as:
- Doorbells
- Voice prompts
- Internet connectivity
- Telephone alarms
At first glance, these features seem attractive and cost-effective, which might tempt consumers. However, many of these flashy features are impractical and can even cause unnecessary problems. For example, the internet connectivity feature raises concerns:
- The stability of fingerprint-based unlocking during data transmission is still uncertain.
- Installing internet-connected smart locks can disrupt existing home designs.
- More importantly, connecting a smart lock to the internet increases the risk of hacking and virus attacks, which may leave users without a solution.
Similarly, features like telephone alarms require additional setup and often come with drawbacks such as indoor radiation exposure and false alarms.
Prioritizing Convenience and Security
For the average consumer, the primary purpose of a smart lock is simple: convenience and security—unlocking and locking the door while safeguarding the home. Based on these requirements, the craftsmanship and durability of a smart lock should take precedence over its added functions.
As a long-term household product, a fingerprint lock must prioritize durability. No one wants to install a smart lock today and replace it with another tomorrow—it’s both time-consuming and inconvenient.
Durability as a Key Factor for Home Security
Durability is also crucial to ensuring home security. To achieve this, the materials used in manufacturing a smart lock are of utmost importance. Currently, the quality of materials in smart locks varies widely on the market, and their durability differs accordingly.
Among the many materials, zinc alloy and stainless steel stand out as particularly durable:
- Zinc Alloy:
- Easy to cast and process.
- Allows for various surface treatments such as electroplating, spraying, painting, polishing, and grinding.
- Offers excellent mechanical performance and wear resistance at room temperature.
- Stainless Steel:
- Renowned for its strength, corrosion resistance, and stable color.
- Considered the best material for lock manufacturing.
Some manufacturers produce lock bolts from finely processed stainless steel, capable of withstanding forces exceeding 6000N. Such strength prevents deformation caused by strong winds or improper use, significantly enhancing the lifespan and safety performance of fingerprint locks.
