When choosing an iron, you must consider the type of sole. Since it affects the comfort during ironing, the final result and the durability of the equipment itself. Only a device with a good sole can turn the ironing process into a real pleasure.
Soleplate
The main goal of all scientific research on creating the sole for the iron is to reduce friction during ironing and to protect the sole itself from damage that can occur, for example, due to buttons or buttons.
In general, the soleplate should evenly distribute heat. As a material, manufacturers usually use stainless steel, aluminum or cermets.
Types of iron soles
Aluminum sole for the iron is used for a very long time. Its main advantages are light weight and high thermal conductivity. These properties make the iron very light and maneuverable. The heating of such material occurs instantly and just as quickly it cools. In addition, the price of such a device with an aluminum-coated sole is quite small. The disadvantages of this material is that it is easily amenable to deformation, and its sole is quickly covered with scratches due to zippers or other trim details on things encountered during ironing. This can also include the fact that after ironing with an aluminum sole, shiny marks remain on clothes, which is why housewives have to use gauze or other materials additionally. Despite all the disadvantages, aluminum continues to be used in the production of irons, however, in the struggle to improve its properties, the material is repeatedly processed and additional coatings are used.
Stainless sole of irons today is considered one of the most common, because this material is most acceptable, both in terms of its performance characteristics and price category. Stainless steel, which is used for the manufacture of soles, makes them durable and resistant to damage. Many manufacturers have begun to improve the properties of materials through alloys and spraying. For example, one firm began producing sapphire soles. This was achieved by specialists using sapphire powder, which was applied to stainless steel. As a result, they achieved a good glide, a durable coating, which is not afraid of any buttons, zippers and even rivets.
Ceramics as a material for the sole of the iron is already used by several companies. They believe that this material glides easily, does not wrinkle clothes when moving the iron back and is very easy to clean. True, it is necessary to handle this material carefully, since any chip or small scratch will add problems when ironing things.
