| No. | Comparison Dimension | SMC Manhole Cover
(Proposed for Hynds) | Cast Iron Manhole Cover
(Current Main Product) | Summary |
| 1 | Strength & Load-Bearing Capacity | - Meets the needs of most municipal, commercial and medium-to-high
load scenarios;
- More in-depth testing is required in extreme overload (such as
airport runways and facilities). | - High reliability in high-pressure and heavy-load environments;
- Brittle cracks may occur if the casting process or material grade
is not good. | In conventional load scenarios, SMC performance is sufficient; in
heavy-load extreme occasions, cast iron still has advantages or
upgraded SMC can be considered. |
| 2 | Weight & Installation | - Lightweight, easy to install, saving labor and transportation
costs;
- Market awareness is still low, and corresponding training or
usage guidance is required. | - Heavy weight, good stability, not easy to shift;
- More manpower or machinery is required, and the installation cost
is relatively high. | SMC is more suitable for projects with insufficient manpower, tight
construction schedule or limited installation conditions; cast iron
can still be completed quickly when construction resources are
sufficient. |
| 3 | Anti-Theft & Safety | - No metal recycling value, the risk of theft is almost zero;
- Special anti-theft design can be added to further improve safety. | - Has metal recycling value, theft incidents are frequent;
- Anti-theft locks or alarm devices need to be installed
separately, adding extra costs. | SMC is more effective in areas with high incidence of theft and
projects with high public safety requirements. |
| 4 | Corrosion Resistance | - Resistant to acid, alkali, salt spray and general chemical
corrosion, the surface does not rust, and less maintenance in the
later stage; | - Long service life in ordinary municipal environments;
- Coastal and chemical zones are prone to rust and require
continuous anti-corrosion and maintenance. | In chemical, coastal, and high-salt-alkali areas, SMC saves more
maintenance costs; cast iron needs to strengthen anti-corrosion
treatment. |
| 5 | Temperature adaptability range | - The structure is stable and not easy to deform in the range of
**-40ºC to 150ºC**;
- Very few high-temperature scenarios exceeding 150ºC require
special evaluation. | - It is less sensitive to high temperatures, but may become brittle
in extremely cold environments;
- Long-term use in extremely low temperatures or hot and cold cycle
environments requires regular inspections. | SMC can meet most climatic conditions without worrying about
high-temperature deformation; customized solutions can also be
considered for extremely cold and hot scenes. |
| 6 | Cost and Return on Investment (ROI) | - The initial purchase price is slightly higher than ordinary cast
iron, but the subsequent theft, corrosion, maintenance and
replacement costs are lower;
- The cost advantage of the whole life cycle is obvious. | - The supply chain is mature, and the unit price is usually lower
than SMC;
- If the risk of anti-theft, maintenance or corrosion is considered
in the long term, the total cost may rise. | To focus on long-term ROI or safe and stable operation, SMC has
more outstanding overall advantages; cast iron can be selected
first for extremely tight budgets or short-term projects. |
| 7 | Environmental protection and carbon emissions | - The production energy consumption and carbon emissions are lower,
in line with the trend of green environmental protection;
- The waste recycling system is still developing. | - The metal recycling system is mature;
- The smelting process has high energy consumption and high carbon
emission pressure, and it is necessary to cope with increasingly
stringent environmental protection policies. | In the current ESG and low-carbon policy environment, SMC can
better demonstrate its environmental advantages; cast iron can rely
on recycling, but high emissions are difficult to change. |
| 8 | Design and aesthetics | - Flexible customization of colors, patterns, and brand logos;
- Suitable for urban landscapes and high-end commercial projects,
meeting the unity of aesthetics and functionality. | - Traditional appearance is stable and highly recognizable;
- If delicate carvings or special spraying are required, the cost
and construction period will increase. | In occasions that focus on visual or brand image, SMC customization
is more attractive; ordinary public roads or industrial
environments have a simpler and more direct demand for the
traditional appearance of cast iron. |
